From VVDaily Press
With COVID restrictions relaxing, it’s a great time to get away with your canine pal — so long as you prepare
By Joan Merriam
For the Victorville Daily Press
Now that we’re no longer mandated to stay at home and the weather is still good, this is the perfect time to travel, and there are even more opportunities for including your furry companion in your plans.
Before you go, however, consider whether or not your dog actually likes car rides. While some dogs are deliriously, head-over-paws happy to hit the road with their humans, others pant, pace, drool and even become physically ill when facing a car ride. If your dog would rather be anywhere other than in the car, it’s probably best to leave her at home with a pet-sitter.
Naturally, planning ahead is the key to a successful getaway with your canine companion. Make copies of vaccination certificates and anything else related to specific health conditions. Don’t forget to pack medications, a dog first-aid kit and your veterinarian’s contact information.
Other essentials: Food, treats, water, toys, a leash, poop bags and, perhaps, a travel-sized dog bed. Bring along a current photo of your pup in case the worst happens and you become separated.
For even more foolproof identification, get your dog microchipped.
Many dogs love to ride with their heads lolling out the window, so invest in a pair of dog goggles. There’s a practical reason for your dog to wear them: Take a look at your windshield, and imagine that same debris flying into your dog’s unprotected eyes.
Insist that your dog wear a crash-tested car harness every time he’s in the car. Think about it: If you’re cruising down the highway at 65 mph and have to slam on the brakes, your dog is nothing less than a guided missile on a collision course with the front windshield. The chances of him surviving such an impact are miniscule. Alternatively, have him ride in a crate or carrier, and secure it so it won’t slide in the event of an abrupt stop.
Never let your dog ride in the front passenger seat unless you’ve disabled the airbag, and if you opt to have your dog in the back of a pickup, California law requires that they be either crated or cross-tied (the Humane Society estimates that 100,000 dogs are killed each year in accidents while riding in truck beds).
Do advance research to ensure that where you’re staying is dog-friendly. In other words, don’t try to sneak Fido or Fifi in under the cover of darkness. There are dozens of websites that can tell you who does and doesn’t allow dogs: DogFriendly.com, PetsWelcome.com and BringFido.com are several examples. Additionally, most hotels, motels, campgrounds and RV parks list their dog policies on their websites.
Once you reach your destination, the same guidelines apply: Know where dogs are and aren’t allowed. While most national parks — Yosemite, for instance — disallow dogs on any trails. Leashed dogs are permitted in most California state parks, though. You’ll find dozens of dog-friendly beaches along the coast, and even some where your dog can run free.
If you’re heading for a city, many are renowned for being exceptionally dog-friendly: Carmel comes to my mind immediately. Others in the west include San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Seattle, Las Vegas, Austin, Boulder and Denver. Again, do your homework before you plan your trip to make sure you and your dog will be truly welcome.
Travel can be fun for everyone, including your furry best friend — so hit the road!
Joan Merriam lives in Northern California with her Golden Retriever, Joey; Maine Coon cat, Indy; and the abiding spirit of her beloved Golden Retriever, Casey, in whose memory this column is named. You can reach her at joan@joanmerriam.com.
