Your dog is your constant companion at home, so why not when you are out on your travels?
Whether you have your own car or travel by public transport, there are plenty of opportunities to take your dog with you, but it pays to know the best things to do if you want to make sure you are safe. For example, if on public transport, you must remember that there are other passengers using the service, and make sure that your dog is kept under control at all times.
It’s also worth checking with the bus driver before you get on, as sometimes dogs may not be allowed if there are too many people already on the bus. Trains are a different proposition and dogs are generally welcome on most train networks in the UK. Again, please check in advance just in case they are not, and make sure you have adequate space for your dog and that other passengers are not affected.
Your dog is, of course, the best-behaved dog ever, but that does not mean it is safe to travel in a car with him or her sitting in the passenger seat! You need to have the dog in the back, or even in the space behind the back seats in a hatchback or estate, to be entirely safe and not be distracted when driving. This is as much for your safety as it is for that of other road-users, and there is some excellent information to be found in this interesting article about traveling in cars with dogs.
You should also make sure that you carry water and bowls with you so you can give the dog a much-needed drink during the journey, and if it is a long trip, make sure you stop for a drink, food and toilet breaks at sensible intervals. Also, remember that dogs can get travel sick too, so talk to your vet about appropriate pills that can prevent this and make sure you have some to hand. With everything prepared you can enjoy any journey with your beloved pets, and the fun and excitement that comes at the end of the trip.
If you are taking your dog on holiday, you will be sure to have the best fun. There are many dog-friendly options for accommodation in the UK, and after all, your dogs are part of the family too. If you are going to a coastal location, make sure that dogs are allowed on the beach; many beaches now have dog-free areas, so please respect the wishes of those who don’t want dogs running with them on the beach!
The key words are safety and control; keeping your dogs under control in the car or on public transport ensures everything is safe for both the dog, yourself and other passengers, so be sensible and follow our advice, and you will find that travelling with your dog adds another dimension to your holiday or day trip.
