Tips for Holiday Travel with Dogs

Do you plan on traveling for the holidays this year? On top of any stress when it comes to last-minute gift shopping and meal plans, you also want to make sure your pets are comfortable and taken care of. Are your pets nervous travelers? Do you have an alternate care plan in case traveling with your pet is not possible? How can you make the experience as painless as possible for all involved, including your furry friends? The following tips may be helpful this holiday season.

TRAVEL LOGISTICS

Whether you are flying, driving, or taking some other form of transportation, logistics can get messy around the holidays. This is true even without traveling with pets. Since that is the case, being prepared ahead of time can address some concerns you might have. For example, if you’re planning to fly, check the airline policies about pets. Are you able to take them out of the crate after takeoff? What are the crate size guidelines? Is your pet crate trained? If you will be driving, is your pet comfortable staying in a vehicle for long stretches of time? These questions are important to consider and can help everyone have a more enjoyable experience.

COMFORT MEASURES

Traveling can be a stressful experience for humans, let alone animals. When making your holiday travel plans, consider your dog’s temperament, health, and comfort level. Dogs with chronic health conditions, are pregnant, or get overly nervous might not be suited to flying. If that’s the case, it might be better to drive or find another form of travel. It’s best to acclimate your dog to its carrier well in advance to avoid any panic when the time comes. Make sure to pack lots of treats, food, and favorite toys to keep your pup comfortable and as relaxed as possible no matter how you plan to travel.

LODGING OPTIONS

Sometimes traveling with your pets just is not possible. Maybe you have to visit family many hours away, or someone in the home has an allergy. You also may just not want to deal with the stress and anxiety of traveling with your dog. Whatever the reason, lodging your pet during the holiday is an option. The Good Dog Spot is the most trusted place in Western Massachusetts to bring your pet when you’re out of town.  Our lodging services include socialization and daycare when appropriate as well as a comfortable, safe, and clean suite for pets to sleep and relax. While you enjoy your holidays, you can know your pet is safe with us and having a blast, too!

BOOK NOW

Thinking about lodging your pet at The Good Dog Spot over the holidays? Our locations in Northampton and Chicopee offer top-notch Lodging accommodations and activities for cats and dogs.  Make a reservation on our online portal or call (413) 534-1333.