Keep Dog-Friendly Travel Easy and Affordable

by Nick Burton, Ourbestdoggo.com Guest blogger

If you’re planning your first trip with your dog, you may be feeling a little anxious. While traveling with pets is becoming more common, it can still be a challenge for dog owners to avoid extra expense and stress during those trips. You can take much of the hard work out of your own dog-friendly travels by following these stress-free tips from Veracious Voyager.

Pack Low-Cost Pet Travel Essentials That Won’t Break the Bank 

You know that no trip is ever complete without a few travel essentials. Stocking up on toiletries and snacks will keep you happy on the road, but what about your dog? Well, it turns out that having some basic travel gear (including compact and portable vacuums to help you keep things tidy) for your pup can make both you and him happy, too! Treats, travel bowls, and safety harnesses will all keep your furry best friend comfy and safe on those long trips, and you can shop online to keep costs under-budget. Plus, you can make those purchases even more budget-friendly by using some online discounts. You can use those savings to pick up a few essentials or even a top-rated training collar or pooper scooper to help pick up after your pup. It may also be a good idea to add some dog-friendly wipes to that list to keep pet odors from stressing you out on vacation. 

Choose Dog-Friendly Destinations That Are Budget-Friendly, Too

You can see so much of the world with your dog. If you want to keep things budget-friendly, though, you may be better off sticking with destinations that are closer to home. You can curb costs and still have fun with your dog by planning a short bus trip. 

Of course, there may be some places where your dog is not welcome, and that’s okay. If you need to leave your pup behind during your travels, check online for experienced local pet sitters who can take care of your dog while you explore on your own. There are so many dog sitters to choose from! Taking your dog on a trip nearby is not only cost-effective, but it also gives you both a chance to polish travel skills before you attempt a more ambitious road trip. 

Prepare Your Dog for Safe Bus Travels with a Check-up and Training 

If there’s one thing you should splurge on to get your dog ready for bus travel, it’s a wellness exam with your vet. You need to make sure your dog is healthy enough for whatever adventures you have planned, which could mean updating vaccinations or even investing in a microchip. Microchipping services are fairly inexpensive, with most averaging out to less than $50, and having a microchip can increase the chances of a reunion if your dog gets lost during your next bus trip!

Of course, if you want to lower the chances of your dog straying, you should also invest some time into a little obedience training. Before you hit the road with your dog, make sure he/she knows basic commands like “come” and “stay” so you can maintain control over your pup during your trip. If you plan on visiting any dog-friendly attractions, such as parks, restaurants, and pubs, you should also work on socializing your dog. Even older dogs can benefit from socialization training, which can make travel and public outings less stressful. 

Planning a trip with your pooch doesn’t have to mean adding extra costs or pressure. You just need to add some bus travel essentials to your packing and dog-friendly destinations to your itinerary. Most importantly, you need to add the right planning to save on stress and expenses, and then you can enjoy traveling with your pet. 

More insightful content is just a click away -- check out the many great articles on the Veracious Voyager blog!

Nick Burton is the co-creator of Our Best Doggo. Together with his wife, they are proud parents of three rescue dogs. After the passing of their 15-year-old lab/terrier mix dog, Willie, they decided to create this website to share all types of dog information and help people that are mourning the loss of a dog.