cross-country travel

[ward_hill]

I'm contemplating a cross-country driving trip, a sabbatical of sorts, accompanied by Buckley. The general idea is to drive across, see some sights along the way, then perhaps stay at various places along the California coast for a while, maybe a month or two. I've never traveled with a dog, and am seeking thoughts and advice from anyone who may have done this kind of thing.

To some extent, I'd be taking the scenic routes, avoiding the Interstates when practical.

 

[NessaM]

Make sure you call ahead to any hotels and check their pet policies, and pack a tent and sleeping bag just in case! *laughing*

http://www.bringfido.com/

http://www.dogfriendly.com/

It's also a good idea to search out and get directions to emergency services for pets - 24 hour hospitals located at regular intervals throughout your trip, for example. That's worst-case-scenario talk, of course, but it's way better to do the research and have the information than not, if you need it.

 

[R Taft]

We travel a lot with our dogs.........We have a trailer now with a dog crate under the bed for security if we ever have to leave them for short period.
But we used to travel many miles with just our Jeep and three dogs in the back harnessed in. Water water and more water.....it is important to have plenty of clean water to drink for the dogs. We carry large gallon bottles for "just in case times"......The food they are used to, which can be a bit difficult when you feed RAW like we do, but we manage. I just freeze and carry
You are lucky in The USA, becasue you have Hotels/Motels that allow pets. We have very few of those. So I would find out where the ones on my trip were.
Good leashes/collars of the non slip variety. We also have info (mobile phone number) tags on our dog collars. Our dogs also have RSPCA tailwaggers Club Tags, which means there is always a place that will take them in case something happens. We have RSPCA's all over Australia and when you belong to the club they have all the info as to what to do with the dogs in case something happens, say an accident or lost dog found.
We camp mostly and just chill out. Our dogs love to travel and just sleep. We have lots of pit stops, usually 2nd hourly. We keep to our routines of feeding, even if it means an extra stop. We go on lots of 5-7 hour one way trips and the dogs have never been an issue.........So much easier compared to taking our horses
Enjoy your trip, I am sure lots of people will have many more ideas Ronnie

PS we have a non tip bowl in the back for the dogs to drink out of. The water level stays low, but it has a lot of water in it

 

[NessaM]

Oh, and make certain you pack a canine first aid kit!!!

 

[JackandKelly]

We have stayed along the California coast with the dogs. There are many dog friendly places, especially near Carmel and Monterey. Even some dog friendly restaurants. We used to rent a house on a cliff overlooking the ocean for months at a time and they allowed the dogs. Carmel and Monterey are two of the most dog friendly towns I have visited. We take them everywhere when we are there.

Also Coronado Island is very dog friendly if you are going to be south. The Loews Hotel on the island allows dogs and pampers them. They even allowed us to leave the dogs in the room while we went to the San Diego zoo.
Here is a link to some boutique hotels, many of them allow pets.
http://www.slh.com/destinations/americas/luxury-boutique-hotels-usa/

Lastly for a different view, there is a great RV park on the water in Newport Beach that we have spent weeks at. They call it a 5 star resort. It's very nice
http://www.newportdunes.com/

 

[Bojie]

This is SO exciting! I LOVE traveling with Bojie, the longest we've done is from NJ to CO, but before that, we'd do the 12 hr trip down to NC in one day. I'm not sure how Buckely is in the car, but I sometimes forget that Bojie is in the car with me at all, he is so quiet. I plot out hotels along the way at places I think I'd like to stay, I always know where emergency vets are as well. (if you have an iphone there are tons of Apps for that- but if not, bringfido.com, dogfriendly.com, petswelcome.com are awesome sites for everything dog, not just where to stay). As long as I have a huge tub of his food (and know where the stores are that sell his brand to stop to buy more), and water, thats all I've learned Bojie really needs. If Buckley has you with him, he doesnt need much else! Also bring a list of current up to date vaccinations just in case you may need them for something. And an emergency first aid kit for him (and you) which includes Benadryl in case he gets stung by anything. There are really great places to stay with your dog all across america. I personally LOVE staying at B&Bs and small Inns with Bojie. My favorite chain hotel is Holiday Inn Express- no weight limit! Bring extra blankets to cover the beds where you stay if Buckley goes up on them. I'm so excited for you! I'd LOVE to do this. Check out Arayo's blog. They just did this very same thing, but from California to Newfoundland. www.arayosride.blogspot.com

 

[ward_hill]

thanks, everyone, for the great advice!

 

[BluwaterNewfs]

Check the places you want to visit, some allow the dogs but some don't and them you have a problem of what to with Buckley or not see the site.

 

[Subbie]

One of the best things i did on my recent trip was to put all the dog stuff into one suitcase with wheels. The less and easiest to move in and out of the motel room was the rule of the day.

Over the years I've done many cross country trips with newfs. It's important to be in tune with your pooch so u know when he/she needs to potty.

Also don't stress the dogs seem to really enjoy the travel.

 

[ward_hill]

Check the places you want to visit, some allow the dogs but some don't and them you have a problem of what to with Buckley or not see the site.

yes, this could be an issue. was hoping to hike a bit in yosemite, but dogs aren't allowed on trails or off of the valley floor. i'm allowing plenty of time to plan, so hope to work out some of those things in advance of departure.

great idea about putting all the stuff in a wheelie bag.