Travel // PETA's Top Tips for Traveling With Dogs

Now That You're There

Dogs thrive on healthy routines. This doesn’t change just because you’re away from home. Provide regular walks, playtime, access to fresh water at all times, and food, preferably the kind they eat at home (if you need to switch, do it gradually to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach). Wash bowls with soap and warm water daily.

Help show that dogs make good guests by being one yourself. Follow leash laws. If your dog barks a lot, don’t leave him or her alone in a hotel room (if you do leave your dog in the room, for safety reasons, let the front desk know).

Emergency

Illness or Injury

The American Animal Hospital Association (1-800-883-6301) can refer you to a local veterinarian. (Note: PETA does not endorse veterinarians on the list).

Better yet, be prepared by asking your dog’s veterinarian for a reference in that area before you go. Print a map from the Internet and take it on your trip so you can get there quickly in the event of an emergency.

If Your Dog Becomes Lost

1. File “missing” reports at veterinarians’ offices, the police department, and animal control. Follow up in person to make sure that a case of mistaken identity is not hampering a reunion with your dog. Give them several phone numbers, if necessary (e.g., your hotel phone number, the number of a friend or relative in the area, your home number, your office number, and your cell phone number).

2. Comb the area, paying special attention to spaces under porches, shrubs, and cars, as well as checking sheds, drainpipes, and other hiding places that might attract your frightened friend. Cover at least a 2-mile radius.

3. Ask delivery people, local restaurants, and offices if they have seen your dog running at large, and leave your name and phone numbers with them.

4. Post “missing” fliers, including a current photo that accurately portrays your dog. At the top of your flier, write “Reward,” and at the bottom, list your phone numbers (e.g., your hotel phone number, the number of a friend or relative in the area, your home number, your office number, and your cell phone number).

Keep the description vague, or you may inadvertently cause someone who has seen or rescued your animal to think that the animal described is not the same one. For example, many lost animals lose their collars, so someone might think that your dog isn’t the one on the poster simply because he or she is no longer wearing a red collar.
Do not list the animal’s name or behavioral traits. Lost animals often do not respond to their names or may behave differently when they are frightened.
Post your fliers at veterinary offices, animal control, pet and grooming shops, dog parks, schools, libraries, grocery stores—any place that displays a public bulletin board. Use sturdy tape or staples to place them on utility poles at busy intersections. (You may wish to check with the utilities department to find out if such postings are legal.) You’ll need plenty of copies of your flier—plan to put up at least 200 posters the first day.

5. Visit the local animal shelter and animal control departments every day in person to see if your dog has been turned in. Do not be satisfied with telephone inquiries. Shelters receive dozens of animals every day, and the person who answers your phone call may have missed seeing your dog come into the facility.

6. Place “lost” advertisements in all the local and weekly newspapers. Many publications will place such ads free of charge. Check the “found” ads every day.

7. If two weeks pass, update your flier. A rain-soaked, tattered flier can look months old to someone who might think the animal on your flier is long gone and can’t be the same animal he or she has just rescued from busy traffic.

8. Don’t give up. It’s not uncommon for lost companion animals and their guardians to be reunited weeks or even months after becoming lost. It can be frustrating, but your perseverance will increase your chances of finding your lost friend.

Boat Safety

Don’t forget to put a flotation vest on your dog. Although dogs are natural swimmers, they can tire easily and may drown. Flotation vests are especially important for dogs who are prone to seizures and other medical problems or who are new to boating.