Best Techniques for Holiday Travel With Your Pets

If you’re planning a holiday trip this season, and you want to bring your pet along, it would be wise to also prepare your pet so the trip becomes less stressful and more enjoyable for them.

Exposing your pet to a new environment other than what they’re used to has its challenges, but you can make them feel more comfortable while traveling if you and your pets have prepared for the trip beforehand.

What are the best ways to prepare? And when you’re on the road, what are the best techniques to make the trip enjoyable for both you and your pet? Here are some of the best tips from some of the most authoritative sources available.

Before you travel, make sure to schedule a visit to the vet for a pre-trip checkup. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) asks that you notify your vet ASAP if you plan to travel. With a checkup, you can be sure your pet is up to date on immunizations, and you’ll know what medications you’ll need for them.

Just to be sure, prepare to bring a copy of your pet’s license, rabies vaccine, and any other pertinent medical information in case of an emergency.

Also prepare a packing list to make sure you’ll have all the essentials so your pet can be as comfortable as possible. Bringing along an emergency medical kit would also be a good idea.

Don’t change your pet’s diet routines just because you’re days away from the trip. A change in the scenery can already lead to some stress for them, so don’t add to an upset stomach.

Before you travel, feed your pet a light meal. A full stomach might exacerbate motion sickness.

Are you traveling by car with your pet, or are you flying? While your pet, especially if they’re grown up, may be more comfortable in a car without a carrier, air travel will require you to place your pet in a pet carrier that’s acceptable to your airline. 

But whether you go by car or fly, a pet carrier should be large enough so your pet can sit, stand, lie down and turn around. In the car, make sure to tie the crate down. Airlines would take care of securing the pet carrier in the cargo hold before the flight, but make sure to arrange whether your pet can be in the cabin with you or not when you book your flight.

Make sure to pack plenty of food and water for your pet when you’re traveling by car. Your pet shouldn’t miss any meals and should have regular access to water. If you can, pack some of your pet’s favorite toys and treats so he’d be more comfortable and relaxed when he sees some of his familiar items even out of the home.

Schedule bathroom breaks and other stops to allow your pet the opportunity for relief. Experts advise stopping every two hours so you and your pet can stretch your legs and re-energize.

During a bathroom stop, your pet will likely be excited or stressed by the new surroundings, so make sure your pet is properly leashed in case he tries to run. It’s also essential to have a detailed collar tag with up-to-date contact information so you can find them again in case of a separation.

When flying, be sure you consider your pet’s breed. Brachycephalic animals – those with shortened snouts – such as Pekingese dogs, bulldogs or Persian cats should never fly in cargo. Book a direct flight to avoid any mistakes that could happen during airline transfers. Also, be aware that early morning or late evening flights are best for your pet during summer travel, and afternoon flights are better in winter.

On reaching your destination, take some time to explore with your pet and let them get used to their new surroundings.

By some mindful planning, you can make sure the trip becomes fun and safe both for you and your pet.