Purple and Paws Years ago when my family’s mutt and Jack Russell were still alive, we’d take road trips to San Diego and never once did we consider bringing the dogs (to be fair, my dad did suggest it a few times but my sister and I were not thrilled about the prospect of entertaining Misty and Patch for six hours in the backseat). Fast-forward to present day and my dog, Socks, has been to San Diego twice.
Vacationing with your dog doesn’t have to be a horrible, stressful experience but there are some things you should do and not do if you’re taking Fido to a new place.
Do Make Sure the Rental is Dog-Friendly
This is a no-brainer but it’s worth repeating: check to make sure the place you’re renting allows dogs. Vacation rental websites these days are pretty clear when pets are and aren’t allowed but it doesn’t hurt to double-check with the owner that your dog is allowed to stay there. Nothing would be worse than showing up to your place after hours of driving only to find out it’s not pet-friendly.
Do Give Your Dog a Chance to Explore
As soon as you get to your digs, let your dog explore the yard and the house so he can get used to his surroundings. I’ve been lucky with Socks in that he settles in quickly wherever we go after a nice, long sniff around the perimeter. Not all dogs are as chill and laid back as Socks, though, so if your four-legged pal is nervous or upset about the changes, try to calm him by showing him around.
Don’t Leave Your Dog Alone in the House
Most owners mention this in the rental agreement and for good reason: leaving your dog alone in a strange place is never a good idea. Even if he seems fine and you’re just heading out to grab a quick lunch, you have no idea what could happen in those 30 or 40 minutes you’re gone. He could panic and destroy something or figure out how to open a window or door, try to follow you, and get lost. Make things easier by always having someone stay with him. It’s much better to be safe than sorry.
Don’t Forgot the Necessities
We tend to take for granted all the miscellaneous knick-knacks our dog needs to function, so don’t forget to pack the important things in the car before you leave: food, treats, bowls, toys, and poop bags. Make a list of everything your dog needs/uses throughout the day and be sure to pack it all.
Vacationing with your dog is a fun adventure and once you do bring Fido along, you’ll never want to leave him at home again!
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