Preparing Dog for Crate Travel

From LoveToKnow Dogs

Preparing a dog for crate travel is something best done well in advance of your trip.

Dog in crate

Mission: Preparing Dog for Crate Travel

My husband and I will be moving from Hawaii to Florida in approximately six weeks. We are planning on flying to California and then driving across the country. We have a small dog who will fit into a Sherpa under-seat bag for the airline flight.

I'm wondering what tips/instructions you may have for getting him used to his carrier as he has never used a crate or been confined before for any period of time.

Thanks~~ Chas

Expert Reply

Hi Chas,

You can begin to prepare your dog for the journey now by having him spend small amounts of time in the carrier. Begin by placing your dog in it for about 10 minutes at a time, several times each day. You can give your pet a biscuit to make the experience more pleasant.

Once this is going smoothly, take your dog for a drive around the block inside of the carrier. You can do this several times, increasing the length of the journey each time. All of this should condition your dog to accept the time he must spend in the carrier as normal, and this will lessen the stress of travel.

Now for the car journey to Florida. The Sherpa bag is great for a carry-on during the flight, but it's not the safest way for your dog to travel across the country. I recommend that once you hit California you make a stop at a pet supply store and purchase a plastic airline crate. This will give your dog more room than the bag, and will provide a lot more protection in the event there's an accident.

One final thought... You may have already spoken with your airline about preparations for your dog's travel, but if you haven't, be sure to call right away. You may find you need to provide proof of vaccinations and health.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you have a safe journey.

~~ Kelly

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Comments

Hi Erin,

I believe every dog should travel in a crate for safety's sake. Will you be traveling by van? If so, maybe you can position the crate so your dog won't see the scenery passing by yet still get enough air flow.

One of the best things you can do is start training your pet for the treck now. First, set up the new travel crate in the house and train her to use it. This will at least eliminate crate anxiety. Once this is accomplished, put the crate in your vehicle and let your dog sit in it for awhile without moving the cars. Be sure not to do this in warm weather. Don't even close the car door, just hang around doing stuff in the yard like it's no big deal. Once your dog accept being in the crate in the car, you can progress to short drives. Gradually lengthen the drives so she gets used to a longer ride.

When the real trip comes, make sure you have plenty of dog biscuits and chew toys on hand to give your dogs something to do during the journey. Also make plenty of rest stops so they can stretch their legs and exercise.

For more tips, visit our category on Dogs and Travel. There are articles about car travel and pet friendly hotels. Thanks for your question, and best wishes for a safe journey.

-- Contributed by: Kelly

Hi Kelly-- We are moving with our two dogs across the country (Virginia to California) in December. One of our dogs is fabulous in the car- curls up and goes to sleep. The other one is a nervous wreck and I hate to sedate her for long periods of time (this will be about 5 days of driving)... I am considering getting a travel crate to put in the car, because I do not want her to chew the whole car up while we are eating or whatever- or the hotel room when we need to go out!!! Please help me figure out what to do with my poor super anxious dog!

-- Contributed by: Erin

Hi Kelly,

My family & I are planning to traveling to Greece for the summer, for about 2 months. The problem is we have a 8 yr old Bichon that we plan on taking with us. Would he be able to handle to heat?

  • Hi Nina,

I think you would definitely need to make sure your dog was protected from the heat. I'm not sure what kind of plans you have made so far, but make sure the accomodations are pet friendly and equipped with air conditioning so you can leave your dog in your room when the weather is at its hottest.

Although I don't believe this particular carrier is airline approved yet, the Komfort Pets climate controlled carrier can help keep your dog cool if you take him out for a drive. Additionally, be sure you bring along water for your dog wherever you go so you'll always be assured of a supply.

I also think you might find our article on Dog Air Travel helpful for planning the trip.

Thanks for your question, and I hope you have a wonderful time in Greece.

-- Contributed by: Nina
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