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Maltese Dogs and Travel

Maltese dogs love to go wherever you go, so if you are thinking about traveling, you may want to consider taking your dog with you instead of having a friend dog-sit or putting him in a kennel.

Of course, if you do intend to take your Maltese with you when you travel, you should first ask yourself if brining your companion along is a sensible decision. For instance, although you can bring Maltese dogs just about anywhere, it would be unfair to leave your dog in his crate all day during your vacation if you have no intention of allowing him to enjoy your adventures with you.

Therefore, if you are interested in taking your dog with you, the following are some tips you should keep in mind:

Before Travel:

  • Contact the destination where you will be vacationing, and find out if you dog is welcome where you will be staying.
  • Take your Maltese dogs or dog to the vet to make sure he is in good health and all of his vaccinations are up to date.
  • Find out if the destination is suitable for your dog, and ensure that there are no insects or temperatures that will pose any health risks to your dog. *Note: Maltese can become overheated quickly

Packing for the trip:

  • Make sure you take all of the necessary documents that may be required when crossing borders. For example: rabies certificate, health certificate, etc.
  • Take a recent photo of your dog and bring it with you for identification purposes should he become lost.
  • Take all the items your dog will need:
    • Leash
    • Toys
    • Food and water dish
    • Food
    • Treats
    • Crate
    • Medicine (if needed)
    • Grooming supplies
    • Etc.
  • Ensure that your Maltese dogs are wearing the proper identification tags, as well as an additional tag that provides information about how to reach you at the destination where you will be staying should he become lost.

Car Travel

  • Keep your Maltese in the back seat, either in his crate, or secure him in his seat with a dog seat belt. Make sure he is kept out of the sun. If you own a truck do not put him in the back of it.
  • Do not feed Maltese dogs a minimum of 3 hours prior to leaving.
  • When you make road stops, make sure you give your dog fresh water and a small snack if he’s been good.
  • Make sure you feed your dog as soon as you reach your destination or when you stop traveling for the day.
  • Always ensure you put your Maltese on a leash when you take him out of the car.
  • Never leave your dog in a closed car on a hot day; this could lead to heat stroke and even death! If you must leave your dog in the car, make sure you crack a few windows and are not gone for a long time. If you will be gone for a while, make sure you frequently go back to your car to check on your dog.

Air Travel

  • Try to avoid taking your dog on air travel that will involve stopovers, transfers, or during the time of year when an airline will likely be delayed.
  • Make all reservations well in advance so you know exactly what is in store for your dog and to ensure he is well accommodated before you travel.
  • If the crate of your Maltese dog is small enough to fit under the seat, some airlines will allow you to take them with you on the flight, instead of being stored in a separate area of the plane. However, should you need to have your dog stored in a separate area of the plane, follow all regulations that apply.
  • The crate should have a soft blanket or cushion on its floor to provide your dog comfort. The crate door should have a water bowl attached to it so that your dog can have water when he needs it.
  • Before you leave for the airport, make sure you take your Maltese dogs out for a long walk to ensure he is well exercised.
  • Once you have reached your destination, pick up your Maltese immediately.
  • You should know that if you are taking your dog to a foreign country, he will need to spend time in quarantine. Find out from your travel agent or the country’s consul what you should know about their quarantine procedure prior to visiting.

Finally, once you reach your travel destination, find out what all of the regulations are regarding dogs. You should also make sure you confine your Maltese dogs to a carrier when you leave him alone or are in restricted areas. The more considerate you are as an owner, the more welcome your dog will be as a guest. This will ensure that you both enjoy your vacation together.