Should I get a dog?
 

Need some advise. I love dogs! But I travel some. Mostly trips up north to visit my son (who has three dogs). Some trips might last a month. My son would love me to bring up a dog when I visit, but I think a 1,300 mile car ride would be tough. Getting someone to take care of a dog would be expensive. I do volunteer at a dog rescue and love the experience.

Anyone in a similar position have any advise?

Share ownership with someone else who travels or dog sit for a few regulars where you know the dogs and can enjoy when you want.

Dog
 

You could foster.

If you go with a small breed dog, you could fly, we have done this with cats. There are significant restrictions and additional costs, so check before you consider this option.

Do any of your dog rescue co-volunteers need a dog sitter? Maybe you could arrange some kind of arrangement where you watch their while they are gone and they watch yours. I know a few people who have these kind of arrangements with dog park goers and/or neighbors.

I went to Max's Pet Connection event at Pet Smart last Saturday (every Saturday in Lady Lake, FL., from 10-2 PM) and almost came home signed up for a second pooch. Sister-in-law did sign up to adopt a dog there but has to wait for the dog to have surgery and other stuff. Check out this fun experience if you want some quick motivation to get a pooch.

The dogs basically just sleep in the car so as long as you take frequent breaks they are fine and many hotels are "pet friendly" but mostly if you have a small dog. We were limited to fast food however as you can't really take them into restaurants.

Where is it going to poop???


:popcorn:

I would think, if you come on a forum and ask people, it's probably better that you don't get a dog. You are the only one who would know if you should get a dog. You already have concerns about traveling and pet care. If you really wanted one, you would have no need to ask anyone here.

I'm going to set myself up for hate mail, but...no no no. Pets aren't cement yard gnomes. They need love. They need normalcy and stability. If you plan to include your baby in your travels, then yes. Otherwise, I think it is extremely selfish to say I want a dog when I want a dog, but I won't let it interfere with my life.

:bowdown: Very intelligent and helpful post.

We adopted a dog on March 27 from Max's Pet Connection, a great organization.

LaQuinta Hotels are pet friendly for two dogs, any size, no extra charge for the dogs.

Traveling with a dog is hard, especially in the heat. You can't stop at a rest stop or restaurant and leave him in the car...too hot!
Flying live animals is dangerous and scary.
Sharing a dog is complicated with vet bills and timing and all.
Leaving a dog with a pet sitter for months at a time will confuse dog.
Volunteer, foster, but don't adopt is my recommendation.

We have had dogs all of our lives. My last 2 dogs we had to put down. One we had for 16 years and the other 15 years. When we moved here, we chose not to get a dog. We travel a lot and just wouldn't have the time needed to take care of a fur baby the way he/she would deserve. I play with my neighbors dogs to get my doggy fix.

In the past when we traveled, all of our dogs have had no problem traveling. They mostly slept the entire time. You do have to stop to give them potty breaks and feed/water them, so that adds a little time to your trip......but it was worth it to us. They have been great companions on trips.

Perhaps consider buying a small motorhome, maybe a used Class B, or "micromini" Class C. We full timed in a larger Class A (for 3 years) with a 20 pound rescued terrier mix -- she was and still is a great traveler. Also, can't beat sleeping in your own bed, instead of motels!

No one can help you with this...
 

No one can help you with this, it is up to you. I find it hard to be without a dog, but I also understand the constraints that puts on us.

We are fostering a dog now, but I am not sure she will ever get adopted. With that, we have the same issue, you cannot just fly to 'xyz' as we have a dog and worse than that she has some issues that I would not wish to impose on friends...

Your call... I would have trouble leaving my dog home for a month without me... my wife? that is a different story :jester:

Don't sound ready
 

:agree:

YOU are the center of your dog's life. Your dog wants to be with you. It is unforgivable to leave it with a "sitter" for long periods of time.

Over the years I have made several 1,200 mile trips with a dog in the car. He slept most of the time. Of course he could not be left in the car at meal stops, so meals were from fast food drive throughs. There are lots of "pet friendly" motels these days.

Dogs are not humans (though I have convinced myself mine always were) and do not really know time. As you know from your shelter volunteering, these dogs are often left alone for hours and hours. If you can give a dog love and care, come up with baby sitting alternatives when the need arises, then maybe a dog would work for you. I do agree with previous posts - if you want one you will figure a way to do it, like anything else in life.

This is good to know

If you have to ask...as a fully grown experienced in life adult...then the answer is NO. You should not get a dog.

:agree: totally. We've travelled thousands of miles over the years with our dogs. Stopped at a lot of rest stops, ate at a lot of fast food places, stayed at a lot of pet friendly motels, even slept in our vehicles a couple of single nights at a time on our trips moving here.

Dogs are not for everyone; you are committing to taking care of them when you take them on. We committed to doing that many years ago.

I took a different view of the post. My take is that OP knows he wants a dog but is worried about how the dog will travel the 1300 miles.

I will say we have been traveling from points north to Florida for the last 20-some years with one golden retriever or another. Start the dog out in the car as soon as possible. Take it frequently so it gets used to riding in the car. If you are thinking of getting an older rescue, put it in the car and drive around first. See how it does. We just brought a senior golden foster home from Tampa today. She was fine for about a half hour, then started howling. (I think there's some beagle in her.) I got in the backseat with her, and she stopped. Still, I wouldn't want to travel that way for 1300 miles. We wouldn't travel with her.

When our second golden was 10 weeks old, we put him in a soft crate in the backseat and drove from West Michigan to Key West. He was perfectly fine. Stopped a couple of times at grassy places--rest stops, gas stations, parks--and walked him and gave water. There are plenty of hotels along the way that accept pets.

It'll work! Just get the dog used to car travel from day one. Good luck whatever you decide.

We make one to two trips a year Boston with the dogs. We love to travel with them. They seem to enjoy it just as much. Occasionally if we have to travel in the dark we have to give One of them a Benadryl. He tends to get a little carsick. Only problem I would see is if you were traveling alone especially in the summertime you would have no place to leave your dog while you needed to take care of your own business.

I travel with my dog. She does fine. When we go in to eat we leave her in the car with food, water, and no heat. Park under a tree. We used pet friendly hotels. We travel 900 to 1000 miles.

I agree. Not once did the OP ask whether or not to get a dog. Personal anecdotes about traveling with a dog is what s/he was seeking, and some suggestions as to how it works.

I think the forum is a perfect place to ask for this kind of information. Get ideas; see what might work for your own personal situation.

Some people see the glass as half full, some half empty. I see it as another glass to wash.

I owe an apology to the OP. I jumped to the conclusion she/he was looking to board the dog when travelling. As kinder people pointed out, this wasn't your question. I'm sorry I misread your post.

The answer is easy. Get a dog.
The problem I would have mentioned is your traveling. If you drive the 1,300 miles then take the dog. Flying is another matter.

My daughter drove with her dog. One to three day trips. Motels were not a problem if you make reservations in advance. Ask for a room you can have a dog in.
Rest stops were a little bit of a problem in the summer as she was traveling alone and would leave the dog in the car with the windows partly down for a few minutes. You could lock the car and leave the AC on. You could also tie the dog outside of the restroom but she was afraid someone might steal the dog. I think the rest stops is the problem area you have to solve for yourself.
The dog did not mind traveling and had to sit in the rear with a seat belt.
If your neighbor has a dog you might be able to make a deal to baby sit each others dog for short stays. I have two neighbors that do this and the dogs look forward to the trips.

I think it's a little trickier with the newer cars that want to make it darn near impossible to lock your keys in the car, but we always traveled with two sets of car keys, left the car & a/c running & windows up and the doors locked. Especially if traveling alone. For lunches, we either bought from a drive-through and found a park with a picnic table where we could get the dog out of the car, or we packed a lunch & did the same.

You will find ways around any travel logistics problems. The main criterion is to have a dog who doesn't mind riding in the car.

My (he BTW) was to get input from people who might have been in the same situation. So you are right about getting advice from the forum. Thanks for all of the feedback.

I always like bull dogs. They are smart and loyal. Maybe I'll take the next one that is brought into the rescue!