If you'd like to travel by train or bus you may be disappointed
the large commercial carriers do not generally permit pets of any
kind except for assistance dogs. Some local train, bus, trolley and
cable car companies offer scenic tours and allow well-behaved dogs on
leash. Check out the local and commuter companies where you're
traveling to see what their policies are. One company based in Ohio, Rovin
with Rover or The Tour
Company for Owners and Their Canine Companions specializes in dog
friendly bus tours!
If you're taking a cruise, you may be in luck. The
QE2
luxury cruise ship has some cruises that allow dogs in
special lodging with free meals included. Be aware that your Lab will
be restricted to the designated kennel/exercise areas and visitation
hours are limited. Check with the cruise line that you are planning to
use for their policies-smaller ships will usually not be able to
accommodate your Lab. Local ferries, day trip boats and chartered
boats may and Pets
on the Go offers an
extensive list of these. Be sure to find out how long the voyage
takes including what stops may be along the way so you can plan your
dogs bathroom breaks and as always, study their pet policies
beforehand.
For recreational boating your Lab may
be a great shipmate! After all, they were originally used as working
partners with fishermen, helping to haul in nets and catch fish that
fell off hooks. As with car travel, you must condition them gradually
to the motion of a boat. Start with simply boarding and disembarking
while the boat is docked to see how comfortable they are. Once your
Lab has his sea legs take him on short trips before doing an
all-day excursion. Consider the new noises they'll encounter such as
the engine or fog horns or perhaps a sail whipping in the wind and
introduce them carefully. Plan periodic on-land visits for potty
breaks and provide access to shade in hot weather. Be sure to pack
everything they'd normally need for a day away from home including a
well-stocked first aid kit and plenty of fresh drinking water.
There are certainly hazards inherent to
marine activities so think carefully how you'll handle them. Be sure
your Lab is situated onboard where he feels secure (you may need to
use a harness and seatbelt) and where he is not likely to get
accidentally knocked overboard. Invest in a high quality life vest in
a bright color that will make your dog more visible. When it comes
time for a swim break, consider the possibility of floating or
submerged debris that can snag on a dogs collar or life vest and
potentially pull him under water. For this reason, your Lab may be
safer naked in some creeks, rivers or ponds. An unseen branch
underwater could also injure your Lab, especially if he's jumping
off of the boat for his swim. Your dog will also need to be under
excellent voice control to ensure that you can keep him safely out of
the path of other boats or wave rider type vehicles. It is critical
that you keep an eye on your Lab whenever he's in the water in order
to monitor his activities and keep track of his location.
If you know of a Labrador with a great
travel related story, have him or her
contact
us!
