Traveling with your pet can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. As a pet owner, you know that there are many considerations when it comes to traveling with your pet. You want to make sure they have enough food and water while on the road, as well as identification and important documents. This blog post will help you plan out your trip, whether traveling by car or airplane, so you won’t be stressed out on the big day!
First, and most importantly, make sure your pet is fit to travel. Some animals just have a hard time coping when they’re not at home, especially when they’re really old, sick, or injured. Or maybe the animal’s temperament isn’t ideal for travel. For pet owners who are considering taking their pet on vacation, it is important to consider the journey. The logistics of traveling with your pet can be overwhelming. Make sure your pet is ready for the journey and consult with your veterinarian beforehand.
Make sure you get your pet a collar with ID that includes your address and phone number. If you’re not with them, get them a temporary tag with their name and location of where you’re staying
If you’re thinking about microchipping your pet, now is the time to do it. A microchip is a safe, permanent form of identification that can help reunite your pet with you if they happen to get lost. It is important to confirm that all your contact information is accurate and up to date before leaving for your destination. If your companion is already microchipped, you will need to confirm with the company that manages the database that they have all the correct contact information.
It’s always a good idea to have your pet’s medical history on hand in the event of an emergency. In addition to carrying around your pet’s medical records, it helps if you take photos of them as well! Simply upload the documents to your phone so they are readily available when needed, such as a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection, an Official Health Certificate, or proof of rabies vaccines. Your pet might need to visit the vet before you take him on a long car trip or flight around the country.
Selecting the proper pet carrier can be a bit overwhelming with the number of options available. When selecting a carrier, it is important to consider your pet’s size and weight, as well as how long the trip will be. A crate should have enough room for them to stand up, sit down, turn around and lie down with some extra space to spare. Check out our selection of carriers here Carriers and Travel Essentials. Remember to check your airline’s pet carrier size guidelines and specifications before purchasing any new gear.
Whether you’re going on a plane, train, or car ride with your animal pal, there are a few hacks that can help calm them before you head out. If your dog likes to play ball, go for a game of fetch before heading out. They’ll be tired and it will make the drive more comfortable for both you and them. When traveling with your pet, it can be stressful for them. To help them feel more at ease, you can use a favorite blanket or a piece of clothing of yours to make their carrier more comfortable. Animals are comforted by familiar scents.
Make sure to pack enough food and water for the drive. A Portable Pet Water Bottle is a great way to travel with water for your pet. Don’t forget treats and their favorite toy!
We always travel with a Pet First Aid Kit, because you just never know when your pet might get stung by a bug, step on something sharp, or just get into something they shouldn’t have.
We want to take care of our pets as much as we take care of ourselves. A pet car seat will keep your dog secure and comfortable, and a travel crate can also be used for cats or other small animals. Ensure your pet is buckled up and ready to ride with our Dog Car Seatbelt! When you’re in the car, it’s best to keep your pet restrained to prevent them from roaming around and distracting the driver. For this, a travel crate is a must-have. One of the advantages is that it provides extra protection for your pet in case of an accident or emergency stop.
If you love cuddling with your pet while driving, please don’t. Not only is it a major distraction, but it’s also extremely dangerous for your furry friend. Doing so will distract you from the road and can lead to accidents. With more people owning small dogs, it’s important to be mindful of the dog’s safety. If they’re not properly restrained, the dog could jump down to the floor and get squished between you and the steering wheel. A recent study from AAA and Kurgo Pet Products (https://www.kurgo.com/dog-travel-statistics/) regarding pet owners who travel with their pets, found that nearly one in five drivers are guilty of letting their pets ride in their lap. One-third of the same people that let their pet on their lap also admit to using their hands or arms to secure them when they hit the brakes. There are very real dangers to allowing a pet to sit on your lap. If a crash did occur, a small pet could easily be crushed by a deployed airbag, or thrown from the vehicle. Airbags are powerful enough to break bones and cause severe internal injuries. Not only that, but an unrestrained dog is basically a missile when the car crashes. In a car traveling 30 mph with a 10-lb dog, it’s exerting about 300 lbs of pressure. Keep your pet restrained so it doesn’t hurt you or them in a car accident
Letting your dog ride in the back of an open truck is extremely dangerous. Dogs can easily fall out of the truck or be crushed by other objects in the truck. If you’re transporting your dog in a pickup truck, make sure to have him ride inside the cab with you.
Give your pet some food at least 4 hours before you leave on your trip and don’t feed him in the car, to help prevent motion sickness. Take regular breaks and make sure to give your pet a chance to go the bathroom and move around every 2-3 hours to stretch. Remember to pack their food, some water for the trip, and a favorite toy or two.
Keep your pal happy by making sure the temperature is regulated so they’re comfortable. Keeping the air circulating helps to ensure their comfort, too. If your car has a radio in it and you can control the sound output, make sure to set it up front for the humans. Our pets may put up with your singing when they’re in the car but they’ll be more comfortable if they don’t have to listen to loud music.
It’s never a good idea to leave your pet unattended in a car, even with the windows cracked. They can easily overheat and it could be deadly.
If you’re planning to fly with a pet, it is important to know the airline’s pet policy. Most airlines have restrictions on animals being in the cabin, typically 20 pounds or less, and only allow a certain number of pets per flight. Be sure to contact the airline before your trip so you can plan accordingly. Most airlines allow dogs and cats in the cabin. That said, some airlines restrict certain breeds, so make sure to read their policies beforehand. Always check the requirements for the crate or carrier size and dimensions with your chosen airline. Introduce your pet to a new crate or carrier at least a week before you travel, so they feel comfortable and safe before the trip. We offer a wide selection of Carriers and Travel Essentials that will meet your needs.
Flying with your pet can be stressful. While the airport is an exciting place for humans, it may not be for your animal companion. During the holidays, flights tend to be more crowded and your pet may feel anxious or overstimulated. If you don’t have a nonstop flight, make sure to allow your pet some time to stretch its legs and use the bathroom at a pet relief station, available at most major airports. Always be prepared for flight delays and keep a few extra snacks, toys, and food for your pet in your carry-on. This will save you and your pet some unwanted stress should your checked baggage get lost on the way to your destination.
Give your pet a little water right before takeoff. Swallowing can help their ears pop while the plane is ascending and help alleviate any ear pain.
We recommend not giving animals tranquilizers or sedatives before flying because they can make them sluggish or affect their breathing. If your pet is anxious during flights, consider a Soft Shirt For Anxiety Relief, which has worked wonders for nervous, traveling pets. Consult your veterinarian before traveling, and ask what they recommend to reduce anxiety.
We don’t recommend that you fly your pet in cargo, but we know sometimes it’s the only option. Many airlines do not allow snub-nosed breeds of dogs or cats to travel in the cargo hold because they are more likely to have breathing issues. Some airlines do not allow pets to fly in the cargo hold. Let your airline know that you’re traveling with a pet, then see if it’s possible to book them on your flight. They’ll need a separate booking to fly in cargo.
It’s important to know that most airlines do not allow pets in cargo during the summer months. If possible, avoid traveling when it’s extremely hot or cold. Most airlines have temperature restrictions and will not allow pets in cargo during the summer months or when the temperature is too cold. The cargo hold on an airplane is temperature-controlled and pressurized. However, it can still be uncomfortable for your pet in extreme temperatures while waiting on the tarmac.
It’s important to make sure your pet’s crate is clearly labeled. You need to label it “live animal” and write down their destination (where they ultimately need to go). Your contact information should contain your name, phone number, address, and number for your final destination. It’s a good idea to also translate “live animal” into the local language before you travel abroad. This will help airport staff know that we’re dealing with fragile cargo that needs to be transported with care.
When flying with your pet, the airline may require that the crate has a sturdy metal door and enough room for your pet to completely stand up and turn around. Be sure to check with your airline for specific requirements.
Passengers should also seek out the gate agent to ask that you are notified when your pet is loaded onto the flight. When you board, alert the flight attendant that you have a pet flying in cargo so they can keep an eye on the temperature and pressure in the cargo hold.
If you’re an animal lover like me, then it’s no surprise that the idea of leaving your pet at home while you go on vacation or to visit family and friends over the holidays might not be something that sits well with you. But before making any decisions about how to travel with your furry friend, there are a few things to consider first. We’ve put together this handy guide for anyone who is interested in traveling with their pets so they can have peace-of-mind knowing all bases are covered and everyone will enjoy their time away from home.
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