Dog - Tips on Travelling with your Dog

In Britain today dogs can travel by air, rail, road or sea.  Each form of travel presents it own unique problems.  In order to smooth the journey it may be helpful to consider some of the following points:

Airline travel

An increasing number of dogs travel on internal flights today and although International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations regarding carrier size and conditions do not apply to internal flights it is worthwhile considering these since they apply to all international flights.  Remember that with air travel the container will be your pet's home for the length of the flight taking into account check in and the delay before collection is possible.

Carrier

1. The carrier should be large enough for your dog to stand up and turn around freely.  The IATA recommendations are that the height should be the height of the dog to the top of the head in a normal standing position.  The length should be the length of the dog from the nose to the root of the tail plus half the length measured from the floor to the elbow.  This is in order to ensure that your dog can lie down with his nose resting on his forelegs and his front feet protruding beyond the tip of his nose.  The width of the container should be twice the width of the dog measured at the shoulders.
2. The carrier can be constructed of fibreglass, metal, rigid plastic, wickerwork, weldmesh, solid wood or plywood.
3. Ventilation must be adequate and usually involves a wire mesh front on one side or end of the container with ventilation holes over the whole of the opposite side and the upper third of the other two sides.  Projecting handles which also act as spacers must be provided.  These are essential for transportation of the crate and also ensure that air flow is maintained when the container is loaded into the aircraft which may have a fairly full hold.
4. Containers must be nose and paw proof (i.e. the ventilation apertures must be of such a size that it is impossible for the animal to protrude nose or paws outside the container).   Fixed food and water containers must be provided and these must be accessible from the outside.

On many internal flights (and some international ones) small dogs may be carried in the passenger cabin in underseat containers.  If allowed, the total weight of the dog plus the container must not exceed 4 kg (9 lb).

Bedding

It is useful to use several thicknesses of newspaper plus an acrylic dog bed of the VetBed type.  A familiar toy in the container helps to calm the animal.

Suitable carriers can be obtained from pet stores, breeders, kennels and often the airlines themselves.  It is always worthwhile checking with the airline regarding their particular requirements on each occasion.

Other useful tips

Tranquillisation of the dog before loading in the carrier is not recommended.  Tranquillisers sometimes wear off in flight when it is impossible to either comfort the dog or to give any further medication.  Therefore it is a good idea to try to familiarise your dog with the travel container before the trip is undertaken.  Feeding him in the container, first with the door closed and then open.  This helps to eliminate some of the apprehension that may be felt during the actual trip.

Car travel

The Highway Code is very specific about travelling with animals in cars.  They should be under control in the vehicle and unable to distract you while you are driving.  If you want your dog loose in the car then he should be separated from you.  An estate vehicle or hatchback with a suitable crate or cage can be used, the dimensions of which should be comfortable for the animal.  Alternatively, a suitable dog guard can be used to confine the dog to the rear of the vehicle. If the dog is not so separated from you he should be tethered so that he cannot act as a distraction.  The easiest way is to use a special dog travelling harness. Alternatively, in an emergency, the dog can be placed in the footwell in the rear of the car, shutting the lead, attached to a properly adjusted collar, in the car door.

Travel sickness

Travel sickness or more correctly motion sickness, is a condition which affects many dogs. It is due to the effect of the motion on the organs of balance located in the inner ear.  Signs are usually excessive salivation, restlessness or excitement.  Many of the 'human' travel sickness remedies available from petrol stations, pharmacists and supermarkets are effective and an adult rather than a children's dose is usually necessary for a dog.  If one particular brand does not work, try another since they all contain different combinations of drugs.  Give the tablet/s at least half an hour before travelling is due.  If the over-the-counter remedies are ineffective we will be happy to advise since there are several prescription only medicines (POMS) that are extremely effective for this condition.  Excitable dogs can be tranquillised but make sure you experiment beforehand so you do not give too much and have the animal off his legs for a while.  The dose depends largely on the temperament and amount of excitement.  Please consult us if you have problems.

Rail travel

Remember that even the most well behaved dog can take fright at the sight and noise associated with a railway station and trains.  Make sure that the collar and lead are strong and properly adjusted, and the dog is in the charge of a responsible adult.

• Today different railway companies have varying conditions regarding the transport of pets and therefore you should enquire prior to your trip.
• When travelling on the London underground with your dog, remember it must be carried up and down any escalators.  If it is a large dog, seek other means of access to the platform.  
• If travelling with you in the carriage, make sure your dog is well behaved and does not upset other passengers.
• If travelling unaccompanied in the guard's van the dog should be in a transporter and the same recommendations apply as with air travel.   
• Motion sickness can present problems (see recommendations under car travel). Administration of medication will depend on the length of journey.  If the effects of medication are likely to wear off before the completion of the journey consider whether further dosing will be possible.

Sea travel

Many ships and ferries today have permanent kennels into which your dog must be placed for the duration of the trip.  Again the provision of a familiar blanket or toy helps to ease the tension.  Mild tranquillisation is possible since you can visit the dog during the trip and ascertain its effect.

Hints on travel with your dog

1. If you are going to stay in an hotel, ascertain beforehand that the hotel allows pets.  There are publications available that list such hotels and boarding houses (e.g. Pets Welcome).
2. Make sure the dog wears a correctly adjusted collar and not a check chain.  The collar should bear an identification tag with your name, address and telephone number.  If the dog has been identichipped mention this with the accompanying information but do not disclose the number.
3. If travelling unaccompanied, check that the dog's name appears on the container together with your name, address, telephone number and any other relevant details (such as if you are collecting him and whether you wish to be telephoned first).
4. Most hotels and boarding houses will not allow dogs in public rooms. Therefore if unattended in your room make sure there is no opportunity for escape.  Also realise that you will be responsible for any damage caused.  If practical, take a travelling cage or container.  Even if the dog is extremely well behaved make sure that you place 'Do Not Disturb' notices on the door if the dog is left unattended. In this way the possibility of confrontation with staff and escape is minimised.
5. Should your pet get lost, contact the local police, RSPCA, dog warden and veterinary surgeons etc.
6. Remember that advance planning is vital to make the trip an enjoyable experience for both you and your dog.