Tips for travelling with Fido

Be sure to paws frequently to smell the, umm, roses
Elizabeth Payne, The Ottawa Citizen
Published: Saturday, July 12, 2008

When it comes to dogs, the world is divided into two groups: Those who prefer pooches to be seen and not heard, and those who would rather put Aunt Dorothy in a kennel for a week than submit Rover to such an indignity.

Before you head on vacation this summer, be forewarned: The latter group is growing, and that means you will be sure to encounter dogs on your holiday, whether you are staying at a fine hotel or in a remote campground. Whether that is a good thing or a bad thing depends not only how you feel about dogs, but how well-prepared the dog owners you encounter are to take their canine friends on vacation.

That's where Daniela Sodero comes in. The British Columbia-based dog trainer and host of the television show At the End of My Leash travels frequently with her dog Rudy, a schnauzer-poodle mix. He is small enough that he can usually travel in a soft kennel that is carry-on luggage size and, when she flies, can be placed under the seat. In fact, that is how he travelled to Eastern Canada where Sodero and Rudy were on a media blitz offering dog owners tips to make travel safer and more pleasant this summer.
Dog trainer and TV host Daniela Sodero's dog, Rudy, is small enough to travel in a soft kennel that is the size of carry-on luggage and, when she flies, can be placed under the seat. More and more people are travelling with their dogs.View Larger Image View Larger Image
Dog trainer and TV host Daniela Sodero's dog, Rudy, is small enough to travel in a soft kennel that is the size of carry-on luggage and, when she flies, can be placed under the seat. More and more people are travelling with their dogs.

"More and more people are living with dogs ... they are part of the family and they don't want to leave their pooches behind," said Sodero.

At the same time, the world of travel has opened up to dogs dramatically in recent years. Many hotels, including some surprisingly glamorous ones, now accept dogs.

In addition to taking the dog along on a roadtrip to the beach or cottage (make sure dogs are welcome first), there are even trips aimed specifically at dogs and their owners -- from canoe trips in Algonquin Park (Dog Paddling Adventures at www.dogpaddlingadventures.com), to daytrips to Dog Mountain, the St. Johnsbury, Vermont homage to canines by artist Steve Huneck that features a dog chapel, walking trails, a dog pond and lots of doggie art. Dogs are encouraged to take in all the sites. There are also summer camps for people and their dogs and working holidays for dogs, such as sheep herding.

But dogs are also sharing human summer holidays and Ms. Sodero wants to make sure their owners are as prepared as possible.

Keeping your pet healthy requires some thought when travelling.

Heat is the biggest concern. Although it sometimes seems convenient, Ms. Sodero warns that dogs should never be left in the car in the summer. Plan your trip so that you can take your pet with you when you stop for breaks -- if necessary, get a take-out sandwich and eat it in the park. And shaving a dog to keep it cool in the summer can be dangerous, she says. Fur offers shade and some insulation from the heat.

On a road trip, you should stop about every three hours to give your dog a rest and water break. Take a portable water dish in the car and one that fits in your pocket for hikes. Before leaving, exercise your dog well so that he will sleep through much of the trip. There are even doggie anti-nausea drugs available to treat a common ailment of travelling dogs.

If you are crossing into the U.S., make sure your dog's rabies vaccines are up to date and you have a record of his most recent shot.

Travel overseas can be more complicated. Airlines have specific regulations about kennel sizes and large dogs will have to travel in the cargo hold. Some countries require dogs to be quarantined. Check with airlines and embassies.

And ask questions when you are booking a dog-friendly hotel room. Some hotels charge an extra fee. Some require dogs to be kenneled in the room and others will not allow dogs to be left alone in the room.

When you arrive at your destination, you will also encounter various levels of dog accessibility. In Calgary, Ms. Sodero says, Rudy can travel on the transit system for the price of an adult fare. In Toronto, taxis have to accept a fare -- even with a dog, she says -- but they may require you to keep the dog in a kennel.

Travel with a dog requires research and, even then, you may have to adjust your plans to accommodate your furry friend. But growing numbers of dog owners wouldn't have it any other way.

© The Ottawa Citizen 2008