Over the past weekend, over 2,500 top-ranked dogs traveled to New York City to participate in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, the biggest event of their careers. These dogs arrived by car, plane, and even chartered private flights, with their entourages in tow. The dogs competed in events testing agility, obedience, and diving off a dock, with breed judging set to begin on Monday. The show requires years of training and effort, along with extensive planning by owners and handlers, who pack thousands of dollars worth of equipment and treats for their dogs.
Some dogs traveled to the Westminster Dog Show by car, with their owners driving long hours to get to the venue. Most dogs are used to long car rides, and owners ensure their comfort and safety throughout the journey. Others car-pooled with fellow dog owners, ensuring that their dogs were crate-trained and comfortable during the trip. Some dogs, like Rowan, a large Bracco Italiano, were too big to fly, so driving was the only option for transportation.
Other dogs flew to New York for the show, requiring extensive documentation, vaccination shots, and adherence to airline policies. Professional handlers like Janice Hayes regularly fly with their show dogs, with dogs like Buddy Holly and Hayden making the trip to compete. Dozens of dogs from abroad traveled to the show, including Khaleesi, a bearded collie from Mexico City. The requirements for international travel for animals vary by country and can change frequently.
Hotels closest to the show venue, the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, hosted the dogs and their humans overnight. These hotels charged pet fees in addition to nightly rates, with most handlers and owners sharing rooms with their dogs. Some owners joked about their dogs taking up the whole bed, with Irish Wolfhounds Rowan and Brody competing against each other in breed judging. Despite the challenges of sharing a bed with large dogs, owners and handlers are excited to participate in the prestigious Westminster Dog Show.
The show dog world is a tight-knit community, with owners and handlers supporting each other throughout the competition. The dogs receive top-notch care and attention, with special treats like McDonald’s sausages reserved for show days. International travel with dogs requires careful planning, including obtaining pet passports and adhering to vaccination and documentation requirements. Despite the challenges of travel, the bond between owners and their dogs remains strong, with both parties working together to showcase their talents at prestigious events like the Westminster Dog Show.
