We traveled a lot in the USA and Europe and camped regularly during these trips with Spike all through his life. We were young, Amazon did not exist, Spike was well trained and responsive to voice commands (unless there was a squirrel or horse in the vicinity), and the thought of packing a playpen for Spike never occurred to us. Thinking back it would have been easier now and then to have had one for him. Certainly these days life is busier, kids draw your attention, more and more people are traveling with their animals ….. it makes sense to have a secure little area for your dog to hang out in unfamiliar territory without having to be on a leash or in the car when your attention cannot be solely on him.
Pet Playpens
When we adopted an old, blind, and deaf Maltese from a senior shelter a little while ago, we realized we needed a secure and enclosed place for him to hang out and sleep at night and when we were not at home. The middle of our kitchen floor now houses a foldable pet playpen that does the trick perfectly!
After a lot of research we settled on the following foldable pet playpen:
Midwest Foldable Pet Playpen
There are various color options: black, blue, pink, and gold zinc and height options: 24”, 30”, 36”, 42” and 48”. The set consists of eight 2-foot-wide panels that can be arranged in a number of configurations. Each pen creates a 16-square-foot enclosed area when assembled and folds flat for convenient storage. Set up takes just seconds. You can get a set that includes a door or doesn’t. We bought the black, 24” high set without a door and can reach over and pick up our little poodle easily.
It can be put up outside too with ground anchors, and corner stabilizers and comes with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty.
The above foldable pet playpens are good for smaller or older dogs. A young, energetic bigger dog who is not used to being ‘contained’ could possibly get a paw stuck or potentially even break a ground anchor if it really puts some force behind it. A more heavy-duty, although more expensive and heavier option that has been very favorably reviewed is the VIVOHOME Heavy Duty Foldable Metal Indoor/Outdoor Exercise Pet Fence Barrier Playpen.
VIVOHOME Foldable Pet Playpen
This heavy-duty metal pet fence has round edges and smooth steel wires for added safety. Packages come with either 5 to 8 piece sets which include steel panels, fixed stakes, and a latched door. You can buy additional panels to make a bigger enclosure and they can be fitted in different shapes. People have stated that they use these a lot camping – they put them outside the camper so the dogs can go in and out the camper but remain contained outside.
There are many benefits of traveling with your dog or taking them with you on little excursions. But all the advantages of having them around dim if you worry about keeping them safe and contained when they are away from home. A foldable pet playpen might help mitigate these worries.
We have never thought much about pee pads for dogs in all the years we have been dog owners and have traveled extensively with our dogs. Somehow, with a bit of luck and training on both our parts and a very well-used dog door at home – our dogs have never used pee pads. So pee pads for dogs have never been on our horizon, until recently when we adopted a very old blind and deaf Maltese from a senior rescue. He had been there for a while – his former elderly owner having had to go to an assisted care facility and her family having no desire to take the dog.
An old, blind, and deaf dog is a challenge. Certainly, it was never going to use the pet door! Fortunately, a few months in, we are in a pretty good place and routine with the dog and he is happy. For his own safety and security, at night when we are asleep and during the day when we are not at home, he has his own enclosure in the middle of the kitchen. The floor of the enclosure (our kitchen floor) has pee pads on it – and honestly, these days, they are seldom even used.
But in the early days, we went through a lot of them and like some more than others. Pee pads and pet pee cleaner – we’ve done a lot of learning in a short time!
What we want in a pee pad for daily use
Note, we were not looking for training pads but rather a protective pee pad in the event that, an otherwise house trained dog, had an accident – so an “attractant” (usually a fresh grass scent that is very subtle) was not high on our list of requirements. An attractant is sometimes helpful with housebreaking a dog – the scent makes them want to “go” – so they will use the pad as opposed to the carpet/floor and slowly get used to going outside on the grass. However, there are very few pee pads that don’t have a small amount of attractant.
We are also not a fan of artificial scents so did not look for anything scented. By mistake, we once bought some Hartz Home Protection Lavender Scented pads – they were super large and offered really great protection but the scent was very off-putting.
A good pee pad provides the following:
They don’t leak.
Odor elimination.
Great absorption.
Our Favorite Pee Pads
Our favorite pee pads are actually two of the more inexpensive on the market with the best reviews. They are also eco-friendly.
PL 360
These pads have a 5 layer protection that immediately absorbs and locks liquids in place. They have a neutral color, non-slip backing and are made of dye-free and bleach-free materials as well as sustainably harvested forested pulp. They also come in an easy dispensing box. Even though these apparently have a small amount of attractant in them, our old dog only goes on them as a last resort and they definitely haven’t taken the place of peeing outside.
These pee pads have great reviews and are another inexpensive option. They have a 5 layer, leak-proof design with a sponge-like core that turns liquid into gel. They come in various sizes and people rave about their absorbency.
Urine, stain, and odor removal products are a must for every pet-owning household. Whether you are traveling with your dog or the product just lives in the cupboard under the kitchen sink – it is a very good idea to keep these products on hand.
Nature’s Miracle
We have been very loyal customers and users of Nature’s Miracle products. We absolutely love them and they have worked very well for us. Nature’s Miracle Products can be used on carpets, hard floors, furniture fabrics, and more. The bacteria-based formulas produce enzymes when they come into contact with a food source — pet urine, feces, vomit, and other bio-based messes. The enzymatic cleaner will continue working as long as the food source is present. This product also freshens with a light, citrus scent!
Our small, local pet store recently stopped supplying Nature’s Miracle for some reason which forced us to try another brand (quick, emergency purchase)! That brand happened to be Skout’s Honor and honestly, we have been purchasing these products exclusively since then. They work tremendously well and are manufactured under the California Green Chemistry Initiative. They utilize a plant-derived surfactant that breaks down and lifts away stains as well as a molecular deodorizer that breaks down and eliminates odors. These products are socially-conscious and cruelty-free. They are not enzyme-based so they never expire. Reviewers rave about this product for dogs and cats and we certainly are right there with them!
Even if you don’t use them on a regular basis, it is a good idea to have a stock of pee pads on hand both at home and when you are traveling. They give tremendous peace of mind, particularly when you have a puppy, or older or anxious dog. They can be used to make dogs more comfortable traveling, line a crate or offer an alternative if there just isn’t one in the moment. As for Nature’s Miracle and Skout’s Honor – we recommend packing either of these in a travel bag or under the kitchen sink for accidents and emergencies. Peace of mind is priceless!!
Most owners of small dogs have wondered from time to time: can a raptor pick up my dog? Our dogs have always been medium to large size and rather substantial, if you catch my drift. We never pondered the question of a hawk swooping in and grabbing one of them until we adopted an old blind and deaf Maltese from a senior rescue where it was 4lb and wasting away.
Raptors
Red-Tailed Hawk
The word “raptor” comes from the Latin word “rapere,” which means to seize or plunder. Raptors are Birds of Prey that have some distinct characteristics – they have a curved beak and talons, and they are also carnivores. They also have exceptionally good vision. Examples of Raptors are: eagles, hawks, falcons, kites, Northern Harrier, and Osprey. Only owls are nocturnal raptors, the others above hunt during the day (diurnal).
Raptor Food
Raptors are carnivores which means they eat meat. Raptors typically eat small mammals like mice or other rodents, but also reptiles like snakes or lizards, as well as birds. Birds of Prey are Apex Predators which means they sit at the top of the food chain.
How Much Can a Raptor Pick Up?
Typically a Bird of Prey cannot pick up and carry anything that weighs more than their body weight.
Hawks can carry prey that weighs about half their weight. Eagles can carry pretty that weighs about 1/3 of their body weight. But owls can carry prey that weighs as much as two to three times their body weight.
Red-tail Hawks weigh about 2lb and Great Horned Owls weigh about 3lb – so chances are that it would be a very rare or desperate raptor out there that would try to pick up a small dog.
An Ospreys is a larger Bird of Prey, weighing in around 3 to 4 lb – but 99% of its diet is fish.
Great Horned Owl
Conclusion
In spite of the stories that circulate every now and again, it is very rare that your small dog would be carried away by a raptor. Birds of Prey that soar around the skies above the average backyard are generally just not big enough. It is not beyond the realm of possibility that they may try though and your small dog could be injured in the process.
If you notice a large Hawk in the neighborhood (Red-Tail Hawks are the most common Hawk specie) it is a good idea to accompany your dog outside or have it hang out under a covered deck – but an attack by a Hawk would be very rare. The greatest chance you have for an attack on a small dog would be at night by a Great Horned Owl.
As Apex Predators, if you see Birds of Prey flying around your area, be encouraged as their presence typically means you are living in a healthy ecosystem. And remember too, Birds of Prey are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, and it is illegal to injure, capture, or kill any raptor, or to disturb its nest or offspring.
If you are particularly nervous and not completely convinced that the danger to your small dog is quite minimal, or you just want peace of mind you can buy a Raptor Shield Puncture Resistant Pet Vest for small dogs that provides talon-proof protection against attacks by Birds of Prey.
On our frequent walks in the woods, our dogs make a beeline for the easily accessible sections of the river that runs through it. Whether it’s to cool down on a hot day, hydrate quickly after a long walk, or just for the pure pleasure of it regardless of the weather – the dogs like to go in the water. Here we look at some water dangers for dogs.
Most dogs like water although there are some breeds that are notoriously water adverse like Greyhounds, Shih-Tzu’s, Pugs, Chihuahuas, Boxers, and Maltese. There are some breeds that really shouldn’t swim either like top-heavy, short-nosed, and short legged dog breeds, such as Pugs, Boxers, Dachshunds, and Bulldogs. They may tire easily or have difficulty staying afloat. If you have one such breed and spend a lot of time on a boat or around water it may be a good idea to invest in a dog life vest like the Granby Splash Life Jacket by Outward Hound.
This dog life jacket is made for maximum buoyancy with our thickest foam side panels. Additionally, the foam chin panel assists in keeping the head above water. Dual top handles provide an easy method of retrieving your dog if an emergency arises, while the front float support and adjustable straps keep them secure both in and out of water.
Water Dangers
Many dangers lurk in water in local lakes and rivers, as well as the sea. It is always best to bring water along with you on your hike and travels with your dogs so they will be less inclined to drink stagnant or contaminated water.
Here are some water dangers to look out for.
Blue-Green Algae
Blue-green algae is often found in the late summer months in freshwater lakes, ponds, and marshlands. It is toxic to humans and animals. Blue-green algae are not normally visible in the water, but populations can rapidly increase to form a large mass or scum called a bloom when conditions are favorable making the water look blue-green or turquoise. They are usually found in shallow, slow-moving, warm water – but not necessarily exclusively. Signs that your dog has been poisoned can show up within minutes and you might see vomiting, diarrhea, staggering, weakness, and pale gums. Immediate veterinary intervention is needed!
Bacteria and Parasites
Any standing water can be a source of harmful bacteria for your dog. Some common examples of parasites are Giardia (in water that has been contaminated with feces from infected people or animals) and Cryptosporidium (a leading cause of waterborne disease). These parasites can cause diarrhea and vomiting.
Leptospirosis is a bacteria found in freshwater sources. It attacks the dog’s kidneys and liver and veterinary treatment is required urgently for a complete recovery.
Sea Water Toxicity
Ingestion of small amounts of saltwater can cause diarrhea, and ingesting larger amounts can cause a serious electrolyte imbalance called hypernatremia, which can lead to vomiting, dehydration, incoordination, and seizures.
So, along with the usual beach paraphernalia, it is also a good idea to pack water for the dog. The Asobu Water Bottle and Bowl is a good option. It is stainless steel bottle with a water bowl attachment.
As Samuel Taylor Coleridge so aptly put it: water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink.
I like to walk the dogs. I like to walk these days for exercise – both mine and the dogs’ – but back in the day I ran. And Spike ran too, until he got too old.
Dogs are great running companions when they realize the objective of the outing is not all about them. In other words, a running outing is not a walk where they can sniff every leaf and pee on every mailbox.
Not all dogs like to run or would make great running companions. Here are a few factors to consider if you are thinking of running with your dog.
Dog Breed
If your dog is a potential running companion will firstly depend on its breed. Honestly, depending on your running ambitions, most breeds of dog, providing it’s in relatively good shape, will be a potential running mate.
Of course, if you are an iron man and you’re running an average 5-minute mile training pace – your short-legged Whestie is probably not keeping up.
Short-nosed breeds like Shi-Tzu’s and Pugs probably shouldn’t run at all, and especially not in hot or humid conditions. These dogs are known as a brachycephalic dog has a shorter snout which causes the airway to be shorter, which means all the parts that make up the airway get pushed closer together and breathing problems can result. Some examples of short-nosed breeds are Bulldogs, Pugs, Boston terriers, Shih-Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Pit Bull Terriers, Chow Chow, Mastiffs, Boxers, and Pekingese.
But a longer-legged Lab, Husky, Shepherd can probably sustain a good pace for a good training run.
Dog’s Condition
Run with your dog if your dog is healthy and not carrying excess weight. In the case of an over-weight dog, a daily walk is the best bet for a healthy activity.
Also if your dog suffers from joint issues, pounding the pavement is not recommended. Wait until your puppy is older before running with it too as their growth plates can be susceptible to injury. A vet will be able to tell you at an annual appointment whether your dog is a good candidate for a running companion, especially if it is getting up there in age.
Pace
Don’t assume dogs can just naturally go out and run 5km easily. Some would be fine and could manage double that without batting an eyelid. But a lot of dogs are like us and need to ease into an exercise regime. Need to warm-up muscles beforehand and build endurance and fitness over time.
Temperament
The good running companion must first be a good walking companion and understand the dynamic and expectation between you on one end of the leash and it on the other. You don’t want to be tripping over the dog on your run. The dog must bet trained to the extent it will obey commands both on and off the leash.
The Right Kit
Whether you use a leash or harness will depend on what you and the dog are comfortable with. A harness may well restrict shoulder movement so keep an eye out for that. Most serious runners who run with their dogs use some form of hands-free leash and waist belt.
Kurgo Quantum Leash
One of the best hands-free running leashes on the market is the Kurgo Quantum Leash. It can be converted into 6 different leashes and leads just with a simple Carabiner adjustment. It can switch from a 6-foot lead to a shoulder or waist leash for hands-free use, and to a double dog walker. It has a floating padded handle for comfort and support.
Running with your dog has profound benefits – both physical and mental for both of you. Particularly a high-energy dog that craves stimulation – it is almost an essential daily activity. Also, destructive dogs will benefit tremendously – channeling their boredom and destructive behaviors into an enriching and stimulating action.
But at the end of the day, run or walk – just get out and do it! For both of you!
We walk our dogs. We always have and our dogs have come to expect it. There are some days we really don’t feel like doing it, we’re tired, annoyed, done with the world – but those are the days we need it most. And whether we hear the crackle of autumn leaves underfoot, or feel the summer sweat trickling down our backs, our fists closed around the leash open our hearts to the moment and we are at peace.
Dog collars, leashes and, to a degree harnesses, are essential to dog ownership. There are many great brands and designs out there but on a fundamental level, they need to be: comfortable, durable, and do their job with the minimum of hassle. They need to provide you with a level of confidence that you can safely walk your dog, whether around the block or across a strange city center. If you often walk in the early morning or at night a reflective component is definitely recommended too.
Dog Collars
A lot of people simply clip the leash onto the collar for a walk. It’s quick and simple but not necessarily the best for the dog. A collar’s number one purpose is to hold dog tags for identification purposes in the event it gets lost. Walking a dog with the leash clicked into the collar is not advisable for a couple of reasons. Firstly it the collar can come loose (or may already be loose enough around the dog’s neck) to be pulled over the dog’s head leaving you holding leash and collar and the dog high-tailing it down the road free as a bird!
Second, you can harm the dog’s neck and trachea pulling and directing it from the collar.
When buying a collar and not sure of the size to get, measure snuggly around the middle of the dog’s neck then add an extra 5% for a comfortable fit, or measure the current collar if he has one. You should be able to put 2 fingers between the dog’s neck and the collar.
Some of the most popular collars at the moment – positively reviewed for durability, color options and comfort are:
Lupine Collars
Fun, unique colors and designs. A lifetime warranty and heavy-duty side-release clasp.
A “martingale collar” is also referred to as a limited-slip or no-slip collar. This type of collar suits a dog breed that has a head narrower than its neck but can be used for all breeds for more control or if your dog tends to slip out of the collar.
This type of dog collar is fitted with a D-ring to attach to the leash.
For every Max and Neo martingale collar sold the company donates one to a shelter.
It might be a bit of a pain getting a harness on and off but it is a much safer way to walk the dog. Find one that fits well and does not chafe.
The following are some harnesses that are popular in dog circles.
Kurgo TruFit Harness
This harness checks all the blocks for a comfortable, everyday, lightweight walking harness. It also includes a seat belt tether to connect with your car’s seatbelt system.
Designed for small dogs and puppies, these are vest-style harnesses that are comfortable and breathable. The Puppia harness fits chest sizes from 9 to 41 inches. They come in many very cute designs. Take good measurements of your dog before ordering.
Our dogs like a retractable leash but they are not the safest. When you’re walking in a relatively safe environment and not in danger of cars or bikes in close proximity or a lot of other dogs out walking it’s probably fine and gives the dogs that little extra freedom to smell something a little longer than your patience allows and quickly catch up. If you do use a retractable leash please practice pulling it in quickly and making sure you can secure your dog in the event of an emergency.
There are many leashes on the market and you will choose one based on your own color and design preferences. Make sure it is comfortable to hold in your own hand and that you choose one based on your dog’s size, strength, personality, and temperament. A big, strong, inquisitive dog needs a leash that is going to be durable and not fray under a little resistance.
Here are a few of the most popular brands on the market at the moment:
PetSafe Nylon Leash
This is a no-frills traditional leash (although it comes in a variety of colors) that gets the job done day after day. They come in multiple lengths and widths depending on the size and characteristics of your dog.
Especially if your walk takes you through busy intersections, along city sidewalks and non-familiar territory this leash provides a traffic handle,” a second loop closer to the dog’s collar that you can grab in case your dog tries to run into the street. And remember with Max and Neo, with every leash sold they donate one to a dog rescue.
For dogs that pull, experts recommend a shock-absorbing leash. A shock-absorbing leash evenly distributes strain if the dog pulls and the woven rope design absorbs shock. The EzyDog Cujo leash also has a pyramid pull handle that is designed to evenly distribute pull and provides better comfort and control.
Humorist Dave Barry got it right when he said: Dogs love to go for rides. A dog will happily get into any vehicle going anywhere.
Seat covers for pets as well as boosters and seat belts are the norm for riding in cars with dogs. And dare I say cats too. We’ve seen our fair share of Feline Friends in the Starbucks drive-thru. And a pet rat too wrapped up in an infinity scarf around a woman’s neck – but that’s probably a whole different article.
Our dogs love to travel in the car. We used to just throw a towel down on the seat but it really isn’t great protection from all the white fluffy dog hair sticking to the fabric seats on our return, whether after ten minutes or ten days. Dog hair is difficult to remove and we don’t have a nice, portable car vacuum cleaner. What has made a huge difference to us, however, is a few back seat covers for pets.
Here are a few popular brands we like.
Back Seat Covers for Pets
What we look for in a back seat cover for when our dogs travel in the car with us is the following:
Waterproof and Easy to Clean.
Durable and Comfortable.
Easy to Instal and Take Out.
Non-Slip.
PetSafe Happy Ride Quilted Bench and Hammock Seat Cover
The PetSafe Happy Ride Quilted Bench Seat Cover covers all bases. The PetSafe brand is renown for creating high quality, innovative pet product solutions and this seat cover does just that. Premium quilted cotton padding is padded for durability and appearance. High quality leather headrest straps and heavy zippers complete the design. Adjustable straps and seat anchors secure the cover easily and quickly to the back seat. Adjustable elastic panels and lower straps secure it to the seat for a snug and secure fit and a non-slip backings ensures it doesn’t move around unnecessarily. Passengers can easily access the back seat seat belts if necessary and the size fits most cars, trucks and SUVS. It measures 45″ long and 56″ wide. This car seat cover looks nice and most importantly protects the back seat from dog hair, as well as wet and muddy paw prints. It is easily machine washable too.
It comes in Bench, Bucket (front/single seat) and Hammock styles and in two colors – grey and green.
The Hammock Style Seat Cover is useful to contain your pet safely in the back and aids in preventing the pet trying to get into the front and cause unnecessary distractions to the driver. It is also scratch-resistant which protects both the back seat and back of front seats. For nervous pet passengers the hammock design also provides an element of security and keeps hair and mud off the car floors too.
The Lantoo Dog Seat Cover is much less expensive than the PetSafe brand and has some really great qualities. One of the great things about this purchase is that is a convertible hammock cover so you can use it as a hammock or as a bench seat cover. The hammock option also has side flaps that protect the doors against dog scratches, hair and dirt! If you have a passenger in the back seat and they don’t want to share the cover, there is a split zipper around the side flaps hammock to allow pets and kids to share the back seat when zip up for a full hammock or zip down for half/half so dogs and passengers can travel together. The cover is 100% waterproof and easy to clean and instal. Measuring 54″ x 58″ it is designed to fit most cars and has non-slip backing and seat anchors to prevent undue sliding around. Waterproof and durable with many options and great customer service makes this a great option for traveling with pets.
The Kurgo Wander Dog Half-Seat Hammock solves the space problem of needing a comfortable and protected area for the dog on the back seat, but needing the rest of the back seat for storage or other passengers. This is a great option for separating the dog and passengers. It is stain and water- resistant and keeps dog hair and dirt in the hammock for easy cleanup. It allows easy access for a pet seat belt and has 2 storage pockets for toys, leashes, treats and the like. Kurgo is a New England company dedicated to making traveling with your dog easy, safe and fun and this half seat coverage is a stroke of genius! It comes in many fun color combinations and measures 27.5″ wide. It does not protect the side doors, which is something the company might look into for the future but it solves a lot of other problems in the meantime.
Pet booster seats use the car seat belt to secure them in place. The K&H Pet Products booster for pets is elevated for your pet’s viewing pleasure and has high, bolstered foam sides for your pet’s protection and security. It is quick to instal and uninstall and zips down for your pet to get in and out easily before being secured in. It has a plush, quilted cover for comfort that is easily removed and cleaned. It is designed to fit in the back or front seat and comes in 2 sizes. The Small (14.5″ x 20″) is recommended for small pets and the Large (14.5″ x 24″) can fit up to two small pets or one medium-sized breed. It also includes 2 fully adjustable security leashes that can latch to your pet’s harness to ensure they remain safely seated in the booster on your trip. Pet owners rave about this booster seat saying how much their pets love it and how they appreciate the safety factor noting how it has saved a couple of pets in accidents on the road.
The PetSafe Happy Ride Dog Safety Seat is a little less expensive than the K&H above. It can be installed easily, secured by the seat belt, in both the front or back seat and allows for the safe travels of a pet up to 30lb. The removable soft, fleece liner is machine washable and does not trap odors. On the soft cushion it provides maximum comfort for your pet while he is elevated enough to enjoy watching the world go by outside. The interior of the seat measures 14″ long x 18″ wide x 8″ high and the total exterior dimensions are 22″ long x 17″ wide x 17″ high. It comes in 3 color options – navy, brown and tan. For protection in the event of a quick stop or car accident, the Happy Ride Seat Belt Tether is included in the purchase although for maximum safety, the Happy Ride Safety Harness is sold separately. All in all people really like this booster seat and, like the K&H product above stories have been told of dogs escaping car accidents unharmed thanks to the protection afforded by this safety seat. While there are much more expensive booster seats out there, these are proven to provide comfort and protection at a good middle-of-the-road pricing point.
The Kurgo Car Harness has been thoroughly crash-tested for dogs up to 75lb. It is also an adjustable every-day harness that has 5 adjustable points for a customizable and comfortable fit, and a no-pull D-ring. A dog seat belt tether is included which is compatible with any car seat belt system can also be used as lead for training. Sizes run from X-Small through X-Large and come in Kurgo’s trademark Red and a lifetime guarantee. To use you fit the crash-tested harness onto your dog. You then attach the crash-tested carabiner to both waist and shoulder seat belts, and then attach the carabiner to harness back strap. It is also Kurgo’s policy to send you a new harness if your dog has ever used his harness in an accident. The customer service you get from this company really is top-notch!
PetSafe is a trusted brand in dog products that are innovative and geared towards pet safety and functionality. The PetSafe Happy Ride Safety Harness comes in sizes Small, Medium and Large and is certified crash-tested. It is fully padded for comfort but breathable to keep the dog cool, and with multiple attachment points easily connects to the seat belt. Reviewers have said that it is easy to put on and their dogs do not have a problem with it. The dog passenger can stand, lay, sit or even come up and stick his head up near the driver to say hi. But when the brakes are hit and the seatbelt inertia mechanism is deployed, he stays where he is.
The Mighty Paw Vehicle Safety Harness is made by a family-owned company in Upstate New York dedicated to meshing modern thinking with high-quality, functional dog gear to enhance your outdoor experiences with your dog. The harness comes in sizes Small through X-Large and is made of top-quality metal hardware for safety and durability and well as breathable, light-weight padding for comfort. The harness is easy to clean and has reflective stitching for added safety. The harness can be used both in and outside the car which is super convenient! It must be noted that you do need to buy the Safety Seat Belt Attachment separately- they do not come together, but it is of course necessary for in-car safety. Reviewers have raved about how this harness has saved their dogs’ lives in accidents and the customer service is excellent. The fact that this doubles as a regular harness for walking around outside is super convenient – it is just a case of changing out the safety best attachment for the leash when you get to your destination!
It’s like the old days, we remember driving in cars with no seatbelts, dogs jumping around all over the place. We were fine. Spike rode in the car all over Europe and the USA either sitting on the floor at my (passenger side) seat or curled up on a duvet on the backseat or really wherever he wanted to. He was fine. But times do change. There are so many more people on the road. People are traveling with their dogs more and more. Accidents do happen. Our dogs are precious to us, they add fun and energy to our travels and trips. Their lives are not very long in the grand scheme of things. If a seat belt, harness or booster seat can in some way prolong that life and not turn an exciting road-trip into an unmitigated disaster, it’s probably worth it.
Sometimes it just has to be done. It’s not fun for anyone, not the dog sitting in the crate in the cargo hold or under the seat in front of you, and not for you thinking about the dog sitting in the crate in the cargo hold.
But it can be very rewarding when all is said and done and you’re sauntering along down a Spanish ramblas or watching the sun set over a foreign ocean or meditating on an ancient castle wall and your best friend is right there beside you.
Enjoy the journey – and if it happens to be at 35,000 feet in the air – just make sure you are prepared and know the rules whether you are flying across the country or across the world. Bon Voyage!
Flying Domestically Within the USA
Pet travel requirements are fairly consistent among the big carriers. Southwest Airlines and Frontier allow small pets to fly in-cabin but do not provide for pets in cargo or as checked baggage. (This article is being written during the Covid-19 pandemic and as a result of restricted travel most airlines have at this point stopped allowing pets to be flown as cargo or checked baggage for the moment so please make sure you check for updates before making travel plans.) It is a good idea to familiarize yourself with the particular airline’s requirements prior to booking a flight for yourself and your pet. There may also be restrictions on the type of dog allowed to fly as checked baggage, (for example, neither American Airlines nor Delta will not allow snub-nosed dogs as checked baggage) and also temperature or seasonal restrictions depending on where you are flying. Pets are usually booked on a first-come-first-served basis as airlines usually have a limit on the number of pets they will transport on a particular flight. Doing research and planning the flight out in advance is crucial.
Airline Specific Links
The main US domestic airlines continually update their pet policies, links to which can be found here:
Most airlines allow small vaccinated domestic cats and dogs to travel with you in-cabin under the seat in front of you. All pets must be carried in an appropriate carrier. Generally they are checked in at the ticket counter and reservations should be made ahead of time, at least 48 hours before departure.
In-cabin Carriers
Pet carriers are usually considered a personal item or carry-on item. For in-cabin pet travel, the carrier must be “airline approved”. The kennel must fit under the seat and remain there for the duration of the flight. The pet must be able to stand up and turn around. Hard in-cabin kennel dimensions are generally: 17.5″ long x 12″ wide x 7.5″ high. Soft in-cabin kennel dimensions are generally: 18″ long x 11″ wide x 11″ high.
Pets are dropped off at the Cargo section which is generally in a location away from passenger check in. Please make sure you know where it is before you go and pets are usually checked in about 3 hours before departure.
A Health Certificate signed by a USDA endorsed Vet will be required and must be no more than 10 days old.
A Live Animal Checklist must be signed:
Confirming the pet has been offered food and water within 4 hours of check-in and
Providing feeding and watering instructions (and food if necessary) for the next 24 hours.
If you are sedating the pet you will need to also attach Vet’s written consent to the kennel.
When you buy a crate to transport your pet it may say “airline compliant” but the onus is on you to make absolutely sure it is compliant for the particular airline the pet is traveling on.
Spike’s air travel container.
Kennel requirements :
Pets transported as cargo or checked luggage must have an airline-approved kennel. Most pet supply stores sell them.
The kennel must allow the pet to stand and sit straight up without its head touching the top. The pet must also be able to turn around and lie down naturally.
The kennel must be loaded upright.
It must be made of hard plastic, wood, or metal with a solid roof and 4 metal nuts and bolts.
If the kennel has wheels, they must be able to be removed/made inoperable.
Ventilation openings must be on 3 sides plus the door opening for US travel. Ventilation on 4 sides for all other locations and for short-nosed dogs traveling anywhere.
There must be functional handles on the exterior and the door must close securely but not lock.
“Live Animal”, as well as ‘upright arrow’ labels, must be displayed.
Kennels should contain bedding and towels to absorb ‘accidents’. Pee Pads work well as a base layer.
2 dishes need to be attached to the inside of the kennel door and feeding instructions must be attached.
Airport Pet Relief Areas
Federal law now requires that airports that receive federal funds have accessible animal relief areas for service animals. Although the laws are intended to accommodate service animals, pet relief areas will no doubt be available to small pets flying with their owners.
Flying Internationally
We have done this multiple times with our dog, Spike, and it sounds extremely complicated but as long as you do your homework it is manageable. There are many professional outfits that take the work out of your hands, but of course, there is an additional cost associated with that.
In a lot of cases, a particular airline will not allow your pets to fly internationally in-cabin. Additionally, there are certain destinations that only allow pets to enter as cargo. There are also certain destinations that will require you to put your pet into quarantine (so don’t plan to take your pet on vacation there), they are mainly island nations for example: Hawaii, Australia, Fiji, Hong Kong, Singapore, Iceland to name a few. The United Kingdom now no longer requires animals flying from the USA to be quarantined.
The USDA has comprehensive advice through APHIS about traveling with your pet from the USA to another country. Different destinations generally have different documentary requirements so it pays to be very diligent. Your destination country may have specific health requirements that must be met before your pet can enter the country. Since export requirements are determined by each country and can change frequently, every time you plan pet travel you will need to verify the export requirements. Please note that airlines may have separate and additional requirements. Check with your airline to determine what requirements they may have, if any. Use the links to the Airlines above. Airlines will also often not fly pets if the flight time to the destination is over 12 hours.
The pet carrier requirement above will be the same for flying to international locations as for domestic flights within the USA.
Many hotels allow dogs, but of course, some don’t – and chances are you will always run into the “don’ts” when it’s late and you’re tired and you have not planned ahead.
There is magic in wildly embracing spontaneous travel- but it’s not advisable when Dog is the co-pilot. Planning is everything when traveling with a dog and booking hotel accommodation is no exception. There are many websites devoted to finding dog-friendly hotels. One we have used a lot is www.petfriendlytravel.com, also Dogfriendly.com. There are also many, many books devoted to providing information on Pet-Friendly Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts around the country. Very useful to have one on hand and for planning purposes. We lived in California some time back and we still have our well-worn copy of The Dog Lover’s Companion to California on our shelves.
One of the most reliable hotels for accommodating dogs on road trips around the country is the Motel 6 where they always aim to make family cats and dogs welcome!
According to a USA Today poll, the following hotel chains are the best bets when traveling with your dog, but a fee is required unless noted and they will often have policies with regard to size and number of dogs:
Kimpton Hotels. They don’t require a pet fee.
Best Western. Dogs are allowed at most locations.
Doubletree. But plan ahead for a pet-friendly room.
Home2Suites by Hilton.
Ritz Carlton. Many locations are pet-friendly.
Red Roof Inn. There is no pet fee but please call ahead if you plan on bringing more than one dog.
La Quinta. Most locations allow pets.
Super Eight. Most locations allow pets.
Most hotels will not allow you to leave your dog unattended in the room but if they do make sure the dog is either confined in a crate or super easy going and trusted to rest peacefully and quietly in your absence. Nothing screams bad hotel etiquette like a constantly barking dog or a chewed-up remote control!
Most hotels don’t allow dogs anywhere near the pool area either. But sometimes you hit the jackpot!
Some of our best traveling experiences with Spike were camping trips. His recollection would probably not have been the same though. As much as we loved pitching a tent, relaxing around a dancing fire, listening to the wind whistling through the Pines …. Spike would, at some point relatively early in the evening, have had enough and disappear into the tent to sleep in the folds of the duvet till morning. As street-wise and widely traveled as he was, he was first and foremost a creature of comfort.
Camping, whether its on your own or with family and pets, requires a fair bit of planning and foresight.
Location
Petfriendlytravel.com has a list of pet-friendly campgrounds and RV parks in the USA and a wealth of information on other places your dogs can visit. Dogs are for the most part welcome to camp in US National Parks too. We camped with Spike in both Yosemite, Death Valley (very hot) and the Grand Canyon (very cold).
Europe is far more pet-friendly than the USA and most campgrounds (and hotels) allow pets. We camped a lot with Spike in France and Germany. In France we sought out small rural campsites which offered amazing views and relative peace. Check out: www.rural-camping.com for some really fabulous camping opportunities there.
Accessories
We are relatively low maintenance people and when it was just the two of us and Spike we would ‘wing it’ a lot of the time and just pick up things (with some luck) at local shops should we need them. Of course, this approach doesn’t work with everyone and certainly doesn’t work if you are camping out in the middle of nowhere far off the beaten track. Here are a few things you might want to consider traveling with when going camping with dogs. By the way, when camping in Germany once along the banks of the Rhine River we came across a couple camping with their dog and cat! We have not seen cats camping subsequently but the possibility is worth noting. Not that our cat would have much desire for great far-flung adventures I don’t think!
This list assumes the dog will be camping in the tent with you and will not need his own. It also assumes he has a leash, collar with a tag on it and perhaps a GPS tracker like a Whistle. Please see: Tags, Microchips and Trackers.
A comfortable travel pet bed will probably be appreciated by the dog. Check out a few we like here: Best Travel Pet Beds
Food. It goes without saying of course, but we have left behind a travel bowls for food and water before. Make sure to pack enough food if you are not going to be in a position to replenish if necessary and pack it in an air-tight container.
Treats. Our dogs are treats fiends and they work both as rewards and some ‘to do’ while waiting around or hanging out. Take dog treats they are familiar with so you don’t introduce something that might not sit well.
Toys. Our dogs don’t particularly like toys, it’s sad but true. Perhaps we haven’t found the right ones for them? But most dogs definitely have favorite toys and bringing dog toys (maybe not the favorite) away on a camping (or other) trip may be a good idea to help alleviate any stress involved in traveling and staying in new places.
Pet First Aid Kit. A first aid kit specifically engineered towards pets is helpful in that it has been thought out with pet injury and illness in mind and assembled with items that you can easily give or help your pet with and not worry that they will do more harm than good. There are many on the market. A good one will include a thermometer, emergency collar, and tick remover. Talking about ticks, your dog is bound to attract a couple while camping so make sure flea and tick medication is up to date and applied.
Stake Tie-Out. Campgrounds usually have leash rules in place. It is not the most fun sitting around a campfire holding on to the pet leash all the time and there are only a small handful of dogs in the world that are 100% voice command trained that can be fully trusted to sit and stay no matter how many other dogs or squirrels parade by. A stake tie-out, for when you are sitting around with your dog can be very helpful.
Camping is fun. Camping with dogs can be even more so for all involved. Cold air. Dark night. Warm fire. Bright stars. And may we add – Wet Nose.
