Traveling With Your Dog - Page 2
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Helping You Get the Most From Your Hunting Dogs


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If your car has adequate space, keeping your dog in a carrier is recommended. The carrier should be large enough for him to turn around in without being cramped. Place a soft mat or cushion on the carrier floor. Never put the carrier on the sunny side of the car where the dog may become overheated.

If the carrier is in the bed of a pickup truck, secure it firmly to at least one side of the truck. A safe alternative is a restraining device that consists of clamps that fit into the side rails of the van or pickup. A nylon harness webbing stretches between the clamps and has a central swivel snap for attachment to the dog's collar.

If a carrier is not feasible, a car seat restraining harness is recommended. These harnesses are available at pet supply stores and come in different sizes to fit all breeds.

If you are traveling in a station wagon, you can install a specifically designed barrier to keep your dog confined to the back of the wagon.

Put your dog on a leash before letting it out of the car or truck. If you walk your dog on the highway at night, wear reflective strips or accessories on your clothing, place a reflective collar on your dog and use a brightly colored leash for visibility and protection. Avoid leaving your dog in a closed car. Temperatures in cars can rise quickly and the heat and insufficient air circulation can lead to heat stress, suffocation and death. If you find you must leave your dog in the car, park in a shaded area and keep one or more windows open so the air can circulate. If the dog is not in a carrier windows should not be lowered enough for him to get out. Check the car every few minutes and never leave your dog in the car for an extended period of time.

When You Travel By Air
Find out what health certificates for your dog are needed. These requirements vary by airline and/or state. Always make reservations for your dog well in advance because some airlines have limited space for transporting pets. Rent or purchase a flight dog crate which meets airline regulations well in advance and place it where your dog can get used to it.

Check with the airline for LIVE ANIMAL labels to be displayed on the dog crate. Mark the crate with your dog's name, your address and with the telephone number of a person who can be contacted about your dog at your destination, if necessary. On the day of the flight, take your dog for a long walk before leaving for the airport. Bring a cushion or blanket to put on the crate floor. Be certain the water cup is attached to the crate door. The cup should be deep, but not too full of water to avoid spilling. You can reduce the risks and trauma of air travel for your dog by trying to avoid peak travel periods when delays or stopovers may be longer. Early morning or evening flights are preferable during the summer. Plan the trip with as few stops as possible. At the end of the flight, pick up your dog promptly.

Other Travel Considerations
If you plan to visit a national, state or private park, check well in advance of your trip to be certain dogs are allowed. The policy regarding dogs varies with motels and hotels. Contact the reservations department in advance of your trip to determine if your dog will be welcome. Do not leave a dog unattended in a room. It might surprise a maid, soil a room or bark continuously until you return. Bring your dog's bedding from home to discourage it from getting on the beds and to give it the security of something familiar.

In hotels, motels and parks, ask in advance about special walking areas for dogs as a courtesy to others and to prevent problems for your dog. Some areas may have been treated for weed control and might be toxic to your dog.

Except for seeing-eye dogs, pets are not allowed on buses in interstate travel or on AMTRAK.
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