Traveling can be fun and exciting, but we all know it can come with delays and challenges. What about if you're traveling with pets? Just as we take steps to ensure our comfort and safety when traveling, there are also steps to take to ensure our pets feel safe and comfortable. In this blog, we'll provide helpful tips for how to travel with pets, whether by car or by plane, and how planning ahead is essential to help keep your travel adventures as smooth as possible.
How to Travel with Pets by Car
You may choose to take your pet along on road trips for many reasons. Should you decide to do so, here is what you need to know and prepare for:
Preparing for the Journey
Get the pet used to using the car. If your pet has rarely or never been on a car ride, taking short, stress-free practice rides can help them get used to the experience.
Veterinary Checkup
Schedule a visit with your vet for a health check and vaccinations.
Discuss the potential need for any anti-anxiety or motion sickness medications.
Obtain a health certificate as required by law when crossing state lines.
Safety First
Use a pet carrier that allows your pet to sit, stand, and turn comfortably and fits in your car.
Have your pet in the carrier whenever feasible.
Ensure your pet wears a collar with an up-to-date ID, and even better, have your pet microchipped.
Essentials to Pack
Remember to pack food, bowls, a leash, toys, grooming supplies, any medications your pet is taking, and a pet first-aid kit.
Prepare for Emergencies
If you know your destination, it is always a good idea to have the information of a local veterinarian or emergency veterinarian on hand.
Weather Considerations
Plan rest stops for water, bathroom breaks, and fresh air, especially on hot or cold days.
Never leave your pet alone in the car, regardless of the temperature, especially if it's too hot or cold.
In our blog on Summer Pet Safety, you can learn more about traveling with your pet during the summer months.
How to Travel with Pets by Plane
Many of the things to plan for with road trips for your pet also apply to planes; however, flying with your pet does present additional considerations. Flying can make your pet anxious, and if you don't have to take your pet with you on the airplane, I personally recommend not to.
Should you decide to take your pet on the plane, here is what you need to know and prepare for:
Booking the Flight
Book a direct flight whenever possible. This helps prevent the animals from having to sit on the tarmac for a long time.
If where you live, like me, direct flights aren't an option, you can drive to a direct flight location or use a transporter to get your pet to direct flight locations.
Try to book a flight early or later in the day.
Avoid flying with your pet in the dead of summer or winter. In the summer, choose early morning or late evening flights; in winter, opt for midday flights.
Avoid flights during busy holiday times.
Airline policies around flying with your pet vary. Check with your specific airline for the current requirements when booking your flight.
Veterinary Checkup
You'll need to see your veterinarian beforehand to make sure your pet is healthy enough to fly and current on its vaccinations. Your vet can also check for any undetected issues that could be exacerbated while flying.
Obtain a health certificate, which is required by law when crossing state lines.
If you are traveling with a pet with health issues or an older pet, you want to make sure they are comfortable while they are confined in a crate for a long time. Your vet can discuss medications to help with that.
Avoid tranquilizers for pets traveling in cargo due to potential health risks. Since they are out of your sight and if there is an emergency because of the drugs, there's nothing you can do to help them.
Preparing for Air Travel
Let your pet sleep or relax in the crate at home to help them acclimate to their carrier and reduce their anxiety about being confined in a new space.
Include a blanket or item with a familiar scent (like a shirt) in the crate to help soothe the pet during travel.
Before flying, exercise them, provide food and water, and take them to the potty as close to the flight as possible.
Don't put food and water in the crate. Instead, it's recommended to tape a dry bag of kibble to the outside of the crate with feeding instructions if it's going to be awhile. That way, airport personnel can offer a little treat and food to alleviate stress. Food is unnecessary if you're on a short or direct flight.
Reconfirm your flight arrangements the day before departure to ensure there have been no unexpected changes.
Airport Guidelines
Be aware that every airline has different guidelines for pet travel.
If your pet travels in cargo, you'll need a USDA-approved shipping crate. Cats and small dogs can travel under your seat in approved soft or hard crates. If they're going to be traveling in cargo, make sure the crate is big enough for them to sit up, stand, and turn around in it.
Cabin travel for pets typically requires pets to weigh under 15 lbs, including the carrier.
Airlines also have temperature guidelines for flying with your pet.
Due to temperature sensitivity, many airlines have safety guidelines for brachycephalic or short-nosed breeds (e.g., bulldogs) during warmer months.
Safety First
Have proper ID on the crate and your pet, and consider microchipping your pet.
Notify everyone you encounter as an airline employee that you are traveling with a pet in cargo if they're not traveling in the airplane with you. If you get stuck on the runway, get delayed, or have a flight change, the cargo makes it, and your luggage doesn't, someone will need to check on your pet as soon as possible.
The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) also provides guidelines and resources for transporting your pet, which you can read here:
It may not always be feasible to travel with your pet. In those instances, boarding your pet can be a safe and comfortable experience while you're away. When boarding your pet, tour the facility beforehand and ask many questions. Ensure your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date, and consider short practice stays to help them adjust.
Learn more from our blog here about boarding your dog without stress.
Buddy's Vets offers a boutique experience with veterinary-supervised care for local boarding, ideal for older, shy, or special-needs pets. Our team is here 24/7 to ensure your pet feels right at home. Feel free to visit us to see how we can make your pet's stay as comfortable as possible.
Buddy's Boutique Boarding
Alternatively, consider a pet sitter if boarding isn't ideal for your pet. Ask friends, family, or your vet for recommendations, and look for sitters with experience handling your pet's specific needs. Meet with potential sitters to learn about their experience and ask for references. Once you've chosen a sitter, set up a trial run, give clear instructions on feeding, exercise, and medication, and provide your contact details, travel itinerary, and an emergency contact.
Travel Away
Traveling with pets can be a smooth and comfortable experience with the proper planning and preparation. In addition to the tips provided here, it's always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian for advice tailored to your pet's needs. If you have any questions about how to travel with pets, contact us at Buddy's Vets. We're here to help make your travel plans as pet-friendly as possible. Here's to fun and safe travels!
