Any dog lovers here who like to travel?

[Schfifty Five]

Why no flying? Most airlines will allow pets to be checked or even in the cabin. Only exception I know of is you cannot fly a pet into the UK pretty much at all. Unless they are a service animal.

It's pretty miserable for the pets to be in the cargo area of a plane. It's most likely hot, loud, and no water. It just seems like a cruel thing to do.

Now don't get me wrong, sometimes you have to fly your pet somewhere and there's no other option besides checking them in, but for the OP, it sounds like it would be a frequent yearly thing which would not be good for the dog.

 

[EagleKeeper]

For short time period - 3-4 days, there are pet "hotels" at about $20-50 / day depending on extras.

You can board them longer, but I would feel for the pet. At that point, find someone to keep an eye on the pet or drop it off with a friend/family where it can get attention.

We, at the most, do a long weekend but both cockers are together, makes it easier on them.

However, our dogs also have about 30K miles under their collars - we take them for business trips that will last a couple of weeks to months. They can be left alone for a long night, but that is it. Any more, we will ask someone to look in on them or board them.

PetSmart has some locations with pet hotels, there will also be kennels all over that will board the dogs. Check out the place first to see if you like it and then let the pet get acquainted with it before you depart.

 

[skyking]

We are going to Hawaii for a week, end of April, and are struggling to find a good sitter for our dog. Our neighbors used to do it, but they have added 4 ferrets and now an immature pit bull who does not know the meaning of no. He plays too rough and it could escalate.
Jut an FYI on the realities of being a good pet person.

 

[JMorton6]

It's pretty miserable for the pets to be in the cargo area of a plane. It's most likely hot, loud, and no water. It just seems like a cruel thing to do.

Now don't get me wrong, sometimes you have to fly your pet somewhere and there's no other option besides checking them in, but for the OP, it sounds like it would be a frequent yearly thing which would not be good for the dog.

Actually I think you can get sleeping pills so that the dog sleeps through the flight.

 

[AreaCode707]

What kind of travel do you do? If you're willing to change your travel lifestyle, you might consider taking your dog with you.

If you are thinking of getting a dog and leaving it behind for long stretches of time, and you aren't leaving it with a part of your family that it can be equally bonded with, don't do it. Dogs can feel abandoned and you will have a dog that eventually becomes neurotic and anxious from the lack of stability in his life. It's a very cruel thing to do to a pack animal who loves you unconditionally and wants nothing more than to be with you.

Sleeping pills for a dog is a terrible idea. Animals are very sensitive to anesthetics and there is a relatively high degree of risk when you put them under.

 

[skyking]

Mine had a seizure after using a "doggie Downer". I told the vet and they said "oh yes, that can happen"
My bro is taking Rocky for me, yay!
OP, take areacode707's advice.

 

[ViviTheMage]

When I take 2-3 long trips, I drop the dog off at my GF's parents...she loves dogs, has 40 acres in SD. It works for us...some people don't have that ability though.

 

[Cookie]

If I'm driving my dog comes with me, because he looooooves road trips.

If I'm flying he stays in a kennel outside the city which he seems to love based on how excited he is when we go there. In 2 and a half years he's only been there 3 times. Once for 9 days, once for 1 day, and once for 5 days. It's about $28/day I think.

My only other option is if my ex stays over and watches him while I'm gone. I don't really trust anyone else to be reliable enough and to have enough time to take care of him.

IMO if you want to travel that often you shouldn't get a dog. It'll cost you a lot and the dog will likely feel abandoned. I want to take a 2-3 week trip next September where it will not be possible or safe for him to come and I'm already trying to figure out what to do with him while I'm away.

 

[cave_dweller]

Yes but I normally leave my girlfriend at home.