Happy Tuesday, friends!
We are having an extra fun week because…Papa Jay and Lovie came to visit!
The six Shulls were oh so excited to pick them up from the airport yesterday. While we’re off enjoying my parents today, I have TWO Tuesday posts for you.
First up, nothing makes my girls want to craft or bake more than summertime. My kitchen is like a 24/7 diner. There is always something cooking or baking between those three. Kensington recently made my oldie but goodie SWEET TEA BARS recipe, so I’m resharing that recipe today (along with pics from her batch) as well today’s TRAVEL TUESDAY post!
Today, I’m sharing my thoughts on…
…TRAVELING WITH DOGS 🙂 .
Okay, this was a blog reader topic that I jotted down in early June. Today, my hope is to just encourage those of you who really want to travel with your dogs. I am certainly not an expert on this topic, but I am POSITIVE that many of you have way more experience than me. Hopefully, between all of us, we can reassure/encourage/answer a few questions on the topic should you want to/have to travel with your dogs.
Poppy is our only Texas-born pup, which means that the other three all began their lives with the Shull family…
…with a flight. Look at teeny tiny Yankee nestled next to Andrew on her flight from Ohio to Texas to join our family!
Other than bringing them home, we never traveled with our dogs on airplanes until 2023 when we moved up to Nantucket for the summer…
…and I was VERY apprehensive about traveling with my dogs. As you know, I am literally that annoying dog mom who smothers them with snuggles and kisses and thinks they are the cutest/sweetest/most precious and amazing animals the good Lord ever created. I am obsessed with my dogs.
I also sometimes consider punting all four when the doorbell rings and they go bananas.
I had no idea which version of “dog” I was going to get on an airplane. Was I going to get my chill, calm, quiet and adorable dogs? Or was I going to get the Tasmanian devil versions?
I would imagine that this is a concern many of you have too. Let me be the first to tell you, my dogs have been nothing short of AMAZING when we’ve flown with them but that does not mean that the next time, they won’t act a fool. They’re animals…they’re unpredictable. I think all we can do is hope for the best, prepare in advance, and give it a go.
Here we are at DFW Airport with Frenchie, Yankee and Charlie in June making our way back up to Nantucket.
So, here are my tips should you be thinking about this too…
#1: TALK TO YOUR VET
First and foremost, check with your vet. No matter what type of traveling you’re planning on doing with your dogs, check with the vet first. Not only does your vet need to assess your individual dog’s physical and emotional health prior to travel, but you also need to make sure you’re caught up on all of the appropriate vaccines, flea medicine, etc. before you travel.
#2: TALK TO YOUR AIRLINE
Airlines need to know that you’re bringing your dog before you arrive at the airport with said dog. Call and make sure your pet is added to your reservation as soon as you know you want to fly with your dog. There are restrictions on how many pets can fly at a time (depending on the airline, type of aircraft, duration, etc), so make sure there is room on board for your pet (and it’s not already too full) before you show up. This is also a great time to ask the airline how much the price will be for your pet. There are fees when flying with pets, so make sure you know that info up front. Also make sure you ask them how they want you to travel with your pet (in a carrier or on a leash).
#3: PACK THE RIGHT SUPPLIES
We always bring an empty bowl for food or water, a little baggie of dry dog food, a few bully sticks (it keeps them occupied for a long time), a leash, a big stash of paper towels (for a variety of reasons, it’s nice to have paper towels), a few plastic grocery sacks (great for gathering up messes and getting them cleaned up quickly), and a several doggie poop bags. Make sure your pet carrier is TSA approved as well.
#4: CONSIDER THEIR LAST MEAL/BEVERAGE
Depending on when our flight departs depends on when we pick up their food and water. Obviously, we don’t want them to be dehydrated or super hungry (neither will make for a super content pup on a plane), but we also don’t want to feed them a huge meal and give them an excessive amount of water right before flying. Not only are we trying to prevent a lot of extra potty-ing, but we are also trying to prevent nausea as well. Too much to eat/drink could affect them on a boat/plane/car.
#5: RESEARCH YOUR AIRPORT/DESTINATION
Do a quick Google search and check out the pet options at any airport you’re visiting with your dog. They each do things a little differently. In Boston, for example, they have rooms designed specifically for pets to potty. They’re placed throughout the airport in all of the terminals. I know that some airports have green spaces for pets and others have nothing for pets (so you need to actually leave security to take them outside). Nothing makes this Type-A person feel better than a plan…so I like knowing the pet plan in advance.
#6: CARRY ON LESS
Keep in mind that your pet carrier counts as one of your carry on items, so don’t show up with a purse, a tote and a pet carrier…because that’s three things.
So, just a little “pet pep talk” should you want to travel with your furry friend anytime soon.
Feel free to ask me questions…I might not know the answers, but I feel pretty positive others can chime in and help.
I am off to spend the day with my sweet parents. I hope you have a terrific Tuesday!
I’ll see you tomorrow! xx
Elspeth Mizner says
God bless you for traveling with dogs! You make it look easy!
http://www.elspethsdaybyday.com
Dana P says
Whew! This is one that I feel like is really specific, but hard to find correct information about. We have traveled internationally countless times with our pets, so I’ll add the things that might help someone else, too. In no certain order:
-Even with the largest crate size for our English mastiff, it was still only $400 for her to fly under the plane. But we also had to buy a massive crate, get an international health passport, and get her meds to keep her calm but not sedated. I would never recommend traveling internationally unless you’re actually moving, to be honest.
-The pet health passport means they need a well check within 10 days of leaving. You also need to find a USDA certified vet, which is getting harder and harder to do. There are a lot of specific details that you really have to follow to a T.
-Traveling with cats is easier. We found that only one airline was still allowing them internationally the last time we moved in 2023, but that may have changed. It’s about $200 now per flight, at least from the US to Europe. There are also limits as to how long they can be on the plane.
-Zylkene is just a milk enzyme of some sort, but you can give it to your pet starting about 10 days out to help with anxiety. We’ve done it with and without and think it really does work!
-Be sure if you’re traveling with cats that you have a litter box ready to go as soon as you land.
I mostly would just want people to know that if you’re moving to Europe at least, you might be able to keep your pet! It has made all the difference in the world to us to be able to have the consistency of family pets over the years. Our 17 year-old cat has been with us since our first vision trip 17 years ago!
Mix and Match Mama says
Dana, you are amazing! THANK YOU!!!!
Lynn says
I agree with all of this. We moved overseas with 2 big dogs (Europe is very dog-friendly, btw!!), and it’s an entirely different story when they’re large breeds that can’t fly in the cabin with you. Check with the airline and see if they have restrictions on the time of year you’re flying. Since the belly of the plane (where all the luggage and large animals go) isn’t climate-controlled, they usually won’t let animals fly underneath during the hot summer months. There are also specific crates you have to use that are approved by the airlines.
One more tip…for long-haul flights, freeze water in a bowl beforehand so it can melt throughout the flight and keep them hydrated instead of splashing out right away.
Paula Hobbs says
Have the BEST time with your parents! So sweet that they get to be there this week.
Sarah DeWald says
Oh my goodness. The pup in the car window is the most adorable thing ever. Now this non-pet person really really wants one!
Allison says
“I am certainly not an expert on this topic, but I am POSITIVE that many of you have way more experience than me.” What a missed opportunity for an all caps PAWSITIVE 😂😂😂 jk. Great tips!! And even greater pictures of all the cute pups.
Mix and Match Mama says
Well dang, you’re right! Hahahahaa!
Paula says
Thank you for this post! It comes days before I am picking up the new puppy. These hints put my mind at ease.
Laura Holmes says
Have so much fun with your parents! I hope an another Red Sox game is in your near future!
Patty Anderson says
Our kids lived in Cambodia for 5 years and took their pup with them and brought him back at the end. I was amazed at how well he did, although he did develop a dislike for peanut butter since that’s how they gave him anxiety meds. He was able to travel in a carry-on instead of in the belly of the plane. And honestly, having him with them overseas for those five years made their transition easier, too.
Jessica says
Random tip, if you travel with carryon pets, they will check your hands for gun powder residue. Apparently, they’re making sure you didn’t stuff your pet’s tummy with explosives. Also, note the pet will have to come out of the carrier to go through TSA so the bag can be scanned. This was never an issue with my dog but I can imagine it may be tricky with a cat as they feel safer in the carrier and the security checkpoints are quite hectic.
My little Chiweenie racked up about 50 flights in her 13 year life. We never once had any issues, accidents or disturbances and I didn’t medicate her. I think she enjoyed it too as “airport” was one of her happy words. She’d eagerly jump in her carrier the moment I got it out and she’d often choose to sleep in it the night before just to make sure I didn’t forget her.
Dee says
We don’t even have.a pet anymore but I really enjoyed reading your tips! We’re in our “go go” years for traveling and it’s just easier when you don’t have a pet.