Here is a tribute to my Cici bug doggie. She and I lived together in five or so homes over half her life (she went over the rainbow just after her 13 birthday on September 12, 2019). The other half of her life we camped out and traveled and stayed in dog friendly hotels, motels, B&B’s, lodges and inns. We met in 2007 in Las Vegas.
She was a great doggie to travel through life with and I miss being with her. She was a silly, goofy, magical girl with a lovable grin and attitude. Her perspective on life was quirky, to say the least. She loved people and was a natural therapy dog.
Some of her adventures and how we met and traveled together.
A few of our favorite places that we visited were Florence and Ashland, Oregon, Bodega Bay, Cambria, Carmel, Dixon, Guerneville, Half Moon Bay, Healdsburg, Little River, Mendocino, Napa, Newport Beach, Palm Desert, Paso Robles, Rancho Cordova, San Simeon, Solvang, 29 Palms, Vacaville and more in California. You can read about our adventures at Have Dog Blog Will Travel.
Some tips on traveling with your favorite doggie:
1. Feed your dog a few hours before you leave and wait a couple of hours after you arrive at your destination to ensure that your dog’s tummy will enjoy the trip. Food should be easily digestible and healthy.
2. Dogs like to have familiar things around them so be sure to bring them their comfort foods, treats and toys to remind them of home. Pack a separate bag with your dog’s goodies, food, treats, portable bowls, toys, bones, pillows, blankets, pet waste bags, and other paraphernalia.
3. Make sure that you keep your dog hydrated. Walk your dog just before you leave and take potty breaks along the way and after you arrive.
4. Call ahead of time to make sure that your pet friendly hotel, inn, motel or B & B knows that you are bringing your dog and that you agree with their pet policies (fees, weight limits, and amenities). Be sure to check out our California K9 Adventures guide to find out about pet friendly hotels and places in California that offer dogitude* (a truly welcoming dog friendly attitude).
5. Harness your dog with a pet seat belt or put them in a crate or kennel to keep them safe while you drive.
6. If you are traveling between states, federal law requires a health certificate that shows that your dog has a rabies vaccine.
7. Keep to a regular schedule while you are away, similar to your schedule at home.
8. Be sure that your pet has an ID tag with your contact info (cell phone) attached to their collar or leash, just in case they get lost.
*Here are some tips for identifying pet friendly hotels with authentic dogitude. Lodgings that truly welcome dogs:
-Provide dog treats, food and water bowls, dog beds, and other canine amenities;
-Provide biodegradable waste bags and conveniently located waste containers;
-Offer safe, easy access to a clearly marked and fenced-in grassy area where dogs can exercise;
-Make guests feel special with memorable extras, such as dog-friendly outdoor dining tables; and
-Have dog-loving and knowledgeable staff available to answer questions, arrange tours, and recommend local off-leash recreation spots, dog parks, pet sitters, doggie daycare, pet stores, and vets.
Before Cici, I had two kitty cats, Precious and Abundance for five years. They did not travel well. I worked at Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Kanab, Utah and they lived with me in Las Vegas, Nevada, 29 Palms, and Fredonia, Arizona (within driving distance of Kanab, Utah).