Dog Hitchhiking

Here is some information about dogs hitchhiking with humans and humans hitchhiking with dogs. A couple consisting of a dog and a human isn't necessarily hitchhiking slower than a human couple.

Drivers' reactions, though, are more definitive: either a strict "No, never!", or very passionate "YES!". People who like dogs do not hesitate - they just stop. Even when otherwise they won't be picking up a human hitchhiker traveling without animal companion.

Some religions say that dogs are dirty, some countries ban certain breeds, and in some cultures dogs aren't pets but livestock. Take into consideration these cultural differences and learn about animal issues in particular location before hitting the road and crossing borders.

Most countries have laws about what is required from you to enter with a pet. If you check these in advance, you can make the necessary arrangements and avoid quarantine in most cases. Since January 2012, the EU's laws made it easier to travel within the EU as long as you have a valid EU Pet Passport. But even then it's important to check each country's rules in advance - some of them have extra requirements like tick, flea or tapeworm treatment (e.g. UK, Ireland, Finland, Malta).

Advice for Humans

 * try to make your dog accustomed with hitchhiking when he/she is still young
 * make sure your dog is not afraid of cars before you hitch with him/her for the first time
 * don't forget your dog's passport and papers
 * make sure your dog feels comfortable and safe in every moment of your journey, for example, don't forget he/she also wants to pee after sitting a while in a car ;)
 * flea and heartworm preventative is important also
 * keep in mind that dogs cannot go as long as humans without water
 * putting your dog on a feeding schedule may be difficult on the road but is worth it and helps prevent 'accidents'
 *  add more info? :) 

Advices for Dogs
http://alamedalearning.com/reality/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/begging-dog.jpg
 * do not drink too much before traveling
 * if your fellow human is somewhat stressed, try to be nice and do not annoy him/her too much
 * do not run over the road, this can be dangerous
 * always look nicely at the driver
 * insist on a ride in a dog's own, specific way:
 * do not bark at cyclists and other traffic, it can contribute in worsening of the hitchhiking image
 * as humans world is weird and sometimes incomprehensible, listen to your fellow human to be safe
 * always be polite to other humans and dogs that are already in a car
 * inform your fellow human you are hitchhiking with about your intentions to flirt with a dog that happens to be in the same car
 * make sure not to get motion sickness!
 *  add more info? :)