Dog transportation requires a lot of preparation, but it doesn’t mean that you can’t do it safely. By following the best practices, you can keep the dog docile while reducing safety risks and stress.
Sometimes, moving your canine friend can be tricky, especially when you have to balance their needs and other things on your to-do list. If you want to transport your dog for a long distance, you’ve come to the right place. Whether you’re moving across the country or you want to bring your dog on your next vacation, there are a few tips to follow.
Transporting a large dog in a plane
Flying a dog requires a lot of preparation. To ensure you have the best dog transportation experience, you should purchase a crate and visit a vet. And before your scheduled departure, you should contact the airline. Generally, dog transportation can be done in three ways:
- They can fly as cargo – most airlines require large dogs to fly in this manner
- Can fly as checked baggage – this is where you check your dog’s crate just like any other luggage
- Carry-on luggage that rides with you in the cabin.
Since the weight limit for cabin travel is 20 pounds, you may have to keep a large dog in the cargo section. However, if the dog is less than 75-pounds, it should be checked as baggage. The main benefit of this approach is that the dog can be tracked independently of your ticket. But there’s a caveat to this. Most airlines require that you bring a dog that is completely weaned. Keep in mind that different airlines have different restrictions, so you should check first.
The time of travel also matters. If you want to have the best dog transportation, you should ensure the temperatures are below 85F or above 45F. Otherwise, you may have to reschedule your travel until the temperatures become favorable.
How much does it cost to fly with a large dog?
On average, most dogs charge $125 for dog transportation. However, this will depend on several factors:
- Your destination
- The airline you choose
- Whether you check the dog as cargo or you take him to the cabin
- Size of the pet
Flying large dogs internationally
Let’s face it: dog transportation on local airlines differs from international transport. This is because you have to jump through additional hoops. In most overseas destinations, you have to obtain a stamp from the Department of agriculture that allows the dog to enter the country. And depending on your destination, you have to pay for certifications and fees.
But before you plan for your trip, you should always check for certifications. If your canine friend doesn’t meet all the requirements, you may be forced to quarantine the pet.
What type of crate do you need to transport large dogs?
For large dog transportation, you need a large crate that is approved by the airline. Most airline-friendly crates are made of solid wood, welded metal mesh, fiberglass, or plastic. The dimensions also matter. You should consider the length of the dog, width, and height. Another important tip in large dog transportation is labeling the crate.
Should you give your dog anything to keep calm?
While flying with your canine friend can be fun, some dogs can get anxious. A general rule of thumb is that you should never give your pet anything. Instead, you should train the dog to get used to the crate. Perhaps you can give him some treats if he enters the crate voluntarily. When the dog becomes used to the carrier, then you’ll have no reason to worry during dog transportation.
Transporting dogs that need emotional support
Most large dogs are required to go to the cargo section, but there are a few exceptions. Well, dogs that need emotional support are required to stay in the cabin with the owner.
General tips when flying with a large dog
While large dog transportation requires that you purchase a high-quality crate, you must follow the rules and regulations when flying with your pet. However, there are a few tips to follow to ensure the trip is as smooth as possible:
- Notify the captain if the pet will be in the cargo hold
- Give your dog time to pee and poop before departure
- Make sure the dog enjoys moderate exercise before you take off
- Feed the dog a few hours before departure
- Toss a chew toy in the dog’s crate
- Fly at off-peak times
If the pet must fly in the cargo hold, you should:
- Travel on the same flight with the same pet
- Use direct flights
- Fit your pet with a collar
- Familiarize your pet with the travel carrier a month before the travel
- Avoid flying with your pet during busy travel times
- Once you arrive at your destination, you should examine the pet
Dog transportation in an automobile
If you’re a true pet lover, it can be fun if you take him with you as you hit the road. For inexperienced dog owners, this can turn out to be a disaster. The truth is, some dogs may not adjust to the new environment, especially if you hit long journeys.
On the brighter side, large dog transportation doesn’t have to be complicated. There are a few things you should consider:
- A dog crate for SUV
- Booster seats
- Dog seat belt
- Dog car hammock
- Harness
- Dog seat cover
- Dog car barrier
How to keep a large dog safe in the car
The first thing you should do is to figure out where the dog is going to sit. If you’re packing other essentials, you want to be sure you leave enough room for your canine friend. Keep in mind that this rule applies to all types of dog transportation.
Whether the pet is traveling in a crate or it’s going to be uncrated, you should ensure there are no objects that can pose a health risk.
For long-distance dog transportation, you may want to put their favorite blanket to make them cozy. If you want to travel with your dog without pinning on the rearview mirror, there are a few things you can do to keep them safe.
Use a dog harness seatbelt
A harness is designed to secure a dog in one place. To fit the harness, you should:
- Connect the seat belt with the dog’s loop
- Connect the silver clasp to the dog’s harness
- Adjust the seatbelt to ensure it’s comfortable
Use a zipline harness
If your dog is struggling to settle, a zip line can restrain the dog from moving around. You should hook the zipline on the rear passenger seat and tug the belt to ensure it’s in a safe location.
Use a dog crate
While using a small crate can be a simple way to keep your four-legged canine safe, you should not make your pet uncomfortable. If you’re using an SUV for dog transportation, you should buy a crate that ensures the dog is relaxed and safe. The crate you choose should be large enough such that the dog can stand and turn around comfortably.
Get a plush carry box
If you have an anxious dog, you may want to consider a plush carry box for dog transportation. However, it must be used together with the dog harness. To start with, you should place the plush box on the back seat of the car. After that, you should attach the box to the harness.
Use a dog guard
A dog guard is designed to protect your dog from moving forward in case of an accident. You should ensure the guard bolts to the floor such that it can’t be knocked out of the position. Here are a few steps to follow:
- Find a guard that fits in your car
- Lock the guard on the inside part of the roof
- Bolt the guard on the rear seats
Use a backseat hammock
A hammock is designed to cover the length of the back car seat. This is the perfect way to transport big dogs that like to lie down. Furthermore, it prevents the dog from slipping into the legroom if you hit the brakes suddenly. If you want to give your dog much-needed comfort, you should ensure the hammock rests on the headrest of the car seat.
Use a dog carrier
This is another common form of dog transportation that separates the car’s seat and the boot. Due to its unique design, it prevents the dog from coming into the back seat. Even better, it allows for some playfulness.
Tips when traveling with your dog
There are many tricks to dog transportation. To ensure your pet gets the best, you should do a few things:
- Use some air conditioning, but don’t blow it to the pets face
- Take regular stops
- Make sure the dog is familiar with the surroundings
- If the pet suffers from motion sickness, you should consult the vet
- Pack a lot of water to keep the pet cool
Dog transportation in a train
Traveling with your canine friend on the train is, without a doubt, the most civilized way to carry your pet. The check-in takes shorter, and you can have the dog on your lap throughout the journey. Of course, it’s well ventilated and has well-designed compartments.
First, you should make sure the pet complies with the rules and regulations set by the travel scheme. Also, any dog without leads should be carried in an enclosed basket or a pet carrier.
But what makes train dog transportation unique is that a dog should never occupy the seat, otherwise a charge may be made.
Things to consider pre-travel
You should check how the pet behaves when she’s on the carrier for a long period. So, train travel may not be the best option if your dog keeps barking.
Next, you should consider taking some relief breaks. Before you take the ride, be sure to check the train stops so that you can take a moment to relieve the tension in your pet.
You should also get the right health documentation. Most states require that you get a certificate of pet inspection to confirm the pet doesn’t have infectious diseases.
Dog transportation by Truck
Let’s face it: dogs are only welcome on a few shipping truck. These are big trucks the kind you see that are constantly getting a dielectric testing done. Before you take your pet on a shipping truck, you should know the rules and regulations. Some truck lines allow you to confine the pet in kernels while others permit dogs in the private cabin (if they’re a dog lover). If you have a large dog, you should contact the truck line to find out the policies set in place. If you have to use the truck’s kernel, be sure to check on your pet frequently.
How to keep your dog docile – making dog transportation more convenient
Traveling can be distressing for your pet, so you should train them as early as possible. The best approach is to make them get used to traveling at an early age. You should start with short distances and then introduce them to a longer distance. Other than that, you should ensure they are comfortable and should see through the window as you drive.
So, how do you plan for stress?
If your pet is prone to stress, you should talk to the vet to prescribe some anti-anxiety medication. This will also help to keep the dog as calm as possible. Other ways you can use to limit stress include:
- Remain calm- most dogs will be in tune with the human body. So, if you’re stressed, they can easily pick your body language.
- Use dog treats
- Use familiar objects like toys and blankets
But just like humans, pets can be prone to motion sickness. If you want to give them a positive experience, you should ensure they face forward. Don’t forget to entice them to make their experience better.
Give your dog a break. Much like traveling with a child, you should stop every 2-3 hours. Even if you want to keep driving to arrive at your destination faster, take a few breaks to keep your furry friend happy.
Turn off the power windows. While this is another area we easily forget, most jurisdictions won’t allow you to travel with your dog when the head is out of the window. It’s easy for a dog to press the buttons with their paws and open the windows. If the dog is overexcited, she may want to stick out the head to enjoy the breeze. We’ve also heard cases where dogs jump out of the window.
Wrapping it up
If you want to travel with your pet, you should choose the safest and most comfortable method for your canine friend. Whichever transportation method you choose, always ensure that it suits you and your beloved pet. Don’t forget to keep the dog docile throughout the trip.