Traveling with pets isn’t impossible if you already have them, but in many ways it’s easier to travel without pets. While you shouldn’t be discouraged from getting pets (assuming you are responsible enough to take care of them) while you’re frequently traveling might not be the best time.
There are several items on this checklist to carefully consider before getting a dog if you’re a frequent traveler. Seriously consider each one, it’s in the best interests of your future pets, yourself, and your travels.
1. How Much Do I Really Travel?
Frequent travelers often underestimate the actual amount of time they spend traveling and the number of trips they take each year. While most dogs can be adapted to love life on the road, puppies and rescued animals with troubled pasts will certainly need extra time and attention when you first get them. It’s important to set aside a period of at least 1-3 months in the same location where you can train and establish a routine for your dog.
2. Can You Afford It?
Dogs of all different sizes require shots, checkups, and vaccinations upfront and then the continued expense of food, toys, and accessories (i.e. Frontline Plus Flea Protection for dogs 23-44 lbs). Recalculate your simple travel budget and call nearby vets to get some quotes on medical care, vaccinations, and to get recommendations on the type of food to buy. Then go online and look up prices for bones, food, and other accessories for your pet. Take these expenses and double them.
3. Is It Possible To Improve Your Planning Skills?
If you’re already a good planner, that’s great – for everyone else who likes making arrangements last minute you’re going to have to learn to plan well, at least for your pet. Consider that you’ll have to make additional arrangements to fly with a dog or have them taken care of while you’re away, research airline, local, and national requirements regarding the transportation of animals, and prepare your dog for a road trip or flight.
Be Honest With Yourself
Don’t try to make things easier on yourself by fudging the answers to this first set of important questions. Taking care of any pet begins well in advance of bringing your new dog home. It’s important for the well being of everyone involved (and your travels) to be honest with yourself and take the time to come up with accurate answers.
When you feel you might be having trouble doing that, ask a friend to look over your answers to these questions to give yourself a reality-check. In Part 2 I’ll give you 3 more important questions to ask yourself before adding a dog to your journey.
[photos by: dakotaduff, iklash, emarquetti, left-hand]
