November 20, 2022
How to Travel with Your Dog on a Budget and Save Money
How to Travel with Your Dog on a Budget and Save Money.
Travelling with a dog can be considered a luxury. Dogs require extra care and attention when travelling, and they typically don’t do well in unfamiliar or stressful environments.
This means that owners must be prepared to take on additional responsibility and expense when taking their dogs on trips.
However, for many people, the companionship and love of their furry friend is worth the extra effort. Travelling with a dog can be a wonderful way to bond and create lasting memories. Here’s a guide on how to travel with your dog on a budget and save money.
Basic Tips on Travelling with Your Dog
Purchase an airline-approved pet carrier that is the proper size for your dog and fits comfortably under the seat in front of you. If your dog is small enough, they can also fly in the cabin with you if you get approval from the airline ahead of time. And yes, you can have a seat for your dog in the aeroplane.
Do your research on pet-friendly hotels in advance and make reservations accordingly. Some hotels charge a pet fee, while others do not allow pets at all.
When driving to your destination, take advantage of rest stops and dog parks along the way to let your pup stretch their legs and burn off some energy. This will make for a happier, more relaxed dog (and owner) during the drive and throughout the vacation.
Make sure your dog is up-to-date on all vaccinations and has a current ID tag with your contact information in case they get lost while on vacation. A microchip is also a good idea.
Pack enough of your dog’s food and treats to last the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of emergencies. This will help avoid any digestive upset that can come from switching to a new food while travelling.
If possible, travel during off-peak times to avoid crowds and the accompanying stress that can come with them. This is especially important if your dog is not used to being around large groups of people.
Have a solid plan for where your dog will stay and what they will do while you are away from the hotel or rental property. If using a pet sitter, make sure they are reputable and have good references.
Finally, remember to relax and enjoy your vacation! Travelling with your dog can be a great experience for both of you if you are prepared and take the necessary precautions.
Now, How to Save Money?
What your dog needs can’t be avoided. One of the things that pet owners usually forget is to keep the passport of their dog up to date, the same as if it were a human member of the family.
So, here are some more tips:
- Pet Insurance: Some travel companies offer pet insurance, which can be helpful if your dog needs medical attention while away from home. Things can get very expensive if your dog gets sick or injured while on vacation, so it’s worth looking into this option in advance.
- Rent a car: If you’re renting a car for your trip, be sure to ask about any pet fees that may apply. Some companies charge extra for pets, some not, so it’s best to find out ahead of time.
- Hotels: When booking a hotel room, ask about pet fees in advance so there are no surprises when you arrive.
- Rental properties: If you’re staying in a rental property, make sure to communicate with the owner about your pet in advance. This will avoid any issues that could arise from having a pet in the unit.
- Food: When packing for your trip, bring enough of your dog’s food and treats to last the entire trip, plus a little extra in case of emergencies. This will save you money and avoid any digestive upset that can come from switching to a new food while travelling.
Things that Can Go Wrong
Take care that your dog is healthy before starting the trip, go to the veterinarian and update all the vaccines required by law in each country, as well as deworming. This will ensure that your furry has no problem entering another territory and, at the same time, you will avoid any legal problem.
Another key point is acclimating your pet to travel by car if the trip is long. Get your furry used to being in the car for short periods of time until it doesn’t bother him to stay inside the car for hours.
To do this, you can use positive reinforcement, that is, give him a prize every time he gets in the car without problems and behaves well during the ride. Thus, little by little, he will associate the car with something positive and will not fear or feel anxious when it’s time to take a trip.
As for food, many times we believe that we should buy special feeds for dogs that travel, when in reality, the best thing is that they eat their usual diet, since a change in food can cause stomach problems.
The only recommendation is that you take more dry food than usual on the trip, in case there are any delays or unforeseen events that make it difficult for you to find a pet store where you can buy your dog’s food.
We mustn’t forget the water either, so it’s advisable to carry a bottle and a bowl in the car, to offer your pet water at regular intervals so he doesn’t get dehydrated, especially during warm weather or if the trip is very long. Water is expensive in the airport.
Now that you know what your dog needs to travel, the next step is to find out where you can go without leaving him at home. In general, all types of public places allow entry to pets as long as they are on a leash and have the mandatory vaccines.
If you want to be 100% sure, before making any plans, it is best to do a little research and find out if the places you are interested in visiting allow pets or not.
When travelling by car, keep in mind that you will have to make frequent stops so that your furry friend can relieve himself and stretch his legs a bit.
You should also take into account the fact that, unless you have a very large vehicle, your dog will have to spend most of the time in the car, so it is important that he is used to it and does not feel anxious or stressed.
Final Word
Just by following these simple tips, you can save a lot of money on your next vacation with your furry friend. Oh yes, and a general rule of thumb is – the smaller the dog, the easier it is to travel with. But with a little planning and preparation, even large dogs can enjoy a stress-free vacation.