Alternate corny post title: Taking the ooch out of traveling with your pooch
Many readers ask how we manage to bring Burger along on nearly every trip—from our Alaskan honeymoon to a recent Dallas road trip—so we’re sharing tips that work for us. When it comes to hotels, we made a short video explaining how we find pet-friendly properties and how we make sure Burger is comfortable and well-behaved when we leave him in the room to attend events (like weddings) that don’t include a puppy plus one. Watch the video below or view it on YouTube.
Road trips with a dog: The biggest tip is to consider your pet’s personality and whether they’ll actually enjoy the journey. Some dogs get carsick or experience severe anxiety from long travel; others—like Burger—absolutely love it. We started taking Burger on short drives when he was a puppy to get him used to the car, and gradually increased the trip lengths. With patient, consistent exposure and positive reinforcement, many dogs learn to relax and sleep during long drives.
Before long road trips, take a few shorter test drives, bring familiar bedding or a favorite toy, and plan regular stops for potty breaks, water, and brief walks. Secure your dog safely with a harness, carrier, or travel restraint so they’re protected and you can drive without distraction. If your dog is prone to motion sickness, consult your veterinarian for strategies or medication.
Flying with your dog: Flying requires more preparation. Always call your specific airline in advance to confirm their current pet policies—airline rules and limits vary. Many carriers restrict the number of pets per flight, so reserve a spot as early as possible. Ask about required documentation; most airlines require a recent health certificate from your vet and have specific rules for carriers and crate dimensions.
Expect to pay a pet travel fee—typically between $50 and $100. There’s also a weight limit for in-cabin travel (often around 20 lbs), so larger dogs usually travel as checked baggage or cargo, which can be riskier due to temperature and handling concerns. Check whether the airline restricts travel to or from very hot or cold destinations and confirm their temperature policies to protect your pet.
For small dogs allowed in the cabin, carriers must be airline-approved and either fit under the seat or be held on your lap when permitted. Soft-sided carriers with breathable mesh are commonly accepted and comfortable for the pet. Burger typically sleeps through takeoff, the flight, and landing—so quietly that people sometimes don’t believe there’s a dog inside.
International travel: Taking dogs out of the country often involves more paperwork and health requirements, and some destinations require quarantine on arrival. Because of the added complexity and potential stress for the dog, we’ve kept our travels within the U.S. and Canada for now. If you plan international travel with your pet, start planning months in advance, consult your veterinarian, and verify entry requirements for your destination country.
Traveling with a dog can be wonderful with the right preparation: assess your dog’s temperament, build up travel tolerance gradually, confirm airline and hotel policies, and prioritize your pet’s comfort and safety. Happy travels with your pooch!