Traveling on Car
1. If it's your dog's first time, do not go on long trips right away. Let them be acclimated to the ride by doing short trips first. Go to places where you know your dog will love to be in so that whenever you take them for a ride, it gives them a positive impression of it. This means that taking them to the vet on their first ride won't be a good idea.
2. Keep your dog safe and secure in a well-ventilated pet carrier. There are a variety of pet carriers available that comes in different styles too. But what you need to be more concerned about is how comfortable your dog will be in that carrier. It should be large enough for them to move around, sit, stand or lie down. Also remember to train them in the carrier first prior to the trip.
3. If your dog can't fit in a carrier, let them sit at the back of your car secured with a harness. Don't let them sit freely at the back of your car. Also, don't let them be in front of the car as it can not only cause a distraction to your driving, but also can cause injury if the airbag got deployed.
4. Feed your pet at least three to four hours prior to departure. This will have enough time for the food to be fully digested and not cause any problems along the way. Don't feed your dog on a moving vehicle even if it is a long drive.
5. Take frequent stops for rest and potty breaks. Ensure that you have the rest stops all planned out before the trip because you'll be needing a lot of it especially on long rides. Frequent stops, keep the potty breaks on schedule and helps your dog to rest and be ready for the trip.
Traveling on Plane
1. Before planning for a vacation abroad or a trip out of state, check to see if your pet is not brachycephalic. Snub-nosed dogs are more likely to die on a plane than regular nosed ones. Most airlines won't even allow these dogs on the plane because of this reason.
2. Small sized dogs are allowed to fly with you in the cabin provided that you have a carrier. If your dog isn't small enough to fit in the cabin, consider other transportation options first before deciding to place them in the cargo hold. Many dogs have died being placed in the cargo hold. If you don't have a choice and would need to travel on a plane, ensure tell the crew and the pilot that you have a live animal on board.
3. Use a pet carrier that passes airline restrictions. The carrier must be large enough for your dog, but small enough to fit in the cabin. If it doesn't fit in the cabin, it'll be brought in the cargo hold.
4. Book early. Most airlines allow a limited number of pets in flight, so make sure to also book your dog's ticket as early as you can. Don't buy a ticket unless you are sure that a seat for your pet is available.
5. Fly on a direct flight whenever possible. This keeps your dog less stressed and have a worry-free trip.