Traveling with Pets: Tips and Reminders

Traveling with Pets: An Overview

Are you planning on traveling with pets?

Our pets are not just pets. They’re part of our family.

So, when we go on travels, adventures, and trips, we of course want to take our furry friends with us.

However, as pet owners, we have the responsibility to care for our pets before, during, and after these trips. They need much more care and attention, especially in unfamiliar surroundings. Preparing for these trips with our furry loved ones takes a little extra research and preparation to ensure their comfortable experience.

In this article, we break down the list of things to do before, after, and during a vacation with your pet.

Our pets are part of the family and we want to care for them the best we can during vacations so they can have as much fun as we do.

What to Do Before Traveling With Pets

It doesn’t matter if it’s just a quick trip to the local park or an 18-hour flight around the globe. Traveling with pets entails a huge responsibility for pet owners. There are some essential precautions to consider for your pet’s health, safety, and enjoyment.

Some of the items in the list take days to complete, while others would need months of preparation before the trip. So, here’s a list of the things you need to consider before traveling with pets.

Research Embassy Requirements for Traveling with Pets

It’s a fact that sometimes, traveling with a pet can dictate where you can and can’t go.

Each country and state has its own requirements when it comes to traveling with pets. Make sure to do your advanced research and due diligence to know the proper requirements.

Some countries would require pets to be quarantined for a certain period. Additionally, most countries require that pets are fully vaccinated with their proper shots.

Make sure to call the embassy or do your online research to find out the required documents. Have a few copies of the paperwork and make sure they are in your carry-on for easier access when in the airports.

Get a Health Certificate When Traveling with Pets

For most places, aside from the embassy requirements for traveling with pets, they also require health certificates. This is both for the owner and the pet.

A lot of cases require the health certificate to be not more than 10 days from the start of your travel. It’s essential to do your due diligence and research the specific requirements for each place you are planning to travel to with your pets.

Consider Microchipping Your Pet When Traveling

It’s every fur mom or dad’s worse nightmare to lose their furbaby while traveling.

To have peace of mind, we recommend ensuring that your pet is microchipped before you travel.

This is a simple process and can be done in most veterinary clinics. The microchip is as small as a grain of rice. The procedure includes injecting the chip under the loose skin between your pet’s shoulder blades. It’s not invasive and is similar to giving your pet a vaccination.

Once scanned, the microchip includes a unique microchip number and the mobile number of the pet owner. It’s a good investment for your pet not just when traveling. Even while you are safely at home, your dog or cat could run out the door and get lost. So, investing in microchipping your pet is a great way to keep them safe and protected.

Bring Proper Medications and Food

If your pet takes specific medications or vitamins, make sure to bring enough for the trip. Additionally, you could bring a few extra ones for safekeeping just in case you decide to extend the trip a few more days.

You’ll definitely not want to purchase a new brand of medication in case you run out during your travel. Changing their medication during travel could upset their stomach. This you definitely don’t want.

Bring Some Accessories for Your Pet

Here are a few accessories we suggest that you could add to your travel bag when bringing your pets on a trip.

Waterproof Shoes for Dogs – It’s great to bring shoes for your dogs just in case the locations you’ll be visiting are either too hot or too cold. You won’t want your dog to be stepping on scorching hot ground with its bear paws. This could harm them.
Self-Cleaning Pet Brush – When pets go to a new climate, they tend to shed more. It’s a good idea to bring an extra brush for your furry friend for when this happens. This will help lessen the amount of shed hair on your car, bed, or clothes.
LED Dog or Cat Collar– If you don’t have one already, invest in an LED collar for your pet. This will help you locate them when it’s dark.
Animal First Aid Kit – Just like bringing your own first aid kit, you’ll also want to pack a separate one for your pet. Dogs and cats have very different medicals needs from us.
Collapsible Bowls – When you are traveling with a pet, you’ll be adding a lot of additional baggage and equipment. This includes their eating and drinking bowls. To save on space, invest in a collapsible bowl or cup for your furry friend.

Make Sure Your Pet Is Properly Vaccinated

When traveling with a pet, make sure they get their proper vaccines months before.

There’s typically a standard set of vaccines needed. But it’s best to consult with your veterinarian as well as the embassy of where you intend to travel to.

Additionally, every shot is different and may require months before you are able to travel with your pet. Also, if you are going to a destination that could potentially put your pet in an uncomfortable setting, they could react differently. So, protecting them through the proper vaccines is essential.

Lastly, make sure to keep both a hard copy and an electronic copy of your pet’s vaccinated documents and certifications just in case.

Choose Destinations and Activities Wisely When Traveling with Pets

When you are traveling with your furry friends, it’s best to keep them in mind when planning your itinerary. You wouldn’t want to go on carnival rides only to find out that pets aren’t allowed and would have to leave them alone somewhere.

Additionally, don’t throw them out of their comfort zone. New people, places, sounds, and smells could quickly overwhelm them. They can either be aggressive or hid away. Either way, this wouldn’t be good for your pet and could also ruin your fun during your vacation.

Pack their Favorite Toys, Blankets, and Bed

Pets, especially dogs and cats are creatures of habit. They don’t like being exposed too quickly to new things and places. So, in order to still make things feel comfortable and familiar to them, make sure to pack their favorite stuff. This could be their favorite toys, blanket, pillow, or bed.

This could also help them relieve any stress and anxiety that comes with traveling to new places.

Choose a Pet-Friendly Place to Stay

Before booking your accommodation, make sure to ask some questions regarding pets in the building:

Are pets allowed in the hotel/accommodation?
Are there any additional fees you need to settle when bringing in pets?
Is there a restriction in the size of pets that you can bring?
Are there any resident pets in the building?
Do you have rooms that can easily access the exit?
Are there nearby vets for my vet?
Is there a nearby park that I can bring my pet to?

Knowing these beforehand will help you plan for your trip ahead of time and make your pet as comfortable as possible.

Consult with Your Veterinarian

If your pet has not traveled before, it’s best to consult with your veterinarian.

Ask them for tips, advice, any medications, do’s, and don’ts to consider when traveling with your pet.

Research Local Vets in the Area

Of course, you wouldn’t want anything to happen to your pet when on the road. But just in case your pet doesn’t feel well during the trip, make sure to research local vets beforehand.

Get their contact information before traveling. It would also be best to contact them and ask them what days and times they are open in case you would need to make a quick visit.

Tips for Traveling by Car with Pets

Some pets love car rides. They put their head out the car window with their tongue flying in the air. Living their best life.

However, some pets hate it. They often feel nauseous and sick. It can also be a scary experience for them, especially if it’s their first time riding a car.

If you plan on taking your pet on a car ride during your trip, here are some tips to consider.

Introduce Them to Car Rides Before the Trip

when introducing dogs or cats to a car ride, take it slow. Especially if they are already grown pets, it would be more difficult for them to get adjusted.

However, with puppies or kittens, they may find it easier to get used to. But it’s still best to regularly introduce them to car rides before the actual long trip.

Include Pit Stops for Your Pets During the Trip

Dogs need breaks just like humans. Whether that’s a bathroom pit stop, some time to get fresh air and stretch their legs, or just to stop the constant motion while riding in a car.

It’s best to map out a few pit stops on the road to make sure we are keeping our furry friends happy, safe, and comfortable.

Pack Puppy Pads or Training Pads

Puppy pads or training pads aren’t only for dogs (or cats) that aren’t toilet trained yet. They are an essential tool for traveling with pets.

Make sure to line their travel bags with puppy pads so that in case any bathroom accidents happen, they don’t leave the cage.

Tips for Traveling with Pets Via Plane

Flying With Pets

Flying with pets can be difficult for both the owner and the pet.

Firstly, it puts the pet in an uncomfortable situation and the pressure in the airplane can irritate them. But it isn’t impossible.

With these tips and preparations beforehand, you’ll be able to have a much smoother trip with your pet.

Call the Airline

Check if the airline allows you to travel with pets. Additionally, ask them what the requirements are when bringing a pet on the plane.

You can also ask if they have pet carriers on the airplane.

Practice Long Sleeps in the Carrier

Before the trip, let your pet get used to sleeping for long hours in their crate. This way, they will be more used to staying inside their bag or crate during the actual travel.

In Conclusion

Traveling with pets does take a few extra steps of preparation. But when you are able to properly do these, you’ll be able to enjoy your vacation with your furry friend and make lasting memories.