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Traveling With Your Goldendoodle
Last updated on December 21, 2021
By Brenda Schlabach
Can you travel with a Goldendoodle? Absolutely! But what about air travel? And what if my dog hates car rides?
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In this article we'll share some pointers on traveling with your Goldendoodle, whether it's a trip to the grocery store or a trip across the country.
If your Doodle just simply can't stand rides? We've also provided some tips on how you can make travels with your Doodle as stress-free as possible, plus a few steps you can take to help your pet overcome his "backseat woes".
Road Trips
If you're planning on traveling with your Goldendoodle long distance, you'll need to pack for your dog's needs ahead of time. Don't just assume you'll be able to get everything you need during your trip. Car travel, especially long road trips, requires some forethought and planning.
5 Tips For Car Traveling With Your Goldendoodle:
1. Restrain your pet while driving. Dogs riding loose in the car can distract the driver. The safest way for your Goldendoodle to travel is in a carrier in the back seat or the trunk of your vehicle.
If having your dog in a crate isn't an option, there are other ways to restrain your dog in the car, such as a pet harness that attaches to a seatbelt.
2. Find out the rules before you go. Will your Doodle be welcome at your destination? Will the dog be allowed at any places you may be stopping along the way?
If your trip includes overnight stays at motels or campgrounds, call ahead to make sure your dog is welcome. Find out what the rules are before you arrive.
3. Pack a travel bag for your dog. Make sure to include your Doodle's regular food and water; a sudden change of diet could cause digestive upsets. Other essentials include dog bowls, treats, a leash for exercise, any medications, and a few toys to keep your fur baby occupied.
Don't forget cleanup supplies, such as scoop and waste bags, plus a few extra towels, in case your Doodle gets wet or muddy.
If you're traveling across state or international borders, carry your pup's important documents; proof of vaccinations may be required, as well as his rabies certificate.
5. Identify your Goldendoodle. Make sure your dog is wearing a collar and ID tags with your address and phone number on them. These are extremely important, in case your pet should become lost.
Note: Never ever take your dog with you if he's going to have to stay in a closed car for very long. Even if the outdoor temperatures seem pleasant, the inside of a car can still reach fatally high temperatures if the sun is shining. Think ahead. If there's a chance that the dog will be left in a car for more than a few minutes, leave your 'Doodle at home.
"My Dog Dislikes Car Rides. Now What?"
Traveling with your Goldendoodle should be an adventure for everyone. Most Doodles are ecstatic at the chance to be going places with you, but sometimes anxiety or motion sickness can make a dog come to dislike rides.
To ensure that your pet will always be a willing traveler, ideally start when he's young to get him used to the car. Anytime you can take your dog with you, do it. Make car rides exciting and positive.
Take him for short rides that don't always end at the vet. How eager would you be to get in the car if you always ended up at the doctor's office?
Reward him with treats when he jumps into the car. Soon you'll have a pup that begs to go with you every time you pick up the car keys.
If your doodle just simply can't seem to enjoy riding along, he may be suffering from carsickness. Most puppies out grow motion sickness, but they might still associate the car with that nasty feeling.
Work towards gradually desensitizing your pup with positive association exercises to help him overcome this anxiety.
If you'd like to learn more about this topic, check out this helpful article.
Air Travel
Of course you'll still need to pack your doggy essentials, and have your Doodle wear his identification, but flying to your vacation destination requires different planning.
Manners, Manners.
Before you fly with your pup, take a few things into consideration. Is your puppy house trained and well mannered? Is he able to handle stress calmly? Preferably, your dog should to be crate trained, and willing to sit quietly for some period of time.
If your dog is not fond of car rides; is very energetic and high strung; or becomes an incessant barker under stress, leaving him at home might be in your best interest. Otherwise your flight will go from adventurous to stressful faster than you can say "Goldendoodle."
Double Check.
Every airline is different, and the rules change frequently, so double check with your specific carrier so there will be no surprises. All airlines have limits on when they will fly dogs as cargo, and some may have limits as to how many they will accept on any given flight.
Policies and prices also vary from airline to airline, and these are based on the carrier, the size of your dog, and your destination. Especially when flying internationally, double check to make sure you and your Doodle are welcome on the flight.
Smaller dogs are allowed in the cabin with you, if they can fit under the seats. Again it varies from different airlines, but there generally will be a fee, and your dog will be counted as a carry-on. Plan your route carefully and in plenty of time to avoid undue stress.
Note: When it comes to crossing international borders, countries differ on pet entrance regulations. Thoroughly research the rules of your destination country, to ensure you can meet all their requirements.
What You'll Need To Fly With Your 'Doodle
It's likely that you'll be required to bring a certificate of health from your vet to the airport. And this goes without saying, but make sure your pup is up-to-date with all his shots, and that he's wearing a collar and ID tags.
If your dog is riding cargo, you will need an airline-approved crate. Check with airline personnel about how and when your dog will be loaded, and where and when you can pick him up after you land.
If your dog is with you in the cabin, do not leave his food and water in the crate. It's best if they travel on an empty stomach to avoid accidents and vomiting. If your pup is well behaved, you might be able to hold him on your lap after the flight has taken off.
No matter how you choose to travel with your dog, keep your dog's health and safety in mind when planning your vacation.
Traveling with dogs certainly doesn't have to be stressful! Bottom line, if he loves going along on adventures, what better way to explore a new place than when traveling with your Goldendoodle!
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