Taking pets along on a trip can make your adventure even more fun, but it also requires extra planning so that they remain safe, calm, and comfortable. Whether you’re driving across the state or boarding a plane, a little preparation goes a long way toward making the experience go more smoothly for both you and your four-legged companion.
Road Trips With a Dog or Cat
Most dogs enjoy car rides, even if long distances can be overwhelming without the proper preparation. Cats, on the other hand, often prefer familiar spaces, so time spent getting them used to car travel makes a big difference.
Start by letting your pet explore the parked car while the engine is off. Use treats or a favorite toy to build positive associations. After a few practice sessions, try short drives, then gradually extend them until your pet stays relaxed for longer periods.
Always secure your pet in a crash-tested carrier, crate, or harness designed for car safety. This protects them in sudden stops and keeps them from becoming a distraction. Pets should ride in the back seat to avoid airbag injuries, and they should never ride loose in the vehicle.
Once you’re on the road, be sure to stop every few hours so your furry friend can stretch, drink water, and take bathroom breaks.
Flying With a Dog or Cat
Many pets do better on the ground, but some can travel safely in a plane with the right precautions in place.
Air travel can be stressful for animals, so consider your pet’s temperament before booking a flight. Small pets that fit under the seat typically have the easiest experience. For larger pets that must fly in cargo, research airline policies carefully. Some have temperature restrictions, breed rules, or limits on the number of animals they allow per flight.
Schedule a veterinary visit well before your departure. Ask about required vaccines, health certificates, and any special considerations based on your pet’s age or medical history. Sedation is usually discouraged because it can affect breathing at high altitudes, so ask your veterinarian about safe calming alternatives if needed.
Invest in an airline-approved crate that allows your pet to stand, turn comfortably, and lie down. Label it clearly with your contact information and a current photo of your pet. Adding absorbent bedding and a frozen water dish helps keep them comfortable throughout the flight.
Choosing nonstop flights reduces stress and decreases the likelihood of mishandling during layovers. Let gate agents know you’re traveling with a pet so they are aware of any special concerns and considerations.
First-Aid Travel Kit for Pets
Having a pet-specific first-aid kit on hand, whether you’re traveling on the road or in the air, provides peace of mind in case of minor injuries, sudden stomach upset, or unexpected delays. Your kit should include:
- Sterile gauze, bandages, and adhesive tape
- Tweezers for removing splinters or ticks
- Digital thermometer (and lubricant for use)
- Disposable gloves
- Pet-safe antiseptic wipes
- Saline eye wash
- Any prescription medications your pet takes
- A small blanket or towel
- Extra food and collapsible bowls
- Copies of vaccination records and medical history
If your pet has allergies, chronic conditions, or a history of anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about additional items that might be helpful to include.
Travel Safety Tips
Traveling with pets adds an extra responsibility to your trip, but simple precautions can make a significant difference in their safety and well-being.
Tips for Flying With Pets
- Choose airlines with a strong reputation for pet care, and check the seasonal temperature rules.
- Confirm that your pet’s crate meets current airline and USDA requirements.
- Avoid tight layovers that increase the odds of your pet being rushed between flights.
- Bring a recent photo of your pet in case you need to confirm their identity or assist staff in locating them.
- Limit food before the flight to reduce nausea, but allow access to water.
Tips for Taking a Road Trip With Pets
- Pack familiar things, such as blankets, toys, and their regular food, to help them feel secure in a different environment.
- Keep water available, and offer it frequently, especially in warm weather.
- Never leave a pet alone in a parked vehicle. Temperatures can become life-threatening within minutes, even with the windows cracked.
- Stick to your pet’s feeding schedule, but avoid offering meals inside a moving car to prevent motion sickness.
- Secure all carriers or harnesses so they won’t slide in sudden stops.
Other Pet-Friendly Travel Tips
- Check Pet Policies Early: Confirm hotel, rental home, and campground rules before booking so there are no surprises when you arrive.
- Use Microchips (and Update the Info): A chip can be really helpful in locating your furry friend, but it’s only useful if the contact information associated with it is current.
- Pack Extra Supplies: Bring more food, medications, and waste bags than you think you’ll need in case of delays.
- Bring Comfort Items: A pet bed, familiar toys, or an old T-shirt with your scent can help anxious pets settle.
- Exercise Before Travel: A short walk or play session helps release pent-up energy and reduces restlessness during the trip.
- Create a “Base Camp”: Set up a designated spot for your pet’s food, water, and bed once you reach your destination to help them adjust more easily.
- Use Calming Aids if Needed: Talk to your vet about pheromone sprays, calming chews, or anxiety wraps for nervous travelers.
- Keep Routines Consistent: Stick to normal feeding and walking times to help your pet feel grounded in an unfamiliar environment.
- Be Weather-Aware: Hot pavement, freezing temperatures, and high humidity can impact the time pets can safely spend outside in an unfamiliar travel destination.
Plan Pet-Friendly Activities: Look for parks, trails, and restaurants that welcome pets so you’re not scrambling for last-minute accommodations.
