Pet Safety & Wellness

Traveling with Pets: How to Plan for Pet-Friendly Travel

Pet-Friendly Travel Starts at Home

You can feel the sunshine and taste that mai-tai, even from your living room, but your dog or cat doesn’t know he’s about to take a trip. When you’re traveling with pets, you need to remember that your dog or cat lives moment to moment, and planning those moments is your responsibility.

Will your dog love his paws sinking in the sand? Or will he be too hot or have to stay in a hotel room, because the beach doesn’t allow dogs? Will your cat like snuggling in a hotel bed or will she scratch all the furniture to pieces?

Sometimes, pet-friendly travel means traveling alone and providing your dog or cat with the full attention of a clean, well-staffed kennel.

Pets that are great at adventure deserve a break, too, though, so start planning before you depart—and get ready for serious fun.

Your First Trip Is to the Vet

The first trip you make when you’re traveling with pets is to your veterinarian. Most destinations require a clean bill of health, certified within ten days of departure from home, and documentation of rabies vaccination.

Consider microchipping before you go. Microchips are a must for safe, pet-friendly travel. Your pet's unique ID number on the chip can be used to retrieve your contact information—as well as the contact information for another person you specify—no matter where your pet gets lost.

Talk to your vet about anything that crosses your mind—ask for international pet-travel or dog-behavior advice, learn how cats adapt on the road, double-check that you understand your pet’s medical history, or request recommendations for an emergency vet at your destination.

Good Boy! Perfect Your Dog’s Behavior

Now is the time to fine-tune your dog’s behavior, too. Any mischievous inclinations that are cute at home will derail your trip quickly. Traveling with pets is a new type of socialization—but you’re in charge, so take the lead and guide the behavior that will make your vacation amazing.

Perfect your dog’s ability to stay, heel, and walk comfortably with a collar and leash—important when taking your pet out of his normal routine and to unfamiliar places—because getting lost is the most common cause of pet death. This is doubly important for international pet travel. You do not want your dog to get lost in a country that does not have the resources or concern to help you find him.

Create a dog crate environment that is welcoming and familiar. Your dog’s behavior in his crate will determine much of your enjoyment together. Your dog should be calm and secure when he is crated—blankets, toys, and treats can help. If you need dog-behavior advice for whining or aggression, learn how to fix the issue before you leave.

Carry pick-up bags and a solution of vinegar-water in case of an accident, but don’t reinforce your dog’s behavior if he shows anxiety. Just clean up and move onto something new.

Buckle Up for Fun with Cat and Dog Car Seats

Digging into exploration is the best part of a trip, and there is no better way to see the sights and keep on movin’ than coasting the country with your dog or cat.

Road trips make for great dog-friendly travel, because, chances are, you and your pup have already hit the road together. You may not have traveled much with your cat yet, but take a few warm-up rides before you go—increase the distance gradually, and, before you know it, you’ll be super car companions.

Safety matters when you’re traveling with pets in the car, too, though. Shop for a cat or dog car seat far enough in advance that you can both get used to the one you pick. You should never let your dog hang his head out the window—the debris could scratch his eyes or damage his throat—but dog seat belts should not restrict him uncomfortably, either.

You can find small-dog car seats that include safe baskets for little pets, too. Small-dog car seats are better than trying to strap a toy breed or puppy into a full-size booster, and anyone who has tried to harness a cat knows a basket is easier for everyone.

Stop frequently for leg-stretching and bathroom breaks and bring along dry food as snacks or treats. If you leave your pet in a car seat alone for a few minutes, make sure the temperature is comfortable and provide appropriate ventilation. The temperature in a parked car in warmer months or climates can kill your pet in just minutes.

Friendly Skies Ahead with Pet Air Travel

Pet air travel can be a little nerve-wracking, but if you’ve already worked on pet-friendly travel behavior before you arrive at the airport, you and your pet should arrive at your destination ready to relax.

Your pet’s behavior will reflect yours, so if you’re a nervous flier or worried about traveling with your pet, he’ll pick up on it. Stay calm! Anticipation is normal before a trip—especially one that involves international pet travel—but you can make sure your flight is safe and comfortable for your dog or cat.

Book your trip as far in advance as you can, so that you know there is room for your pet. If you can, book a direct flight. Each airline has its own cat- or dog-friendly travel rules that you will need to learn. Follow all of them exactly for a smooth flight.

Some airlines may allow pets in the passenger area on certain flights. If you can arrange this, find out if you should bring your dog’s car seat or if there will be special dog seat belts available.

Ask extra-detailed questions about crate restrictions. Your crate or carrier should be strong and large enough for your dog or cat to stand up and turn around inside. Make sure your pet has plenty of air. Food and water should be positioned to avoid spilling. Label the crate with the words, “LIVE ANIMAL,” and include your home and travel contact information. The same crate rules apply when you travel on trains, too.

Arrive at the airport early and establish when you check in that your dog will be in a pressurized area of the cabin. This is particularly important for international pet travel, when you will be away from your pet for many hours. Areas of the plane that are not pressurized can become dangerously hot or cold and create a risky or fatal health situation.

Almost all airlines hold owners responsible for ensuring safe pet air travel. If something happens to your dog or cat, you may not have much recourse, so take the time to prepare for all eventualities and train your dog beforehand to act calm and approachable, so that he is comfortable and safe en route and upon arrival.

Destination: Vacation! Hotel Comforts for Pets

You’ve finally made it! You’re on vacation! Ahhh, home seems so far away . . . but your pet may miss some of his creature comforts.

When you’re traveling with pets, you need to keep in mind that your dog or cat is just there to have a good time with you! Dogs don’t need to break away from routine—in fact, he probably loves his routine—and cats will do as they please no matter where they are. So, start making your hotel or accommodations as pet-friendly as possible.

Your dog’s behavior at your resort or hotel is particularly important. If there is a problem, the hotel does not have to honor the entirety of your reservation, so keep your dog’s behavior in check. Don’t leave him alone and don’t allow barking or chewing.

Set up an area that includes all your pet’s comfort items from his crate. Learn immediately where you are allowed to go with your dog and then take him for a walk to establish clean, healthy routines—and, as always, clean up after him with pick-up bags or vinegar-water if there is an accident.

Traveling with pets means feeding them healthy food, too. Manage your pet’s diet by feeding small amounts of dry food regularly and providing regular access to water from home. This is even more important during international pet travel, when he may get sick from unknown bacteria. You can integrate special, regional treats if your pet is used to a raw or organic diet and you can verify how the treats were made.

Vacation is all about fun and new experience, so including your pet in your trip is an amazing bonding experience that you’ll remember for a long time—just make sure you take the right precautions and you’ll be sure to love traveling with your pets.