Can traveling for a longer period of time and being a Yorkie owner combine? The answer is: Certainly! Most airlines allow small dogs to travel in the cabin with their owners.
This is a great opportunity for you and your pet to enjoy some new sites and sounds together, but of course, it takes a bit of preparation on your part to make sure everything goes smoothly.
Yorkies are known for being loyal and courageous dogs. They are often very active and playful and make great companions for those who love to travel. Because they are so small, they are perfect for traveling in a car or on an airplane.
OK, so you decided to take your bestie with you. Now what? Before you panic, organize. It is easier than you imagine with a little bit of planning in advance (alright, maybe a bit more planning).
But it is totally worth it, we promise! We have prepared the most important 7 tips you should tackle to make traveling with your furry friend a breeze. You read that right, a breeze!
So, let’s dive deeper into the main things to consider when getting on the road with your Yorkie.
Go Through Your Airline’s Regulations
Check with your airline ahead of time to find out what their specific requirements are for travel with a pet. You’ll need to provide proof of vaccinations and a health certificate from your vet, and you may need to purchase a special carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.
This means the carrier should be size-appropriate and well-ventilated to ensure your pet will be comfortable throughout the flight.
Moreover, there are other things you should do to ensure you can fly with your dog without any issues. For instance, before your intended departure, it’s essential to get your Yorkie examined and prepare the medications they’ll need to ensure they’re healthy enough to travel with you.
Lastly, call your airlines before your scheduled departure to remind them that you’ll be traveling with a pet. Also, check with them if there are rules and regulations you might have missed. This way, you have peace of mind knowing you’ve complied with all the travel requirements for flying with a Yorkie.
Get Your Yorkie Used to Be in the Carrier Well Before Your Trip
Put their favorite toy or blanket inside and let them explore it and get comfortable with it. You don’t want them to be stressed out when it’s time to actually travel.
Always Bring Food, Water, Toys, and Treats
Make sure you are able to invest in a good travel bag that you can pack with your pet’s favorite food and toys, its favorite blanket, some paper towels, and wet wipes for any incidents that may come up during your trip.
Be Mindful of Your Buddy’s Feeding Schedule
On the day of travel, feed your dog a light meal a few hours before you leave to avoid any accidents in the carrier. You can also decide whether you want to feed your Yorkie in advance to ensure their stress levels aren’t exacerbated by a primary requirement such as food.
Use a Pet-Friendly Car Rental Service
One of the best decisions you can make is to select an appropriate car service with dog-friendly features. Your pet will appreciate having enough room, a spacious interior, and good climate control throughout the car.
ING Limo Service is one of the leading providers of pet-friendly transportation, offering a wide range of features and amenities to make your trip more enjoyable.
Their roomy and cozy vehicles are perfect for traveling with your furry friend, and a team of professional drivers is always happy to accommodate your needs.
Moreover, in order to control your pet’s comfort, you can take them on several rides in order to get used to the car, movement, and any other environmental factors. This introduces the next contributing aspect we will cover:
Keep Your Pet Safe and Comfortable
On top of everything, your dog’s welfare should be your first priority. So, bring medical documentation such as a vaccination list or microchip information to avoid any undesirable hassle and extra travel formalities.
Be sure that your pet has the latest check-ups and reduces any health risks on the road. Lastly, invest in a good dog seat, belt, and car seat mat for safety and protection.
And consider bringing a step in dog harness for your furry companion. It refers to a harness wherein your dog can step into it, and you wrap it over their shoulders and clip it at the back.
Generally, using a step-in harness is vital as it holds and lifts your dog without any hassle during travel. It’s also much safer to use than collars because the force and pressure from the leash aren’t focused on the vulnerable neck area, which may cause trachea collapse. Plus, having a step in harness when traveling with your dog can be an excellent idea since it enables them to move freely while maintaining their comfort and safety.
Keep Your Yorkie Entertained
There are a number of ways to keep your Yorkie’s attention entertained while traveling. Some of the most popular methods include providing them with their favorite toys and treats.
Once you’re on board, try to keep your Yorkie calm and relaxed. If they start to get anxious, put your hand in the carrier to pet them and reassure them.
You can also keep them occupied by talking to them and letting them sit up front with you so they can see out the window. Dogs love car rides, but it’s important to make sure that they are as comfortable as possible.
Lastly, don’t forget to bring enough toys to keep your Yorkie active and treats to reward their behavior. And of course, don’t forget to give them plenty of love and attention when you reach your destination, they definitely deserve all of it for behaving so well! And so do you!
With a little planning and preparation, traveling with your Yorkie can be a fun and enjoyable experience for both of you. Just make sure to do your research ahead of time and be prepared for anything. And most importantly, have fun!
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