Unleash the Adventure: Traveling with a Dog

Are you ready to embark on an unforgettable journey with your four-legged best friend? Forget the kennel or pet-sitter and consider bringing your dog with you on vacation. Traveling with pets can be very rewarding and it is much easier than it used to be with more businesses being pet friendly.

We have travelled with our dog, Frankie, on a number of trips to the mountains and a 3 week road trip in Canada, to Jasper, Whistler, Pender Island and Vancouver Island.

Here are some tips for travelling with your dog.

Dog on a trail
Hiking in Banff

Where to Travel with Your Dog

The biggest consideration for a dog-friendly trip is where to go. Vacations with primarily outdoor activities are best suited to bringing a pet, such as:

  • RV or camping
  • Beach vacation
  • Relaxing at the lake
  • Adventure in the mountains
  • National parks
  • Visiting family or friends (who like dogs)

Avoid bringing a pet on trips where the primary activities are sites, like museums and theme parks, and restaurants. Your dog will be spending a lot of time alone, in a strange place.

If you are planning on crossing a border, make sure you look up the entry requirements for pets, including vaccinations and quarantine rules. For any fellow Canadians travelling to the United States, check the CDC for the new rules.  

Dog under a sheet.

Finding Dog Friendly Accommodations

We had a wonderful stay with Frankie at the Poet’s Cove Resort on Pender Island.

Dog on a balcony looking out at a marina.

When planning a trip with a pet, use a filter to identify pet friendly places to stay. For example, here is the filter if you are searching for accommodations on Booking.com

Screenshot of hotel filter options.

If you want more space for you and your four-legged friend, you can search for a house on VRBO

VRBO Pet filter

We try to get a place with a kitchen to give us the option to eat there if the weather is bad, and a patio is not an option.

There is often a small pet fee that is charged either per night or per stay. Check the pet policies on the site and indicate you are bringing a pet when booking.

Most campgrounds and RV parks are pet friendly, but make sure you check the rules when booking to ensure they allow pets.

Preparing to Travel with Your Dog

The best thing to do is to see your vet before the trip and let them know where you’re travelling to. Make sure your dog’s vaccinations are up to date.  We also get protection for fleas and ticks before taking our dog out into the mountains or camping.

Travelling by Car

Travelling by vehicle is the easiest way to bring your dog. For long road trips, we often rent a car. Many car rental companies, such as Avis, Hertz and Enterprise are pet friendly.  Make sure your dog is comfortable travelling in a vehicle before embarking on a long drive. See a veterinarian if they are nervous or sick, to see if there is medication that can help.

Ask your vet about the safest way for your dog to travel in a car. They can travel in a carrier that is properly strapped in. We use the Kurgo crash tested dog harness. It is simple to clip them in the car and you can use it for walks.  

Flying with a Dog

Taking a dog on a flight is more complicated than driving. You must check the rules for the airline because they are all different. Smaller dogs can travel in the cabin, under the seat, but they must be in an approved carrier and there is a fee.

If you can afford it and they fly where you want to go, new airline Bark Air allows your dog to travel with you in the cabin!

Man on a trail with a backpack carrying a small dog.
Hiking at Lake Louise.

What To Do with Your Dog on Vacation

Once you have accommodations figured out, do some research on dog friendly activities and restaurants.

The best place to do this is Bring Fido. They have an app and a website for Canada and the United States. They list pet friendly hotels, restaurants, activities, events and services.

Coffeeshops and restaurants with patios are often pet friendly, but not always. A google search of dog friendly restaurants should give you a list of where you can eat. For example this article on Dog Friendly Restaurants in Banff.

We went to the Bear Street Tavern and they even have menu items for dogs, which were a big hit! Every table on the patio had a dog and everyone ordered something for them. It was a really cool experience.

When we travel with our dog, we do a lot of walks and some short hikes. We also really enjoy bringing her stand up paddle boarding!

If you are planning on taking your dog on the water, consider getting them a lifejacket. We use one like this.

Dog on a paddleboard

What to Bring for Your Dog

Travelling with a dog means one more to pack for. Make sure you bring:

  • Collar with tags
  • Harness
  • Leash
  • Bowls
  • Regular food
  • Treats
  • Blanket or dog bed
  • Favourite toy
  • Bags to clean up after your dog

If you will be going for long walks or hikes, consider a collapsible water bowl.

For smaller dogs, you can also use a dog carrier backpack. We have this one (as seen in the hiking picture above) and it works great!

Conclusion

Dogs are a part of your family. Making them part of your annual vacation is doable with a little bit of planning. The pictures and memories are worth it!

Have you travelled with your dog? Do you have any additional tips or advice?

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