Car Travel For Dogs

[J&J]

Hi there,

I'm new to this forum and was just looking for some opinions.

We are considering taking an interstate holiday and need to drive around 10hrs to get there (main reason is to get k's up on a leased vehicle). I had originally planned to take our little dog with us but I'm having a lot of trouble finding suitable dog friendly accommodation that will allow him to be inside, with fenced yard etc. So I guess we are considering 2 options: we could leave in at his usual kennel but this is 1.5hrs in the wrong direction for where we are going or I've found quite a nice kennel near where we are going and is half the price of our usual place!

I want to do the best thing for our dog so I'm wondering how stressful it would be for him to be in the car and then left at a kennel? People always tell me that dogs love going to the kennels (this is a 10 dog only place and looks really nice - not cages with concrete floors) so it would be like dropping him off for a holiday but I'm not sure...i like the idea that he will be close by in case anything happens and obviously it's more convenient and cheaper for us but I would not do it if it might be a traumatic experience for him.

Please let me know your thoughts!

[Keira&Phoenix]

Not sure what area you intend on heading to but check out these websites they list loads of pet friendly places to stay

http://www.takeabreak.com.au/holidayingwithpets.htm

http://www.holidayingwithdogs.com.au/

Sorry can't really give any advice on the boarding as I have never had to board my dogs.

[**Super_Dogs**]

Not knowing your dog - this is a really hard one.

My dogs have no problems with long car rides. Most of them just lie down and sleep! If you dog is fine in the car I personally do not think the long trip and the kennel would be any different to a short trip and kennel.

I kennel my dogs every year. My dogs always come home happy and tired!! I know however it is alot more worrying for owner with one dog as the dog will be in a kennel on its own.

Maybe you could ask the kennel about what playtime your dog will get and how much human interaction? This may help to make up your mind.

[W Sibs]

We travel to Melbourne every year for Christmas. Both dogs are in their own crates by the window. Mostly they just sleep and when they are awake, we put the window down for them a bit so they can get wind in their face. We stop every 2-3 hours so the dogs can have a break and we can stretch our legs.

I can't help with the pet friendly accommodation either (cause I have no idea where you are heading!)

I've never board/kenneled my dogs either. They usually go on trips with us or I have someone over to dog sit them