I have to admit that I’m a bit of a helicopter dog mom. It all started when I was a second-year university student in Halifax. My best friend and I decided to drive two hours to Truro to “look” at puppies. (Spoiler: you never just look at puppies; you’re already in deep.) That’s when Oliver came into my life. He was my first fur baby and my sidekick for 13 amazing years. He was my best travel mate.
Fast forward to 2022. Another friend and I drove from Toronto to Pickering to – you guessed it – “look” at puppies. That’s when Millie joined my family.
My life’s always been busy, but dogs add the best kind of chaos. I take my dogs everywhere: to a dog-friendly patio, on errands (yes, even HomeSense runs), and on trips to New Brunswick. If there’s a way to make it dog-friendly, I will find it.
Let me tell you about the day being a “dog mom” got me in trouble.
On St. Patrick’s Day, while running errands with Millie, my tiny 10-pound pom sat perched on my lap in the car. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed the car next to me had a camera pointing in my direction. Moments later, flashing lights lit up behind me. I was pulled over by the police. The officer came to my window and informed me that having a dog on my lap counts as distracted driving. Just like that, I was handed a ticket.
That sent me down a rabbit hole: what’s allowed when it comes to travelling with your dog? What’s safe? What’s not?
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The risks of driving with a free-roaming pup
I used to think nothing of having Millie curled up on my lap in the car. She’s 10 pounds, after all – how much trouble could she cause? Turns out, a lot.
“It might seem harmless, but it can lead to distraction for the driver or serious injury for the pet or humans in the vehicle in a crash,” said George Ljubicic, Agency Manager at Allstate Insurance Company of Canada. “Another concerning issue is driving with a pet on the driver’s lap. This habit can be especially dangerous.”
Yes, I’m raising my hand as guilty.
As Ljubicic also explained, “An unrestrained pet can be a safety hazard in a vehicle. Not only can they distract the driver, they can also be injured in a crash, or even pose a risk to first responders responding to a collision.”
So it’s not just about protecting your dog, it’s about protecting everyone on the road. Think of it like this: you’d never get into a car without a seatbelt. It should be the same for your pet.
Road trip ready: making travel comfortable
I’ve done the Ontario-to-New Brunswick road trip. I love a good long distance drive, but 16 hours is a marathon. And while I might be happy belting out playlists to keep myself entertained, Millie isn’t exactly a fan of my taste in music. What she does appreciate in a road trip: Her blanket, her dog carrier, water breaks, and plenty of treats.
Basically, I pack for her the way you’d pack for a toddler. If your dog doesn’t love long drives, calming treats with ingredients like melatonin or l-theanine can sometimes help, and your vet may be able to prescribe medication for dogs with more serious travel anxiety.
Comfort goes hand-in-hand with safety. Seatbelt harnesses, mesh barriers and/or nets, and secured crates or carriers are all good options to reduce the risk of injury from an accident. The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) has even crash-test certified certain harnesses, which are listed on their CPS Approved Harnesses page. Look for gear that’s been tested or certified, so you’re not just buying something that looks stylish; you’re buying something that will actually protect your pup.
While we don’t like to think about worst-case scenarios, it’s worth mentioning pet insurance. Accidents, illnesses, or unexpected vet visits can happen at any time on the road or at home. Having coverage can take some of the stress (and cost) out of those “what if” situations. If you’re curious, Allstate Pet Insurance is one option to explore, along with other providers, if you want that extra peace of mind before your next big trip.
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Flying and cross-border travel with dogs
I’m the kind of dog mom who brings her pup everywhere. And with my significant other recently moving to Salt Lake City for work, the thought of bringing Millie across the border has been top of mind.
The requirements for dogs entering the U.S. have recently changed. Pet owners need proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccine, a microchip, a health certificate and a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Dog Import Form.
Whether you’re flying internationally or within Canada, it’s worth noting that airlines have rules about travelling with pets. And if you have more than one dog with you, know that it’s one dog per person in the cabin… Oh, and they are considered as your carry-bag. So, you can’t bring your dog, plus a carry-on, along with a purse or a backpack. You can only bring your dog in their carrier and a small personal item.
Checked baggage is the only option when travelling with a furry friend. If you have a large dog, they must travel as cargo (unless they are a service dog, of course).
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While plenty of pets do travel safely as cargo, it can be stressful for both you and your dog. Temperature restrictions, airline-specific rules, and limited seasonal availability are all factors to consider.
If this is your only option, talk to your vet and your airline well in advance of your flight. They will help you to understand what’s required and how to minimize risks and to avoid any surprises come travel day.
The bottom line
Travelling with your dog isn’t just about tossing them in the back seat of the car and rolling down the window. It’s about travelling safely. Whether you’re heading out on a 16-hour road trip or planning a cross-border flight, preparation is everything. Pack smart, use restraints that actually work, and talk to your vet if your pup struggles with travel.
Because at the end of the day, they’re not just pets, they’re precious cargo.