Budget-Friendly Tips for Dog Owners for Trouble-Free Travel

Budget-Friendly Tips for Dog Owners for Trouble-Free Travel

Dogs are highly sensitive to changes in their environment, so if you and your goldendoodle are hitting the road together this summer, it’s important to make your friend as comfortable as possible while you’re en route. There will be rough spots along the way, but with planning, loving care and mindful spending, your furry friend will emerge a happy, healthy and seasoned traveler, and your wallet will come through it in good shape too. Check out these tips.

Finding the right gear on a budget

You can make your trip a lot easier by investing in food and water bowls, leashes and an easily assembled carrier designed for portability and convenience. Collapsible dog dishes and retractable leashes come in very handy if you’re traveling with a dog because they’re easier to use and pack than traditional alternatives. If you have a senior dog, then a dog ramp is essential for helping your pup get in and out of your car. Look for foldable models that allow for easy transport. 

Practice makes perfect

If, like many dogs, your pet’s experience with car travel is limited to the veterinarian, the local park, and short errands, you’ll need to prepare him for a long car trip. Try taking him along on weekend drives, and gradually increase the length of each successive trip. To save money, consider buying a used cage for your “practice trips,” or simply bring along a soft pillow or a few towels to make him comfortable (and don’t forget to give him treats and plenty of praise). 

If you’re traveling by airline, chances are your dog will spend more time around baggage handlers than with you. Make a few trips to the airport and let him get used to the people, noise, sounds and sights of that ultra-busy environment. Be reassuring and supportive, and give him a reward when he behaves well. Always make sure you have a reliable leash or harness if your pup will be around large crowds of people. It’s worth noting that if you can’t take your dog on the plane with you, it’s best to find alternate transportation since cargo can be very dangerous for animals. 

The right crate

Selecting the right crate for your pet is key to making him feel at ease. It should be big enough for him to lay down and move around in comfortably, and accommodate a food and water dish and a favorite toy or two. Line it with soft material (used cloth is a good budget-friendly choice), mount some form of identification on the outside, and don’t forget to make sure your crate is IATA approved. Affordable retailers like Chewy or Petsmart have great selections, and they always offer money-saving coupons, which can go even further if you shop during one of their sales. As a bonus, here’s a neat trick to ensure Fido’s water doesn’t spill during loading: Freeze some water in his bowl before your trip so it will melt gradually and provide drinking water right away. 

Destinations & accommodations

Many hotels and restaurants these days cater to dog owners with facilities designed to make you and your pooch happy and comfortable. Spend some time online looking for dog-friendly amenities before your trip - make liberal use of sites like Expedia, Trivago and Orbitz for the best room rates. 

Knowing where you and your four-legged friend can stay will relieve much of the stress that goes with traveling, so do your homework well in advance and consider pet-friendly hotel chains. Depending on your needs, it might be best for both you and your dog if you choose to book a vacation rental instead of a hotel. 

Familiarize your dog with long-distance traveling by taking him along for car rides, or introduce him to the sights and sounds of a major airport prior to your departure date. Make sure your furry friend is well-equipped so he’s comfortable for the duration, and keep an eye out for quality used equipment and online discounts. Soon, you and your goldendoodle will be enjoying a fun and stress-free trip.

Visit Knudawn Southern Goldendoodles for healthy, social, and loving goldendoodle puppies! 

Image via Unsplash

Jennifer Scott- Thank you!!