The Complete Guide To Traveling With Pets

Other personal information such as vaccination tags and records should also be updated before travel in case these need to be double-checked or validated during your adventure. Keeping copies of these documents in a folder that can be brought along for the trip is a wonderful way to stay organized and ensure you have met all of the pet travel requirements for your destination. 

Just like humans have passports, pets can travel with passports as well! If you are planning a vacation abroad, you can acquire a pet passport for your furry companion before departure. A pet passport can help you to keep track of your pet’s travel destinations and can also help you to keep important ID information regarding your pet all in one place. 

With a variety of overnight options available such as rentals through websites like Vrbo or Airbnb, you can also filter search results to include only locations that allow pets. There are a variety of options available that allow pets to stay overnight with you.

Not all pets can travel. Some animals become extremely anxious when in cars or planes and others struggle to be separated from the comfort of their own homes. Making sure your pet can handle travel with no problems is extremely important to verify before a big trip. Consider taking your furry friend on a small weekend away before committing to larger trips.

Taking time to sort out these details before jumping in and taking your pet on an extended trip away from home can help minimize any potential mistakes or stresses. These mini-travel trips may just teach you that your pet was born to be an adventurous traveler. 

For extended car rides, it is important to have water easily accessible for your pet at all times. Some car rides may take many hours and your pet should always have access to water during this time. This can help to ensure that they stay hydrated and do not get overheated or stressed due to a lack of water. There are a variety of bowls that have been designed specifically for car ride use and minimize the risk of spilling or distracting the driver. 

If you are planning to take your pet on a plane, make sure to contact the airline before booking your flight. It is best to ensure that you have all of the required documentation to reserve a spot for your pet on a specific flight. These requirements often change so making sure to call before each trip is important and can save you from stress later on. There is often limited space for pets on flights so calling to book far in advance is ideal. 

If you are flexible with your departure date and time, look for flights that are scheduled midweek. These flights are often less crowded, and this increases your probability of being able to fly with your pet. This can also help with crowded airports and may minimize stress for both you and your pet. 

It is not uncommon for flights to be delayed so it is important to be prepared for this outcome when traveling with pets. Make sure to pack extra water and food in case of a delay. This ensures that your pet will always be comfortable even if you are stuck waiting at the airport for longer than anticipated. If you have room, consider packing a comfortable blanket or small pillow for them to lay on if your flight does get delayed. 

Flying with pets can seem daunting but consider giving your pet water or an ice cube to drink/eat when taking off. This can help their ears to un-pop when dealing with changes in altitude. The extreme change in altitude can cause some discomfort for pets so this extra step can make their journey less stressful. 

Some pets are too big to be allowed in the typical seating area. This often means that they must be placed in the cargo area of the plane for certain flights. This is quite common when moving with pets. Make sure to verify this before your trip to be best prepared. Traveling in the cargo area can be very stressful for pets so take time in planning how to best handle this situation. 

• Remember that you have to do a separate booking for pets traveling in the cargo area. Make sure to have this completely sorted before heading to the airport. 
• Try your best to book a direct flight to your destination to minimize your animal’s discomfort. This also reduces the amount of handling they have to endure in transit and allows for smoother pet transportation. 
• Make sure to mark their carrier with a ‘live animal’ sticker to ensure that they are moved with the utmost care. These stickers can help alert airline workers to the presence of an important animal within the cargo area. 
• Before departure, make sure to invest in a high-quality pet carrier to ensure pet transport safety. Purchasing a sturdy carrier with positive customer ratings can help to ensure that your pet is transported safely to your destination. 

Train travel is oftentimes less stressful than plane travel because it involves less handling and the check-ins for pets are often shorter and less stressful. Small animals can even sit in the owner’s lap rather than being stored under the seat or in stow-away compartments. 

Most train lines require that pets must be booked separately for travel. Make sure to call and handle this detail before your trip to ensure that you can travel easily with your furry friend. Booking in advance can also help you ensure that there is room for your pet on the train. 

Your pet will require certain documentation to travel on most trains, so it is smart to call ahead and verify all of your pet’s documentation. This is also a great time to verify your pet’s identification to be prepared for any possible separations between pet and owner. 

Trains have different planned stops, and it is a great idea to check with your conductor regarding your particular train’s schedule. Inquire which stops are the best for taking your pet out for a stretch or potty break. These more frequent breaks can also help reduce the amount of stress your pet feels during travel. 

When looking for more pet travel information, make sure to create a checklist to verify that you have all of the necessary items in your carry-on or checked bag for your pet. It is a smart idea to bring vet contact information, pet carriers, and leashes when traveling with your pet. You can also bring your pet’s favorite toys, snacks, and bowls to make the trip easier. Make sure not to forget poop bags for your pet when traveling. Properly disposing of your pet’s waste ensures that all passengers have a pleasant trip. 

Make sure to call ahead for all booking options when you are looking to travel with your pet. This is a perfect time to inquire about the required documentation needed to travel on a cruise ship with your pet. Some cruise lines allow pets to be kept in the cabins while others have specific kennel areas that must be used if traveling with a pet. Call ahead to gain a better understanding of certain policies regarding pet travel. 

Keeping track of pet documentation when traveling can be stressful. As with any form of traveling, make sure to update your pet identification when traveling. This also means it is important to update your own contact and identification information in case your pet was to be separated from you during travel. 

It is quite common for pets on a cruise to feel sick. Ships are known to cause motion sickness in some pets so ask your vet about potential remedies before your vacation. Sometimes vets can prescribe specific medications before travel that can reduce motion sickness and improve the overall well-being of your pet during sea-faring voyages. 

Consider ordering a custom-made t-shirt with your pet’s picture on it before leaving for an extended vacation. This thoughtful article of clothing can help you to feel connected to your pet even when they are at home. This t-shirt can be customized with their name as well and can add a little personalization and creativity to your vacation wardrobe. 

If you have booked a pet sitter to watch your animal while you are away, consider scheduling video calls with them during your vacation. Your pet sitter can show you all of the fun your pet is having while you are away. This can also help reduce any stress you may have about your pet’s well-being while you are not home. These short check-ins can also be great for your pet as hearing your familiar voice can also bring them joy. 

If your pet is staying at home while you are away traveling, consider buying an in-home pet camera before you leave. This can help you maintain contact with your pet while traveling. These cameras are easy to install and often can connect to your phone using simple apps. These cameras help with keeping an eye on your pet while traveling. Some of these cameras even have microphones that allow you to project your voice over to your pet. These smart cameras allow you to check in on your pet at any time during your vacation.