Driving from New York to Florida with Dogs - Urban Dog (2023)

FAQs

Can I drive to Florida with my dog? ›

If you're traveling within Florida, you don't have to worry about pet requirements except that all dogs 4 months and older require a current rabies vaccination. If you're traveling interstate, your pet must be at least 3 months old and have proof of vaccination from a licensed veterinarian.

If you are doing a long road trip with your dog, incorporate frequent breaks (every three to four hours) for pet relief, a short walk, and water. Puppies and senior pets need breaks more often. “I don't find exercise to be overly important, as the car ride is stimulating enough,” says Belio.

If you're going to drive cross-country, Wall advises purchasing pet seat belts. He notes that some states require pet owners to have their animals safely restrained in vehicles, and you can look into getting your dog a harness, travel crate, or booster seat, as well.

The safest way for your pet to travel is in a carrier that has been strapped to the seat with a seatbelt or other anchor. Make sure the carrier is large enough for your dog to stand up, turn around, and lie down. You can also use a pet seatbelt, but these have not been proven to protect animals during a car crash.

Although many dogs look forward to riding in the car, other dogs dread the experience and whine, drool, or even vomit. This can be due to motion sickness, a previous bad event in the car like an accident, or anxiety about being trapped inside a giant, moving machine.

Some dogs travel well in the car but others do not. They may salivate, become restless, whine, howl, bark, pace, seek your attention or physical contact (which can be dangerous if you are the driver) and may even vomit, urinate or pass stools. Similarly, plane travel can be extremely stressful for some dogs.

The safest way to travel with a dog in the car is to secure him in a crate. If that isn't an option, try a seat belt specially made for dogs. We've all seen a dog with his head lolling out the window as his pet parent zips along in the passing lane, but letting a dog roam around your car is not safe.

Plan to take a 15 to 30 minute break every 4 hours. You can also make very long trips more enjoyable for both of you if you plan stops at locations with pet-friendly attractions, even if it's just a nice dog park.

How often do dogs need to stop on road trips? ›

On average, many veterinarians agree that dogs need regular breaks for 15 to 30 minutes every 2 to 4 hours during long road trips. Water should be offered every 2 hours.

Some dogs like to sleep a lot in the car and only periodically wake up looking for something to do. Others are busy-bodies during the entire drive. A bored dog will find his or her own way to busy themselves and they may not do it in a way that pleases you.

The US laws on dogs in cars vary between states. Connecticut, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Rhode Island all ban unrestrained dogs being transported in the open section of a vehicle.

You can't buy an extra seat for your dog. Traveling with a dog this way, essentially as carry-on luggage, usually incurs a lower fee than if it travels in the belly of the plane. And by the way, a pet in its carrier counts as your carry-on bag.

It can also be very expensive to board them. Florida is actually a very pet-friendly state, with many vacation rentals, dog parks and pet-friendly beaches to back that up. Pet owners have to carefully select where they are going based on their needs, limitations and restrictions.

Most airlines require a valid health certificate for travel completed by your veterinarian in order for your dog to fly with you. Be sure all relevant vaccinations are up to date and be sure to have your dog's rabies vaccination certificate handy when traveling.

Ideally, you should try to match your dog's normal routine for potty breaks and meals while on the road, but this may be difficult to do. On average, you should give your dog a break every 2 to 4 hours for about 15 to 30 minutes each, and plan on driving no more than 7 hours per day.

Most dogs can handle 5 km (3 miles) without extra training but need at least a month to get up to 20 km. Walks above 5 km should always be followed by a light rest day. If you go too far too quickly you could cause all sorts of muscle, tendon, ligament, joint or bone problems.

How do I leave my dog for 10 hours? ›

Make sure he has constructive ways to occupy his time when you're not around. Stuff a Kong toy with enough goodies to keep him busy for hours. Fill a puzzle toy with his daily ration of kibble so he has to work for his meals. Hide treats or favorite toys around the house for him to find while you're gone.

It's best to hold off feeding your dog for two to three hours before you travel as a precaution and always give your dog a walk just before you set off so they're not anxious about having an accident. If car sickness becomes a frequent problem, ask your vet for their advice.

Some pets might travel better if there's soothing music or fresh air in the car. Try playing classical music, soft rock, or reggae (read about what types of music are most calming for dogs here) or opening the windows a bit. Just don't let your dog put their head out the window.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) discourages air travel with large dogs that would need to go in cargo, even if it's on a pet-friendly airline. “Unless your furry friend is small enough to ride under your seat, it's best to avoid air travel with your pets,” they advise.

Do dogs miss their owners on vacation? Dogs usually don't miss us the way we miss them, and it's all down to how their memory works. However, they can grow depressed and distressed if you're gone for a long period. After all, you are the most vital part of your dog's pack.

Studies show that dogs form positive associations with their favorite people, and they don't like being separated from you for long. Dogs can handle alone time, but they do miss you when you're gone.

Most experts agree you shouldn't leave your adult dog alone for more than eight to 10 hours, but some dogs (especially ones with small bladders) can't last that long. DO prepare your dog before you go.

A young dog can hold their pee for up to 10-12 hours if needed, but that doesn't mean that they should. The average adult dog should be allowed to relieve itself at least 3-5 times per day. That's at least once every 8 hours.

It's generally safe to leave your dog in the car for a maximum of five minutes, and when the outside temperature is above freezing and below 70 degrees. Here are other tips to safely leave your dog in the car: During daylight hours, crack a window and park in a shady spot. Be sure not to get sidetracked.

Do dogs remember you after a trip? ›

Luckily, the answer is yes! In fact, studies have shown that the longer a dog is separated from their owner, the happier the dog will be when they return! So, it's actually true, even for your pups, that time really does make the heart grow fonder!

A small and active dog can travel for between 5 and 6 hours a day, which equals between 12.5 and 15 miles a day. Larger dogs may be able to walk further, but older and small dogs likely can walk less.

Stop at a pet retailer (Petco, Petsmart, Pet Planet, etc) to use the restroom. Typically they have public restrooms, and they are dog friendly! If you think you may be out in the middle of nowhere for a while and see a pet store from the road, stop to use the restroom.

It is natural and normal for your pet to relieve themselves in the crate during the flight. Make sure you line the crate with an absorbent mat or puppy pads to soak up the urine. All Petraveller crates are lined with super absorbent and washable Petraveller Sky Beds to ensure your pet's flight is comfortable.

One of the side effects of Benadryl is drowsiness, which helps to calm anxious dogs. The Merck Veterinary Manual states that diphenhydramine may relieve symptoms of mild-to-moderate anxiety in pets associated with travel. It also may help relieve motion sickness.

NO: Dog is not allowed to enter the United States. If you attempt to import your dog into the United States, the dog will be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at your expense.

Small dogs, cats and household birds can travel in the cabin for a one-way fee, collected at check-in. They must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you.

Rule 57 of The Highway Code states: “When in a vehicle make sure dogs or other animals are suitably restrained so they can't distract you while you're driving or injure you, or themselves, if you stop quickly. “A seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are ways of restraining animals in cars.”

Yes, you can fly with large dogs so long as they are properly crated and prepared to fly. Many airlines require your pet to be at least 8-weeks old before flying. Any younger and dogs are thought to be too fragile for long flights. Your pet must also be free of fleas, ticks, and or infectious diseases.

The leading ultra-low-cost carrier in the US, Spirit Airlines, allows large dogs in the cabin at least eight weeks old and fully weaned. The dog's weight combined with the carriers must be 40 pounds (18.14 kg) or less.

Can a 40 pound dog fly in-cabin? ›

A 40-pound dog is indeed too large to travel in-cabin on most (if not all) airlines and will have to ride as cargo. Apart from very small pets, only trained and certified service or support dogs with legitimate documentation are sometimes allowed to accompany their owners in-cabin.

NO: Dog is not allowed to enter the United States. If you attempt to import your dog into the United States, the dog will be denied entry and returned to the country of departure at your expense.

And vets agree with the Highway Code, which states a seat belt harness, pet carrier, dog cage or dog guard are the appropriate ways of restraining animals in cars. Often, dog owners will allow smaller pups to travel in the cabin area of their car. In this case, it's essential to use a harness.

Requirements to bring your pets to the U.S.

It is required that all dogs are up to date with rabies shots and other vaccinations and you should carry a document from your veterinarian certifying general good health and vaccination records.

Your pet can travel on the plane with you (either in-cabin, as accompanied baggage, or as cargo). Your pet will be charged accordingly. Some airlines no longer offer this option and some countries do not allow pets to enter the country in-cabin. You can book your pet on a separate flight.

Can dogs travel in the front seat of a car? Dogs can travel in the front of the car, however, you must ensure to switch off the passenger-side airbag and move the seat as far back as possible.

You can't buy an extra seat for your dog. Traveling with a dog this way, essentially as carry-on luggage, usually incurs a lower fee than if it travels in the belly of the plane. And by the way, a pet in its carrier counts as your carry-on bag.

You will need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to travel and some airlines require an acclimation certificate. Both of these certificates can only be completed and signed by a federally accredited veterinarian.

You probably have a plan for your own passport, but your animal companion needs one too. All pets traveling to and from the United States need a passport. Keep in mind, a “pet passport” in the U.S. refers to the extra documents you need to travel to other countries with your pet.

It's generally safe to leave your dog in the car for a maximum of five minutes, and when the outside temperature is above freezing and below 70 degrees. Here are other tips to safely leave your dog in the car: During daylight hours, crack a window and park in a shady spot. Be sure not to get sidetracked.

How do I take my dog across the U.S. border? ›

For pet dogs and cats older than three months, certificates must document that the pet was vaccinated against rabies. A veterinarian's signature must be on the certificate, which must also include a description of the pet cat or dog.