Travels with (and without) my dogs

Amber loved running off leash on Nova Scotia beaches.
Most beaches post leash regulations, however.

I am away on a road trip even as I type this. (Sorry about the irregular posting schedule!) Just my husband and me, off to a meeting but stopping to see various family and a college friend on the way to and from. This trip, our dog and ferret are snug at home while we travel pet-free.

Our road trips don’t always leave the dog behind. When Amber was barely a year old, we took her on the first of many family driving vacations. When Crystal joined the family, she joined the trips as well. Both dogs would lie on the minivan’s floor or snuggle a boy on one of the bench seats, perfectly content.

Bringing the dogs works for us because our dogs have always loved car rides and because our road-travel does not include much staying at hotels. Just for the record, a growing number of hotels and motels do allow dogs to stay in your room, including some locations of major chains—but call ahead to check! We never count on motels being dog-friendly. And I think I would count on having to smuggle in a ferret just about anywhere.

We most often either stay with friends/family who don’t mind an overnight canine—or we camp. Amber particularly loved our camping trips. For once, we were being sensible packmates with everyone sleeping in the same den … um, tent.

The times weather or need for a shower forced us to motel stays in locations that did not welcome dogs, the dog (or dogs) slept “on guard” in the minivan. Overnight in their vehicle with temperatures in the 60s can’t truthfully be counted as a hardship!

To make road trips work with your dog:

• Take the dog(s) on short drives before you start on a long trip. Does your dog (do any of your dogs) have problem behaviors in the car? Train for good car behavior before taking that dog anywhere.
• Do you see signs of motion sickness or excessive nervousness on short drives? If so, check with your vet about medication—and confirm the medication works as advertised for your pet! If you can’t find a medication that works, do your family and pet both a favor by arranging kennel or pet-sitting options.
• Pack the food your pet is used to, enough for the entire trip, so you don’t face change-of-food digestive problems. Also any medications—and bowls for food and water.
• Pretend this is a preschool child: what comfort objects does your dog need? What exercise toys? Treats?
• If you’re driving into Canada (or Mexico, though that’s a lot farther from Chicago), your dog will need a clean bill of health from your vet for border crossings, including documentation that all vaccinations are up-to-date, especially rabies.
• Don’t forget leashes. You can also buy harnesses that allow you to connect your dog to a seatbelt for extra travel safety.

We always take the dog for a quick pee-and-stretch walk and offer a bowl of water every time we stop, whether for fuel or meals. When we had two young boys who also needed to move around more than seat belts allow, everyone appreciated the run time.

So far this trip, we’ve had plenty of pet companionship anyway: Bess the retriever, Seamus the Nova Scotia duck toller, and my niece’s current rat, adopted from a pet rescue shelter when his psych-student owners had to leave him at the end of the college year. Tonight, we’re visiting my cousin—and her turtles. And because we have no dog with us, we don’t need to worry about Anne’s guilt at making the dog stay outside. My cousin loves all animals but her allergies definitely do not.

Coming soon: More ferret fun and The neighborhood VIP: very importunate predator.