Ideas for cross country transport?

[WearingMidnight]

Early this year I picked up and moved across country from Seattle, WA to Athens, GA. Due to a variety of concerns I left Bri and Holly with my family in WA until I was situated and in a position to take them.

Finally I have a steady job, car, own place, and sufficient income to get them back (so, so happy!) but I'm trying to figure out the best way to get them here. I'm not fond of the thought of shipping them, and honestly it seems as though it would be cheaper to simply drive and pick them up.

I was wondering if anyone here has any experience with traveling with their large pups across country and what you've found is the best way to do it? Bri, the Newf, is 95lbs and Holly is 75lbs. They could fit comfortably in my car (though not much else would). Thoughts? Ideas? Experience? Anything is welcome. Thanks so much!

 

[Jeannie]

I'd drive and get them. On the way back I'd stop every few hours for a leg stretch and potty break. Take you time to enjoy the time with your dogs.

What else would you need in your car besides your dogs? Put a small suitcase in the trunk and have a great time.

If you are pressed for time fly out, rent a van so you have more room and bring them home!

 

[AngusMcDubhsMom]

I'd drive and get them. On the way back I'd stop every few hours for a leg stretch and potty break. Take you time to enjoy the time with your dogs.

What else would you need in your car besides your dogs? Put a small suitcase in the trunk and have a great time.

If you are pressed for time fly out, rent a van so you have more room and bring them home!

Excellent idea. Plenty of potty breaks, just to "break" the monotony. Have fun. Food and water dishes and bottled water.

 

[snowdog]

Our newf Tink LOVES long drives in the car. (So does our golden rescue Hunter). We just drove 12 hours each way to visit family and both dogs loved it. Yup, lots of water and potty breaks and hopefully you have AC! I would be pretty nervous going any other route than driving them myself - best of luck getting your family home to your new home!

BTW : your profile picture is precious!

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

What Jeanie said.

We haven't done cross country, but we've driving from NH to Michigan and back in 4 days. Just stop every few hours for a break. If you map it out in advance and plan your route, its not too difficult to find hotels that allow dogs. We've stayed in lots of hotels with Maggie. There are a few websites that list dog-friendly hotels too.

Glad you can get them home with you soon!!

 

[Angela]

We used to do camping trips from up here down to the southern states and Florida with a Newf. Apart from the heat down there we didn't have any problems so I would recommend that you drive to get them.

 

[DAWNMERIE]

Road trip with camping sounds pretty cool! Good Luck wishing you the best with your new life! It's a good feeling when it all comes together.

 

[NewfDad]

When we moved from VA to WA we rented an RV oneway to move the dogs. There are places that rent RVs that are pet friendly. Fly back to SeaTac and then drive back, take the long road and make it a vacation.

 

[blaue_augen]

We drove from CO to NJ with three kids and Suki last summer when we moved here. We broke the trip up into 4 days and Suki tolerated the driving better than the kids. Because we had 2 adults, one would go in the restaurant for food and bring something out for the other. We were even able to find a few places that would allow suki to sit on the patio with us while we ate (though that is not the norm). Camping along the way sounds fun, but packing up all the gear each day before and after a long drive sounds like a pain to me (but I'm not an experienced camper, so maybe it's not that hard?). I do think driving is totally doable! And I'm happy you are getting you puppies back soon!!!!!

 

[NewfieMama]

I'd drive. I've done New England-San Diego-New England round trip with 2 cats; compared to that doing it with Newfs would be easy.

 

[Brandie&Maggie]

I'd drive. I've done New England-San Diego-New England round trip with 2 cats; compared to that doing it with Newfs would be easy.

Hehe...We've done NH-FL-NH and NH-TX-FL-AL-NH with 2 cats. All with camping at stops. I know what you mean!!! :!rolling:

 

[dreamchaser456]

I've driven Virginia to Kansas many times without problems. And my Ursa got carsick when she was young so she wasn't too interested in food while traveling. Pack a bag/tote/backback with shot records, treats, bowls and a jug of water or two. Take plenty of breaks and enjoy the trip. Just be sure when booking a room that Newf sized dogs are allowed! Some places says pets but only take the accessory sized ones. Also make sure that you have something with you that says you're traveling with pets (just in case there is a major emergency) so someone will be looking for them, and have someone you check in with daily. I believed in being over-prepared but thankfully have never needed. If you're driving alone, take along a second set of keys (that stay on your body) so if you must you can leave AC on and still lock car for that quick trip inside. Hope you have a blast and be sure to take tons of pictures along the way.