To ask us questions about Dog Travel, click  here.
We will post answers to some of the questions in next month's magazine.

Maryam  (Millbrae, California)

Q: Hi. Great magazine! I am looking for campsites in Northern California that will allow dogs. Leashed is fine. Thanks for your reply! Maryam

A: There are many campsites that allow dogs in Northern California. However, if you want to stay at a campsite with nearby dog-friendly hiking trails, I recommend staying at a National Forest. There are many nice forests to choose from, but try the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. Lake Shasta is within this forest and it is a beautiful blue lake surrounded by mountains. It is also fairly easy to access. It is located off Highway 5 in Redding, CA. Campground reservations are made online through the Shasta Recreation Company or by calling ReserveUSA at 1-877-444-6777.

Elizabeth  (San Diego, California)

Q: I live in San Diego, which is close to the Tijuana, Mexico border. What restrictions are there for taking my dog across the border & bringing her back?

A: According to the U.S. Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. visitors to Mexico may bring a dog or cat by presenting the following certificates at the border: 1. a pet health certificate signed by a registered veterinarian in the United States and issued not more than 72 hours before the animal enters Mexico; and 2. a pet vaccination certificate showing that the animal has been treated for rabies, hepatitis, pip and leptospirosis. Certification by Mexican consular authorities is not required for the health or vaccination certificate. A permit fee is charged at the time of entry into Mexico.

But to re-enter into the United States from Mexico, please be aware of the following. Pets taken out of the United States and returned are subject to the same requirements as those entering for the first time. For entry into the U.S., domestic dogs must be free of evidence of diseases communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry. If the animal is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the owner's expense. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entering the United States and the rabies shot given in the last 12 months. A valid rabies vaccination certificate needs to accompany the animal. This certificate should be in English or be accompanied by a translation. It should identify the animal, the dates of vaccination and expiration, and be signed by a licensed veterinarian. If no expiration date is specified, the certificate is acceptable if the date of vaccination is no more than 12 months before the date of arrival. If the vaccination was performed less than 30 days before arrival, the animal may be admitted but must be confined at a place of the owner's choosing until at least 30 days have passed since the vaccination.

And remember for people, you will need a U.S. passport and either a valid driver's license or a government identification card that includes a photo or physical description.

Susan  (Renfrew, Pennsylvania)

Q: any restrictions taking your family dog over the border into Canada?

A: Domestic dogs and cats may enter from the United States into Canada, provided each animal is accompanied by the following; 1. the owner or someone appointed by the owner needs to accompany the pet, and 2. a certificate issued by a licensed U.S. veterinarian of the United States that clearly identifies the animal and certifies that the dog and/or cat has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36-month period. Rabies tags alone may not be sufficient.

But to re-enter into the United States from Canada, please be aware of the following. Pets taken out of the United States and returned are subject to the same requirements as those entering for the first time. For entry into the U.S., domestic dogs must be free of evidence of diseases communicable to humans when examined at the port of entry. If the animal is not in apparent good health, further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the owner's expense. Dogs must be vaccinated against rabies at least 30 days before entering the United States and the rabies shot given in the last 12 months. A valid rabies vaccination certificate needs to accompany the animal. This certificate should be in English or be accompanied by a translation. It should identify the animal, the dates of vaccination and expiration, and be signed by a licensed veterinarian. If no expiration date is specified, the certificate is acceptable if the date of vaccination is no more than 12 months before the date of arrival. If the vaccination was performed less than 30 days before arrival, the animal may be admitted but must be confined at a place of the owner's choosing until at least 30 days have passed since the vaccination.

For U.S. citizens (people), the following is required; a valid passport or 2 other pieces of identification (one must include your photo)

Our experience: We drove into Canada with our dog (no questions asked, did not need to show any paperwork, etc.) and returned via car back into the United States (again, no questions asked and we showed no paperwork). However, DO NOT assume that you won't need the appropriate paperwork, etc. when traveling into Canada and back into the U.S. ALWAYS bring the required documents for you and your pet.

Tammy  (Montello, Wisconsin)

Q: Are there any airlines that will allow a small dog (20#) to travel that allow dogs to be in the passenger area? We are planning a trip to Oregon soon.

A: Some of the major airlines will probably allow a 20 pound dog, but your dog will need to fit in an approved airline carrier which can be pretty small. For example, if you have a Jack Russell Terrier that only weighs 20 pounds, but is tall, he might not be able to fit in the carrier because of height. Airline policies change frequently, so the best thing is to call the airlines directly.

Anthony  (Orlando, FL, Kingman, AZ)

Q: What's the cheapest why to get a small dog from Kingman AZ to Orlando FL.

A: It depends on many factors. If your dog is small enough to fit in an approved airline carrier, he can ride in the cabin with you on a commercial airliner. Contact the airlines directly for cabin carrier requirements. A ticket for a small dog that can be carried (in a carrier) in the cabin with you, usually costs about $50 one way. You will also need to add the cost of air fare for at least one person who will fly with the dog. Or you can drive. Once you add up the cost for gasoline, hotel/motel rooms including pet fees and cost for food, you can then compare it to your air fare. If you get a very good air fare, it might be cheaper to fly, assuming your dog is small enough to fit in an airline approved carrier.