Tip #8  --  Traveling With Your Westie

 

Taking your Westie with you on a family vacation or outing can be fun for both you and your dog, provided you have carefully planned.  Before taking a trip with your Westie make sure he is healthy with up-to-date vaccinations.

 

Travel can be taxing and your dog should be in good health to deal with the new or stressful situations.  Make sure your Westie is wearing a collar with his ID, license and rabies tags in case of separation.

Restraining Your Pet While Traveling

Car Sickness in Pets

 

Don’t limit your dog’s car rides to only “bad” things such as going to the groomer and the vet.  Make sure most of the dog’s car rides are happy trips so that the dog will look forward to going in the car.  Bring along a favorite toy to make your dog feel secure.  It is a good idea to always carry water in the car for your dog.  And of course, bring your dog's own food when you embark on lengthy trips.

 

Be careful about leaving your dog in the car alone.  Besides extremes in temperature that can endanger your dog, there is also the risk of dog theft.

 

Traveling With Westies By Car

Traveling With Westies

 

Westies on the Move

Summer Travel Tips

Airline Travel

 

If you decide to travel with your dog by air, consult with the airline to make reservations and arrangements well ahead of time.  This is essential if you hope to avoid last minute problems.

 

Each airline has specific limitations on the number of animals that may travel in the cabin.  Check the requirements of your airline to determine if your dog can travel in a soft-sided carrier that can be kept under a seat in the cabin or if he must travel in cargo inside a crate.  Be sure to obtain the airline's allowable pet carrier dimensions.  Generally, the under-the-seat travel carrier must meet the airline’s specific standard and be large enough for your Westie to comfortably stand up, turn around and lie down.  Be prepared to demonstrate this at check-in.

 

Take direct flights and try to avoid connections and layovers. Sometimes, this is easier to achieve if the trip is planned during the week.

 

Whether your Westie travels in the cabin or in cargo, obtain his airline travel container a week or two in advance. Familiarize your dog with it by placing him in it for a few minutes each day. Gradually lengthen the time until the your dog seems to be at ease with it.

Have your Westie examined by your veterinarian in advance of the trip, especially if it has been more than a few months since the last checkup. This is especially important for geriatric dogs. Travel by plane can pose a risk for dogs with pre-existing medical problems.

 

Be sure that you have written proof of current vaccinations and, where required, a health certificate. These cannot be obtained "after the fact." You must be able to present them on demand.

Make sure that your dog's flight carrier contains permanent identification, including your name, phone number, flight schedule, destination, and phone number at the point of destination.  Add "Live Animal" in big letters and information about any special care requirements.

Lisa Blutman, President of the SFBWHWTC, also works at the San Francisco International Airport as a screener.  Lisa has graciously offered to help answer your questions regarding airline travel with your Westies.  Please contact Lisa at lblutman@pacbell.net.

 

Traveling With Your Westie -- Fritz goes to Paris!

 

Flying Safely With Your Pets

Canine Travel Tips

 

Airline Policies for Dogs

Airlines and Pet Policies

Vacation Supplies for Your Pet

• Crate

• Collar, Leash, Harness

• An ID tag for your dog to wear during your holiday that has the hotel's phone number or your cell phone number. (Use it in addition to his regular tag)

• Bath Towels (very bad form to use the hotel's towels for the dog)

• Paper Towels

• Small plastic bags for picking up poop

• Medications

• Dog Food

• Bowls (one for food, one for water)

• Bottled water (for a single dog, the 1-liter size is handy to pack and readily available at any shop). Tap water away from home can upset a dog's system.

• Favorite Toys

• Dog Shampoo

• Dog Brush

• First Aid Kit

The following information should be attached to each dog's crate as well as maintained in the glove compartment of your car:

• A paper copy of your dog's vaccination records, especially rabies.

• Documentation of your dog's special needs and/or medications.

• Color photo of your dog and his microchip information.

• Your vet's phone number and two emergency contacts.

We recommend making a crate tag with the following emergency information:

Tips Index