Traveling with your pet for the first time requires a lot of preparation and planning to ensure that both of you enjoy a hassle-free holiday. Whether you’re planning to travel by road, rail, water, or air, follow this basic guide for pet-friendly travel to make your trip less tiring and stressful:
Pre-travel preparation
- Take your pet to the park or for drives to make them familiar with traveling
- Choose a mode of travel according to your pet’s temperament and comfort
- Get a health certificate from your pet’s veterinarian if you’re traveling internationally
- Check the vaccination and quarantine regulations of your destination country or city
- If you’re flying with your pet, go through the airline’s policies for traveling with a pet and book a direct flight to avoid dealing with stopovers
What to pack
- Pack all essential items for keeping your pet calm and comfortable, including collars, leashes, safety harness, treats, dry food, and your pet’s medications
- Carry collapsible food and water bowls on a trip with your pet
- Carry a first aid kit to take care of your pet in case of an emergency
- Buy a crate or carrier that meets the airline’s requirements and your pet’s comfort, and attach an identification tag to the crate
- Keep a waterproof dog pad in the crate for easy cleanup
A guide for pet-friendly travel by air
- Most airlines allow pets in the cabin and provide great conditions for your pet, while you can also choose the cargo pet travel option
- Some airports have pet relief areas where you can take your pet before boarding the flight
- Keep your pet’s favorite blanket or toy inside the crate to keep them comfortable and increase familiarity, especially if tey’re not allowed in the cabin
- Keep your pet well-fed and hydrated but not full before traveling
A guide for pet-friendly travel by road
- Take your dog for short drives and gradually increase the duration to make them stay in the car at ease through long journeys
- Use a seat belt and harness for your pet to keep them safe and ensure your peace of mind while driving
- Check on the temperature of the car at regular intervals and keep the windows closed to prevent your pet from jumping out
- Make regular stops and allow your pet to stretch and go on water or potty breaks.
Staying in pet-friendly accommodation
- Research about pet-friendly hotels and review all the rules and regulations before booking
- A room on the ground on the first floor is a convenient choice if you want to take your pet on walks any time of the day
- In the room, create a small space for your pet where you can place their bed or bowl
Traveling with pets requires adequate preparation and a lot of care and effort. This guide for pet-friendly travel will prove useful to plan a safe trip with your pet.
