Bringing pets on long trips?

[MunkeyXis]

I'm planning a cross country ride next summer along the northern tier but recently I've been thinking about getting a dog, a welsh corgi to be exact. So now im wondering how feasible it is to bring a pet along on a long trip like this.

I would be traveling at a medium pace, around 65 miles a day. The dog would still be a puppy but probably almost a year old by the time we'd set off.

I'm assuming i'd have to bring extra equipment and supplies like dog food, leash, bowl, lil doggy helmet (lol). Since the breed is small i could prob keep him on a handlebar bag type thing and i'm probably going to be using a trailer over panniers. So maybe it would like to hang in the trailer too if i can afford a snug little spot for him to sit in.

Has anyone tried bringing their pets with them or have any info on something like it? Perhaps i'm just wishful thinking =D

[DaveB]

My opinion: I've seen folks (mostly women) bring small dogs on week long supported rides and thought it was the dumbest thing I've ever witnessed and they didn't even have to carry the dog's (or their own) supplies on the bike.  

Taking a dog on a several months long cross country trip is even worse.

Do both yourself and the dog a favor and don't do it.

[FredHiltz]

For what it's worth, I chatted with three such riders on the Northern Tier: one with a cat in a rack trunk, one with a small dog in a rack trunk, and one with a medium-size (15 lb.?) dog in a two-wheeled trailer. They were all riding solo (duo?). We did not dwell on the topic, but all parties seemed to be enjoying the trip. I did not notice any helmets on the animals.

Fred

This message was edited by FredHiltz on 10-1-07 @ 4:30 AM

[biker_james]

I don't think your handlebar bag idea will work with a Corgi-the ones I've seen are pretty sturdy, if short and low to the ground, little dogs. I do think they would probably make good travelling partners, as you could carry them on the trailer, and let them off to run beside on uphill sections to lighten the load. They are herding dogs, so they can probably put some miles in on those little legs.
I've only met one person touring with a dog ( seen one or two others on the road also). He was touring from Winnipeg to Toronto with an 85 pound Akita, using a child trailer for the dog, and letting it walk uphill beside the bike. He didn't seem to have any complaints about travelling with the dog, and they had done over 1000 km together when we met them.

[staehpj1]

Sounds like a bad idea to me, but I guess it is possible.  Several extra pounds is a hardship on a long tour and I wonder how happy the dog would be.  I guess a lot depends on the temperment of the dog.

Plan ahead with regards to where you stay as some places do not allow pets, including some (All?) national parks.

In any case if you take the dog, I hope you both enjoy the trip.

[litespeed]

I think the decision will be pretty much up to the dog - whether or not it likes to ride. You'll probably have to train the little beast almost from birth. Some grown cats and dogs take to riding but it's rare. I've seen cats and dogs on day rides but never on a long trip. I can see the charm in it though. It would be a great ice breaker with strangers especially if it's a cute dog.

[valygrl]

Try contacting this guy, he travels with one or more jack russels.
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/directory/?o=rzyi&user=Airwick&v=vo