We just returned from a fairly quick weekend trip to Missoula Montana to visit our college boy during parents weekend. We decided to invite the dogs along because they were missing their boy too. With a bit of extra planning and effort it turned out to be a great decision. It didn’t make the trip any easier but I think it resulted in a more fulfilling journey.
The Doubletree Hilton in Montana is partially responsible for our good time. Their website said they allowed dogs and they honestly made our pets feel welcome. They accommodated us by giving us a ground floor room and suggested walking areas nearby.
Here are a few tips for travelling with your best pals:
- Make sure the hotel allows dogs and request a ground floor room
- Before we left I gave the dogs a bath and washed their bedding
- Put up a barrier to keep them out of the front seat area, for everyone's safety
- Make sure other luggage is tethered down to avoid suitcases sliding onto dogs
- Leash the dogs before you open the car doors. You don’t want curiosity and excitement ruining the trip
- Carry extra water, food and bowls
- Lay dog beds behind front seats so you can keep an eye on each other. Lay luggage or totes on floor for a nice even base and make sure there are no gaps for long skinny legs to get caught
- Stop every couple of hours for stretching, water and potty breaks (for everyone)
- Be sure to bring leashes, with dog tags and ID tags with your cell number so you can be reached directly
- Pack a supply of bags for waste disposal, along with hand sanitizer or moistened towelettes.
- Toss in an extra small towel or two to wipe off wet dogs before coming back to the hotel room
- We took dogs kennels, 1 large soft side netted kennel and one typical box kennel for nighttime and for when the dogs were left alone
We lucked out with extra help. With so many college kids missing their dogs, a couple of our sons friends offered to come stay with the dogs while we went to dinner. These girls got in their dog fix while they caught up on their favorite cable shows on the TLC channel.
Our boy and his dogs had a good visit with lots of walks and love. The dogs were well behaved and endured the long ride by mostly sleeping and watching the scenery. The loved each stop and the excitement of new smells to explore but were just as excited when we pulled into our driveway and they knew they were home. It was a very satisfying trip for all of us.
Good dogs!
Wow. You have the most attractive dogs! I love your blog, Missoula sounds fun! I can't get over your dogs though, especially the blonde one... to cute!
Posted by: Mo mo | 10/15/2012 at 04:33 PM
Great advice. I am thinking about taking my pup, Bill Murray (yes, that is his name), on vacation with me. It's a 10 hour drive, so I am a bit nervous, but I think we'll both be good if we use your suggestions. My only concern is that NJ has a law that your dog has to be buckled in. If Bill Murray could just lie on his bed in the back, he'd be happy. I'm not sure how he will enjoy being buckled in. I guess I'll we will find out soon! Thanks for the information.
Posted by: beds for dogs | 11/05/2012 at 11:46 AM