Today’s must-have rules of the road – Dogster

By Fluff Love Pets Last updated Jun 21, 2022

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Anna Jacoby planned to hit the road with her beloved foster dog, Jack. But as she was planning her “workcation” in Denver, Colorado, she hit the brakes. She discovered that Jack would face more scrutiny in The Mile-High City because he is a Pit Bull. The breed is only allowed in Denver if owners pay to have their dogs assessed and licensed – this also applies to visitors.

“If you have a breed of bully and want to road trip America, you need to check local laws,” Anna says. “It’s pretty wild.”

Breed restrictions are one of the many rules of the road to review before traveling with your pup, otherwise you could find yourself in the doghouse.

“Not knowing the law is no defense for breaking the law,” says attorney Jeremy Cohen of Boston Dog Lawyers. “The law is constantly changing.”

Dog owners who violate the regulations have faced prosecution, expulsions and violations. For example, not allowing your Pit Bull into Denver could result in a $999 fine and 300 days in jail.

Why you should know the laws and your responsibilities

©Su Arslanoglu | Getty Images

Each state, county, city, beach, or park you and your dog visit likely has its own dog laws and restrictions.

Jonathan Zacks quickly learned the leash law of the Big Apple when he brought his newly adopted dog, Charley, on their first walk using a retractable leash.

“I released the hook to let it run a bit,” says Jonathan. “Within seconds, a neighbor was yelling at me, pointing out that local laws state that all dogs in New York must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Timidly, I brought it back and headed to the park, where I was informed of the same by the park ranger. I confess that I was completely unaware.”

Failure to follow leash laws anywhere in the United States could result in a fine and increase a dog owner’s risk of liability.

When attorney Justin Wolfe, who represents dog bite victims, receives a new case, he investigates whether the dog should be restrained.

“If the dog, while off the leash, bites and thereby injures someone, the owner who failed to follow local leash law will most likely be held liable for any damage to the dog. victim,” says Justin.

Update vaccines and Fido’s microchip

Ensuring your dog receives the proper vaccines protects your best friend from disease and protects you from trouble. Rabies vaccines are mandatory in most states. Keep documentation that your dog is vaccinated.

“If your dog bites someone and you don’t have any proof that your dog has been vaccinated, what I’ve seen is that the victim is being treated for rabies exposure,” says Jeremy . “It could cost thousands of dollars and you could be stuck with the bill.”

Experts advise asking your vet for other basic vaccinations like parvo, distemper, and vaccinations specific to where you are traveling.

“Certain regions have an increased risk of certain diseases, such as leptospirosis, Lyme disease or canine infectious respiratory disease complex,” explains veterinarian Dr. Lori Teller, new president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. “There are vaccines available to help prevent or lessen the severity of these diseases. Visit your veterinarian at least six weeks before you travel to ensure your dog is properly protected.

Many states require a veterinarian to examine your dog and issue a document certifying that he is in good health. It is also recommended to have your dog microchipped. It is implanted under the skin, so it cannot fall off like a necklace or tags.

“Make sure your dog’s microchip contact information is up to date,” says Jessica Simpson, senior public policy specialist at the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS). “If you’re separated from your pet in an unfamiliar area, this could be the key to reuniting with them.”

Find a truly dog-friendly place to stay

Some hotels say they are pet-friendly, but that doesn’t mean your stay will be like home.

When Meera Watts and her Pomeranian, Bozo, checked into a hotel, the hotel didn’t allow dogs on the bed and she couldn’t bring her food into the room.

“Sometimes hotels go a little overboard with their pet policies. It really gave me a headache because my dog is quite used to sleeping with me on the bed, and I found the dog food rule illogical,” says Meera.

Gigi Chow and her Yorkie, Roger Wellington, also encountered unexpected limits.

“On several occasions I was surprised by the hotel’s policy that dogs are not allowed alone inside the room. If they are, they must be in a kennel or crate that I’m not traveling with. Often it’s not written online at the time of booking,” says Gigi.

Gigi now calls the hotel and confirms the policy via email. It’s similar to Airbnb’s advice. The company cautions to check a listing’s house rules, contact the host, and ask if there are any pet restrictions.

If you’re staying with friends or family, find out if their condo or homeowners association has regulations on breeds, barking, or size. (Of course, the circumstances are different if you have an emotional support or service dog.)

Check the rules for planes, trains and cars in advance

It is illegal in some states to have an unrestrained dog in the back of a pickup truck. (And that’s just a dumb thing to do.) Some states prohibit a dog from being unsecured inside a vehicle. Many states prohibit distracted driving, and a loose dog inside the car can get you a fine for distracted driving, even if the law doesn’t specifically require you to restrain your dog.

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Dr. Teller recommends using a dog seat belt, restraint, or kennel. “If the worst happens and you are involved in a car accident, loose dogs can become flying missiles, ricochet around the vehicle and/or be ejected from a window. This can lead to injury to humans and injury or even death to the animal,” she says.

If you are traveling by plane, each airline decides whether pets can travel in the cabin of the plane, unless you have a service animal. Federal regulators no longer recognize emotional support animals as service animals on airline flights.

Small dogs can fly in the airplane cabin. But big dogs go in freight, which comes with its share of health and safety risks for your dog. Speak to your veterinarian and airline and do your research thoroughly before booking.

“Some airlines don’t allow certain breeds to fly, especially brachycephalic (squashed-faced) breeds,” says Dr. Teller. “Make sure your dog is comfortable in a kennel, especially when on the move. During the hottest times of the year, try to avoid stealing during the middle of the day. early in the morning or at night are best because the ambient temperature will not be as high when your pet is moved to and from the plane.

Many train lines welcome dogs but have size limits and other restrictions. For example, Amtrak allows dogs and cats, but only up to 20 pounds for the combined weight of pet and carrier, and your pet must be at least 8 weeks old, non-disturbing, odorless, and “no requires no attention during travel. Additionally, it only allows a maximum of five pets per train and limits the total travel time for pets to seven hours.

When it comes to traveling with your pet, it’s obvious that pre-trip research is key. And Anna was relieved to have done all her homework on the Denver Pit Bull prescription beforehand. “I’m a careful travel planner,” she says. “I saved myself a big hassle.”