Cockapoo NACR Information on Traveling with Your Cockapoo

Things to consider when traveling with your cockapoo - no particular order of importance
 

Get a veterinary check up and obtain a health certificate. Be sure vaccinations are up to date and your pup is flea free
If traveling by car - be sure your pup has car experience and does not get car sick. At any stop be sure the leash is attached to your pup before you open the car door to prevent a lost pet in unfamiliar territory. Taking a recent photograph of your pup with you will be a great help should you become separated.

Do not leave your pup unattended in the car - period. Heat can build up in a few minutes and be fatal also theft of cute cockapoos ( and others less cute ) is not uncommon at all. Keep to your pups regular bathroom schedule.  When a "pit" stop is needed for your pup - do not use the rest area - pet area. Think about the number of dogs that have been there before and the potential for disease. It is easy to find an exit with a closed or abandoned business where you can walk your pup. Or out behind a truck stop. DO pick up after your pup though anywhere as that is common courtesy.

Check ahead with motels - many changes occur in business and guidebooks are quickly outdated Request a room away from the pool and vending machines as they have less distraction for your pup to bark at. Bring extra sheet to cover furniture so your pup will not leave unwanted hair for the next occupant. Be sure to wipe muddy feet before taking your pup into the room. Check ahead at attractions you plan on seeing - many such as Seaworld and Disney world have kennels for visitors and some may require a reservation. ( see links and list of major attractions that offer pet services ) Bring your own water - changes of water can cause diarrhea and that is not fun for anyone to travel with. Crate your  pup if you leave them in the hotel room to prevent an accidental escape or frightened maid. When walking your dog for a "pit" stop at the hotel be sure to go well away from common areas and remember to pick up after. A gallon sandwich bag turned inside out makes a good glove and disposal bag.

Be sure your pup has good I.D. - tags as a minimum and microchipping for added protection On the beach be considerate of your pups feet - sand is hot! Check the sand - if it is hot to your hand it is hot to your pups feet. Carry your pup or get cooling booties. Take an umbrella for your pup - while you may want to get sunburned your pup may not want to be overheated. Light colored dogs noses can sunburn apply a protective lotion. Take fresh water for your pup - salt water is not good for anyone to drink

When camping in the woods - check for ticks on you and your pup several times a day. To remove a tick - grasp with tweezers firmly but not hard enough to kill the tick and turn counter clockwise while pulling gently - this will get the whole ticks head and all most of the time as tick screw themselves in. Swab to skin where the tick was with alcohol. Be aware of snakes in the woods - a wonderful attractant to most pups.

When traveling on the airlines try to book morning or evening flights to avoid the heat of the day for your pups comfort and safety while being transferred with the baggage as dogs are considered cargo even though they do get special handling they will be outside for a little bit. Smaller dogs can go as hand carried luggage and fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Check with the airlines for each flight you will be on as dimensions allowed will vary. Consider a soft sided carrier. You will need a health certificate no more than 10 days old for the airlines - some airlines require less than 7 days. You may bring an approved crate or purchase one at the cargo area when bringing your pup - that will be yours to keep. Do not put anything like a leash in the crate with your pup to get tangled in. NEVER give tranquilizers before a flight as there may be deleterious side affects at altitude.

Visit www.doortosummer.com and see the pet section for places to go and acceptance of dogs. Another useful site to visit is www.lucy-the-dog.com/merchant/travel2.htm for a list of dog friendly hotels and remember to verify the accurateness of these. Use common sense and you and your pup may have a wonderful vacation together.
 



Last updated 04/05/00      © Inclusive from 1999, NACR. All rights reserved. No portion may be reproduced without permission.