Beagles: Travel Companion Or Couch Potato?

Beagles are playful, curious, and energetic dogs that make excellent travel companions. They are easy to clean and can be trained to travel in a car or on a plane. However, they are also whiny and anxious, so it is important to prepare them for travel by acclimating them to the car or plane, providing them with a comfortable travel crate, and ensuring they have the necessary space to move around during long journeys.

Travel crates for beagles

When travelling with a beagle, it is important to ensure their safety and comfort. A travel crate is a great way to do this, and there are several options available. Firstly, it is important to note that travel crates should be large enough for your beagle to stand and turn around, with good ventilation and, ideally, a removable tray for any accidents. Crates should also be placed in the back seat or cargo area of a car.

The Petmate Ruffmaxx Outdoor Kennel is a high-quality, portable option for air travel, made from heavy-duty plastic and available in various sizes. For shorter trips, the lightweight AmazonBasics Portable Kennel provides excellent ventilation and comes in five different sizes. However, it is only recommended for beagles who are already crate-trained.

For car travel, the Midwest Side-by-Side crate is a good option, made of metal with a rust-resistant black paint coating and available in two sizes, with the 36-inch version being perfect for an adult beagle. The AmazonBasics Pet Kennel is another budget-friendly option with good ventilation and two doors.

For beagle puppies, the Diggs Revol Crate is a good choice due to its portability and convenient features, such as wheels and a removable tray. However, it may be a little congested for adult beagles on long trips.

Before using a travel crate, it is important to crate-train your beagle at home.

Air travel with beagles

Air travel with a beagle can be a stressful experience for both the dog and the owner, but with careful planning, it is possible to make the journey as smooth as possible. Here are some detailed instructions and tips to help you prepare for air travel with your beagle:

Before the Trip:

It is important to start planning early as each plane has a maximum number of pets allowed, and you will need to book your beagle's travel in advance. Contact your chosen airline to confirm their specific pet policies, weight/size restrictions, and any fees associated with flying your beagle in the cabin or cargo. Most airlines will only allow small dogs that weigh around 20 pounds or less to travel in the cabin, and they must remain in a carrier under the seat for the duration of the flight. Be sure to also check the entry requirements, including any quarantine, vaccine, or other restrictions, for your destination.

Health and Veterinary Requirements:

Schedule a visit to your veterinarian to ensure your beagle is healthy enough to travel and confirm that they are up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations. If your beagle is prone to anxiety or motion sickness, consult your veterinarian about potential medication options to help calm them during the flight. Acquire a health certificate, if required by your airline, and ensure your beagle's microchip information is up to date.

Travel Documentation:

Print and bring along all relevant documentation, including your airline's pet policy, payment receipts, health certificates, and vaccination records. Additionally, keep your veterinarian's contact information on hand, as well as the details of a veterinarian at your destination, in case of any emergencies.

Carrier Selection and Training:

Choose an airline-approved carrier that meets the size requirements of your airline and specific flight. The carrier should be waterproof and provide enough space for your beagle to sit, stand, lay down, and turn around comfortably. Start acclimating your beagle to the carrier well in advance of your trip by offering treats and praise when they spend time in it. Practice in different environments and play airplane noises to simulate the actual travel conditions.

What to Pack:

• Poop bags and paper towels for messes
• A water bottle (empty for security, then fill it up)
• Calming aids (if needed), such as Benedryl, Hemp Oil, or CBD
• Small, soft treats for training and rewarding
• High-value treats to help your beagle associate the carrier with positive experiences
• Chews to help with pressure changes during takeoff and landing (use with caution to avoid overfeeding)
• Enough food for the trip, especially if your beagle has a special diet
• Any prescription medication your beagle requires
• A bandana with your scent on it to comfort your beagle
• A handheld fan to help keep your beagle cool in their carrier
• A towel and small shampoo bottle to deal with potential messes

At the Airport and During the Flight:

Arrive early at the airport to allow enough time for check-in and security screening. Keep your beagle in their carrier, and be prepared for them to be screened by TSA personnel. Most airports have pet relief areas, so make sure to give your beagle a chance to relieve themselves before the flight. During the flight, your beagle must remain in their carrier and is not permitted to sit on your lap. Provide them with a chew to help comfort them during turbulent and noisy parts of the flight.

Remember to always prioritise your beagle's safety and comfort throughout the journey, and by following these instructions, you can help ensure a positive air travel experience for both you and your furry companion.

Car travel with beagles

Beagles are just like any other dog when it comes to car rides. Some enjoy the ride, and some suffer from anxiety. Ideally, you should get your puppy used to riding in the car by taking them on short trips. Beagles can be a whiny breed, and they may whimper and whine if they are unhappy. Some may also tremble slightly with worry. It's best to ignore this behaviour and act natural and relaxed to indicate to your dog that everything is okay.

If you are planning a longer trip, you will need to plan ahead. Beagles have a strong sense of smell, so they will be able to tell that their surroundings have changed. They are also not used to being confined in a car for long lengths of time. You will need to decide how you will secure your dog in the vehicle. There are a number of ways to do this, depending on the type of vehicle you have and your Beagle's temperament.

Crate

You can place your Beagle in an appropriately-sized crate in the back seat or, if you have a larger SUV, in the cargo area. Make sure the crate is large enough for your dog to stand and turn around, and consider putting some toys in there and covering it with a blanket to keep them calm. If you have a cargo area that can be gated off, this can work well. Place blankets and toys in the back so your dog has something to do, but avoid putting food or water with them as they may get car sick.

Dogie Harness or Seat

A dogie harness or seat is another option, although they won't be as secure as they would be in a crate. This option is best for dogs who like to look around.

Planning Your Route

Plan your route so that you can stop along the way to give your Beagle bathroom breaks and a chance to get some exercise. This is also a good time to provide them with water, and if you think your dog is not prone to car sickness, a light meal.

Anxiety

Some dogs can become anxious while riding in a car. To ease their distress, you can try a Thunder Shirt, which many Beagles respond well to, or pheromones, which are a no-drug option for calming your dog during travel. If you believe that your dog will have extreme travel anxiety, speak with your veterinarian, who may be able to prescribe a sedative.

Tips for Travelling with Your Beagle

• Avoid feeding your dog a few hours before leaving.
• Run your Beagle before getting in the car. A tired Beagle is likely to be a sleepy Beagle!
• Make your dog's travel space comfortable and secure.
• Plan to take regular exercise and bathroom breaks along your trip.
• Always check that hotels along your route are pet-friendly.
• Bring materials to clean up any vomit, as many dogs do get car sick.
• Make sure your Beagle always wears a collar, or a harness.
• Don't leave the windows down low enough for your dog to jump out.
• NEVER leave your dog in a car when it's hot or even warm outside.

What to bring when travelling with beagles

Beagles are sweet, intelligent, social, and energetic, making them great travel companions. However, they can also be anxious, so it's important to plan ahead and bring everything you need to keep your beagle comfortable and happy. Here's a list of things to bring when travelling with beagles:

Travel Carrier or Crate

Purchase a medium-sized travel carrier for each beagle. Small crates will be too tight for a beagle to ride in comfortably. Alternatively, when travelling by car, you can lay a blanket or bed across the back seat and use a travel harness that attaches to the seat belt to secure your beagle. Make sure the carrier or crate is well-ventilated and has enough room for your beagle to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Food, Water, and Treats

Pack enough food to last the entire trip if you're driving, and enough for 2-3 days if you're flying. Bring a large jug of spring water, as drinking water in different cities can cause digestion problems. Don't forget to pack bowls for food and water!

Toys and Chews

Bring several toys for each beagle, including interactive toys that provide a challenge, such as treat-dispensing balls. These can help keep your beagle occupied and entertained during the trip.

Waste Bags and Cleaning Supplies

Don't forget to pack waste bags and cleaning supplies, such as paper towels or wipes, in case of accidents or messes.

Medications and Veterinary Records

Visit your veterinarian before your trip to get a full check-up for your beagle and any necessary medications, such as mild sedatives if your beagle tends to get anxious. Make sure you have enough medication for the duration of your trip. Bring a copy of your beagle's vaccination and health records, as well as your veterinarian's contact information, in case of an emergency.

Collar or Harness

Always keep your beagle secured with a collar or harness, especially when travelling by car. This ensures their safety and prevents them from roaming freely in the vehicle.

Blankets

Bring blankets to make your beagle's travel carrier or crate more comfortable and familiar. Blankets with a familiar scent can help calm and comfort your beagle during the trip.

Other Essentials

Other items to bring include a first aid kit, a roll of poop bags, a water bottle, calming aids (if needed), and a printed copy of your airline's pet policy and your beagle's travel documentation.

Where to stay when travelling with beagles

When travelling with beagles, there are a few options for where to stay.

Firstly, if you are travelling by car, you may want to consider camping. Most campgrounds are dog-friendly, as long as you keep your beagle on a leash. This is a good option if you are worried about finding pet-friendly hotels, and your beagle will likely enjoy being outdoors.

However, if camping is not for you, there are other options. It is important to book pet-friendly hotels in advance, as many hotels do not allow dogs, and you may struggle to find last-minute accommodations for you and your beagle. Some hotels are not just dog-friendly, but dog-welcoming, offering special beds, turndown service, dog spas, and doggie daycare. Be sure to ask about these amenities and any extra costs, such as non-refundable pet deposits and daily pet fees.

If you are flying, it is important to check the airline's regulations and policies for flying with dogs, as these are subject to change. Some airlines will only allow one dog on a flight, and your beagle may only be permitted to travel in the cabin if it is small enough to fit in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you. It is also important to note that longer international flights typically will not accommodate in-cabin beagles.

If you are travelling by train or bus, it is unlikely that you will be able to bring your beagle, as most train and bus lines do not allow dogs of any size on board.

Therefore, when travelling with beagles, it is important to plan ahead and consider the various options for where to stay, including camping, pet-friendly hotels, and the regulations for flying with dogs if you are travelling by plane.

Frequently asked questions