English Bulldog Travel Tips

Planning Ahead

With a little bit of preparation, traveling with your dog can be an enjoyable experience for the entire family. Whether you're traveling by car or by air, staying in a hotel, campground or with friends, planning ahead is crucial for making this a successful trip.

Following are some tips to help you get ready for your journey with your four-legged friend:

• Make sure your dog is wearing current identification tags with your name, address and phone number. It's probably a good idea to also get temporary tags with the name and phone number of where you are staying on your trip.

   

• Take your dog to the vet beforehand to obtain a health certificate (this is required by airlines and most national parks). Also make sure you have proof that your dog is up to date on rabies shots.

   

• Confirm in advance that the hotel/motel where you are staying allows dogs. Some may charge an extra fee for cleaning.

   

• If you are traveling by car, get your dog used to car trips by taking short, local trips. Driving to a park and throwing a ball around for a while makes for a good practice run. Remember, if your dog only associates the car with going to the vet, then your journey will not be a positive experience.

   

• If you plan to use a crate or carrier in the car, get your dog used to being in the carrier before your trip.

   

Car Travel

When taking your dog on a car trip it is important to keep him properly restrained, for the safety of everyone involved. This can be done by using a dog grille to keep the dog in one area of the car, by using a harness (which is similar to a seat belt), or using a crate. It is also a good idea to use window guards which allow you to keep the windows open for ventilation, but prevent your dog from jumping out.

Plan to make frequent stops for water, stretching and letting your dog relieve itself. Never leave a dog unattended in the car, especially in hot weather. Try not to give your dog too much to eat because this could upset his stomach. If your dog is prone to car sickness you may be able to give him motion sickness pills, but never give your dog any medications without your vet's permission.

Air Travel

Taking your dog on an airplane is possible, and even has some advantages, as long as certain precautions are taken. All airlines are regulated by the IATA (International Air Transport Association) and the USDA and must follow certain safety rules. You should always check with your airline and get a list of their regulations and requirements for flying with pets. Most require a current health certificate, and some have requirements concerning the age and breed of the dog.

You should make sure your carrier meets the IATA requirements concerning size, ventilation, closures, etc. These guidelines can be obtained from your airline or travel agent. Some airlines will allow you to keep small dogs in the passenger cabin if the carrier will fit under the seat. It is very important that your carrier is properly labeled with your name, address, phone number and dog's name.

When making your reservations try to book a direct, non-stop flight. You should also avoid traveling during extreme heat or cold; at night or early in the morning are usually the best times. Make your reservations early because there are usually limits on the number of dogs allowed on each flight. Once you are settled on the plane, ask a flight attendant to inform the pilot that there is a dog on board.

Pet Carriers

Whatever method of travel you plan to use, car or airplane, it is a good idea to use some type of carrier or crate for your dog. This is required for airline travel and is an important safety precaution when traveling by car. Anyone who has tried to drive while a dog is climbing in their lap and licking their face knows this! A crate can also help to soothe a dog who doesn't like being in the car by making them feel more protected in the confined space. Placing a familiar object, such as a blanket or toy, in the crate will remind your dog of home.

When purchasing a crate or carrier make sure it is the right size for your dog. It should be big enough so he is able to move around comfortably, but not so big that he'll be thrown around. When you are packing your car make sure there is plenty of space around the crate to allow for ventilation. If you are traveling by plane, the carrier should meet the requirements of the airline and the IATA.

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