Going on vacation is often a long-awaited time for anyone, with the whole family counting down the days until departure. When one key member of your family is your darling Cavapoo, the inevitable question arises – do we take them with us? Well, sometimes we choose to take our little dog with us to join in the fun. But travelling with a Cavapoo presents some challenges as we’ll explore – whether travelling by plane, train or automobile, we need to be ready and prepared to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip for everybody.
Key tips for travelling with your Cavapoo:
- Make sure the trip is safe and suitable for them
- Plan stops for toilet breaks
- Pack essentials
- Bring their favorite toy for comfort
- Book pet friendly accommodation
- Do not feed for 6 hours before departure
- Bring plenty of water
- Provide ventilation, but do not let your Cavapoo stick their head out the car window
- Do not let your Cavapoo sit in your lap while driving
- Buckle up your Cavapoo
- Do not leave unattended your Cavapoo unattended in the car
- Make sure your Cavapoo is microchipped
- If travelling by car, build up to the trip gradually
- Make sure you have emergency contact details for vets en route and at your destination
- (Plane) find out whether you can take your Cavapoo in the cabin, or you have to check them in
- (Plane) allow extra time at the airport for check-in
- (Plane) Vaccination requirements on board or at destination?
- (Plane) consider dog diapers for long trips
There is actually quite a lot to think about when travelling with a dog. It’s like packing and preparing for travel with a child – they have specific needs that need to be met. It’s important we understand the pros and cons of taking our Cavapoo with us, along with how to make the best trip possible, so we’ll explore each point in turn to help with your planning.
Is it for Them?
One thing often overlooked when planning a trip with a Cavapoo is whether the trip is best for them. There are many advantages of taking your dog with you and in many cases the vacation suits the dog (stays at campsites being a prime example). But other times your dog, despite being with you, may not be suited to the trip. Long road trips, or long flights are stressful for dogs, and if they need to be checked into the hold of an aircraft this can be quite distressing for both you and them.
Consider what options you have in the planning of your break. Will your Cavapoo have access to their normal routine while away? Will they be able to exercise and eat as normal? Will you be within easy reach of a vet if they get sick?
The alternative to taking your Cavapoo with you is to leave them with a friend, family member or a vacation boarding kennels. These options, while depriving you of your pet for the duration of your trip and having them deprived of you, have the advantage of potentially catering better for their needs while you’re away.
Toilet Breaks!
If you’re planning a road trip with a dog then one word – plan toilet stops! Even though a full trained Cavapoo can hold their bladder for up to 10 hours, it’s best not to chance it for that long. As a driver it’s sensible to have multiple stops to battle fatigue, so make a point of giving your dog a ‘toilet opportunity’, as my groomer likes to say before he arrives for a grooming session.
Pack Essentials
Ever packed for kids for a holiday? If so, you’ll know there is a lot to think about. Good news is Cavapoos don’t need a great deal before a break, but you must remember to pack for them! Here are some essentials to include in your packing list:
- Dog bed (optional if you’re catching a plane, but ideally include one)
- Lead / leash
- Food (you may not be able to get their particular food where you’re going, so pack some if you can)
- Food and water bowls
- Their favorite toys (a couple of favorite toys will keep your Cavapoo entertained while away as well as being a source of comfort)
- A blanket (the familiar scent will be welcome comfort for your dog)
- Dog coat if you’re going somewhere cold
- Medicine, if required
- Treats!
Pet Friendly Accommodation
So, you’ve decided to bring your precious Cavapoo along with you. What a great decision! Their love for you and the family will be brilliant during the vacation. But…sloppy stuff aside…what does that mean for your choices for somewhere to stay? Quite a lot actually…
So, have you chosen a pet-friendly place to stay? It’s important to factor this in as most hotels and accommodation do not take kindly to dogs. It’s necessary therefore to plan your lodgings well in advance and ensure you find somewhere Cavapoo friendly.
The good news is there are great websites which can help you find accommodation for you and your Cavapoo.
If you’re in the United States, Bring Fido and Pets Welcome are great sites to help you find the most suitable accommodation for you and your dog. The American Kennel Club also publishes a list of hotel and other accommodation chains which offer pet-friendly accommodation.
If you’re in the United Kingdom, then check out Dog Friendly Cottages and Canine Cottages. If you’re in Australia then you can find a place suitable to stay with your Cavoodle at Pet Friendly Accommodation and Holidaying with Dogs.
Careful What (and When) You Feed Them…
If you remember the classic 80s movie “Gremlins” you must never feed your new pet after midnight, well the same goes for Cavapoos. Make sure they don’t get fed in the 6 hours before you start a road trip. And while Cavapoos are great at holding themselves, they are not infallible, so to avoid a mid-journey ‘accident’ feed them early or best of all feed them don’t feed them at all until you arrive at your destination. Remember, what goes in must come out.
Water Regularly
One of the most horrifying things about being at home is noticing your Cavapoo’s water bowl is empty and then getting that awful feeling of “how long has it been like that?!”…dogs need to drink water regularly, just like us, so it’s important you don’t deprive them of liquid sustenance.
While you want to avoid the solid stuff, water is essential and you will just have to consider building in some opportunities for toilet breaks along your road trip. If you’re taking a long flight with your Cavapoo in the cabin you will want to make sure they have a good opportunity for a toilet break before you leave. For longer flights (6+ hours) consider a ‘dog diaper’ for peace of mind. If you’re a little self-conscious of having your dog wear a diaper, consider wrapping them in a blanket or putting a light coat on to disguise it.
Provide Ventilation (Carefully)
Much like us, your Cavapoo may get uncomfortable during a long road trip so make sure they have plenty of ventilation. The air conditioning or opening the window a crack will help with this. But it is inadvisable to open the window fully and have your Cavapoo stick their head out. While dogs generally love this, driving for long distances increases the risk of your Cavapoo taking a leap into the unknown to chase a person or animal they spy, or even accidentally falling out. Of course, it does not bare thinking about, so play it safe.
Keep Out of Lap and Buckle Up (Don’t Break the Law!)
Cavapoos are most definitely lap dogs, but be careful whose lap they sit on during a road trip. In many countries, having a dog on your lap while driving is illegal and could land you in hot water if you are stopped by police. Worse than that, it’s also very dangerous so cannot be advocated.
Similarly, it’s important that your Cavapoo be properly secured while in the car. Special dog seatbelts can be purchased which attached to regular seat belts and can keep your pooch safely restrained.
The best option is to secure your Cavapoo and have them also sat with a (non-driving) family member. They get to keep your family company while being safe and leaving the driver to safely drive the car.
Do Not Leave Unattended
You will inevitably make stops during your road trip, so it is vital you take your Cavapoo with you when you leave the car and ensure you do not leave them unattended in the car. For one, your Cavapoo may get stressed being by themselves, but more concerning is the risk they run if the vehicle gets very cold, or very hot depending on your stop off point. When it is hot outside, a car heats up very quickly which can lead to heat stroke and even death to your poor pup.
Like the golden rule of never leaving a child alone in a car, never leave your Cavapoo in the car by themselves.
Microchip?
In many countries or states, microchipping your dog is now mandatory. If your Cavapoo is not currently microchipped, consider asking your vet to do so before you head off on vacation. Microchipping may be mandatory at your destination, but more importantly it provides a reliable way for your Cavapoo to be identified and returned safely to you.
Get Them Road Ready
Some Cavapoos are naturally very content being in a car from day one, while others need to get used to the idea. You do not want to be setting off on a trip with your Cavapoo without knowing how they will fare on the journey. If your dog is a relatively inexperienced car tripper, warm them up to the idea with smaller local trips in the weeks leading up to your big one. Consider taking them on local day trips and build up the distance before your vacation.
Vet’s Details to Hand?
No matter your destination, you want to be confident you have a plan for medical care for yourself and your family. Your family includes your Cavapoo, so where will you take them if they need urgent veterinarian assistance? It is a doddle for your doodle if you’re heading to a big city – you can easily find a local emergency vet – but it is best to be prepared and know your planned emergency destination in advance to avoid stress if something untoward happens.
If you are travelling to a more remote location, having this information to hand becomes even more important. Do not rely on finding out at the time – you may not have cell service and the vet may be some hours away, so make sure you prep with location and opening times, just in case.
And if Travelling by Plane
Here are some additional tips, especially for those embarking on a flight with your Cavapoo.
Carry On or Checked Pooch?
Much like your luggage, you need to decide if you will check your Cavapoo in or have them with you on the flight. But this time it is all the more important to make this decision carefully.
It goes without saying that your Cavapoo will be far happier sat in your lap for the flight than cooped up in a crate in the hold of the aircraft. While we have seen some great examples of airline crew going above and beyond the call of duty (see video below) in most cases your dog will feel alone and scared.
Airlines are increasingly allowing the option of taking a small dog on board the aircraft with you. Airlines in the USA including American Airlines, South West and Delta allow dogs on board. Make sure you explore this option before you leave to see if this is something which will work for you.
Allow Extra Time
Those who travel solo regularly will appreciate the difference when travelling with children. It takes time. Lots of time. Similarly, if you are planning to take your Cavapoo with you on your flight – whether checked in or in the cabin – be prepared for extra steps to follow before you do. Check with your airline for their process at the airport, and any recommendations they may have on protocols to be followed.
Vaccination Requirements?
Most Cavapoo owners will have followed a vaccination protocol with their vets as their dogs have grown. But vaccination requirements vary by destination, and you may find some destinations insist on different vaccinations than where you live. Be prepared and research the requirements at your destination before you leave and allow plenty of time for your Cavapoo to be fully vaccinated before you leave.
Wrap Up
Travelling with a Cavapoo is fun! But it requires a bit of extra planning and forethought. So make sure you arm yourself with the facts before you head off to make the best trip possible with your furry friend.