When traveling long distances with your pets, it’s essential to make sure they feel secure and contented. This can be especially challenging for dogs who aren’t used to being on the go.
Plan ahead for food, water, and bathroom breaks at your destination airports and layovers. Additionally, be sure to locate pet relief areas during any of your flights or layovers.
Plan Ahead
Though traveling with your pet can be an exciting way to explore the world together, it can also be stressful for both of you. Fortunately, there are ways you can reduce stress and make sure your pet’s trip is a pleasant one by planning ahead.
When planning a long road trip, make sure to include plenty of rest stops along the way for your pets to take a break and use the bathroom. Additionally, remember that pets may feel uneasy in new places so giving them some time to settle in helps both of you avoid potential anxiety.
Before your trip, it’s wise to assemble a pet-friendly travel kit with food, bowls, waste bags, collapsible water bowls, leashes, and grooming supplies. Furthermore, bring any necessary documents like health certificates, proof of rabies vaccination, and proof of pet insurance.
Before leaving, make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date and obtain a health certificate dated within 10 days of the trip. This document can then be presented to airport and border personnel, as well as flight attendants if you’re flying by airplane.
When flying with a pet, be sure to notify the airline of your plans and ensure there is space in their cargo hold for your furry friend. If not, consider selecting an alternative route or asking for special accommodations for them.
Pack A Travel Kit
When traveling with pets, it’s essential to pack a travel kit that will ensure your furry friend stays safe and content during the journey. From food and water to first aid kits, there are plenty of essentials you should think about packing for them when you leave home.
No matter your pet’s age, size, or breed, you must take into account their needs when packing for the road. Here is a list of some common items to include in a travel kit for pets:
When traveling with your pet, make sure they have their identification, vaccination records, and microchip ID ready. Airlines, hotels, and campgrounds will require these items before allowing your furry friend on the premises.
Crates or travel carriers are essential items to bring when traveling with your pet. Not only do these keep your pup safe from getting lost, but they provide a cozy space to sleep and rest as well.
Another essential item to include in a pet’s travel kit is their favorite stuffed toy or pillow. These can help calm your pup down during long car rides or airplane flights.
If any minor injuries arise while traveling, make sure you have a first aid kit prepared. This could be either an already assembled kit or something you assemble from items likely already at home.
When packing for a pet’s travels, there are plenty of other essential items to include in their bag: antihistamines, ointments, antibacterial creams, and bandages. These can help treat minor cuts, scrapes, or blisters that may occur during the journey.
Practice Makes Perfect
No matter the length of your trip, traveling with pets can be a challenging experience for both you and your furry friend. But, if you plan ahead and take time to prepare for their needs, both of you will have an easier time enjoying this exciting experience together.
One popular phrase people use is “practice makes perfect.” This idiom means that if you practice something enough, it will eventually become second nature and you won’t even need to exert much effort. For instance, if you want to play the piano well, practice until mastery is achieved; or if you want to become an excellent football player, attend multiple practice games and training sessions regularly.
When traveling with pets, the best way to ensure a smooth and stress-free process is to get your pup or cat used to their new travel carrier or crate as soon as possible. For air travel especially, this is especially essential.
Before your pet makes their first journey in a travel carrier, Kait Hembree, VTS, CVT, KPA, CTP – Head of Training at GoodPup – recommends starting with short car trips to ease into the new environment. This will help them become comfortable in their environment and give you some time to find what works best for your animal.
If your pet has a favorite toy or chew toy, bring it along. However, do not overload their travel crate with toys and treats as this could make it difficult for them to settle down and feel at ease during the journey.
Know The Rules
When planning a vacation with your pets, it’s essential to be aware of the rules. Doing this can help you avoid costly surprises when it comes to flight and pet policies.
Before booking a flight, be sure to research the airline’s pet travel policy. This may differ based on your pet type, destination, and which airlines you’re traveling with.
Some airlines allow your cat or dog into the cabin, while others have strict regulations regarding how many pets can travel with you on any given flight. Be sure to consult your airline’s website or call their customer service line for more details before selecting a carrier and flying with your furry friend.
When traveling internationally, it’s wise to research the regulations in your destination country or region. Some are rabies-free and won’t let pets into their country, while others require strict rabies vaccinations and health certificates as proof of ownership.
If your pet is classified as an emotional support animal or service animal, additional documentation may be required. These requirements may be more stringent than those for non-service animals.
To keep your pet secure on the plane, make sure they are buckled into a proper carrier with its door closed and under the seat at all times. Doing this will protect them from bumping into other passengers or in the event of an accident.