The logistics of traveling with a pet can be a bit more complicated than, say, traveling with another person. This is especially true if you need to board a ship, train, or plane to get to your target destination with your fur baby. For many families, though, the effort is all worth it. The challenges of the road can seem like they’re just a small blip on the radar when you see your loved ones—pets and humans alike—having the time of their lives during your vacation.
Still, it’s a good move for pet parents to ensure that they and their pets are ready for the journey even before they hit the road. If you’re planning to take your pet cat or dog on a holiday with you, here are some tips to make the journey a bit more bearable for everyone involved.
#1 Do Your Research
While many families have companion animals and a lot of establishments have opened their doors to canine and feline customers in recent years, not every business can offer adequate accommodation for your furred travel companion. There are airlines, shipping lines, hotels, and resorts that provide an acceptable level of service to families that are traveling with their pets, and there are those that simply do not.
When planning your vacation with your pet, make sure to look into traveling and accommodation options that will keep every member of your family happy—including your furred companions. Before booking your flights and rooms, check the establishment’s policy on pets, their track record in handling pets during transit, and the facilities that your pet can use. This way, you know what to expect once you get to the next leg of your journey. You’ll also have enough time to adequately plan how to make your pet comfortable while you’re on the go.
#2 Pack with Your Pet in Mind
Much like human travelers, canine and feline tourists need certain items on hand for a comfortable journey. If you’re traveling with your dog, you’ll likely need to bring along custom dog collars to use inside the car or at the airport and while visiting the places and facilities in your itinerary.
In addition, you need to have a kit on hand for cleaning after your pet, as well as a supply of their toys and comfort items to keep them calm and entertained during your journey. You’ll need the same if you’re traveling with a feline companion, though many people prefer keeping their cats in a crate until they get to their destination.
#3 Book in Advance
Let your airline, ship, or other modes of transportation know in advance that you’ll be bringing your pet with you on your journey. This way, they can make accommodations that will keep you, your pet, as well as the other people who are traveling with you safe and comfortable throughout the ride.
The same should be done with your accommodations provider. Perhaps they can even give you a brief rundown of any pet products they can provide you with during your stay. That way, you can opt to leave behind any bulky items, such as a dog bed or towel. If you’re driving to your vacation home, check the route and plan rest stops for your pet. If you can, see if the establishments you’ll pass by are pet-friendly. If not, make sure to take another human with you to mind your animal companion while you’re picking up groceries and other items from establishments that don’t allow pets.
#4 Check with Your Veterinarian
Traveling can be stressful for animals, and you definitely don’t want your pet to be overly stressed or sick during your vacation. Make it a point to visit your veterinarian before you leave to determine if your pet is in perfect health. This will also let you know if your fur baby can tolerate the modes of travel that you’ve prepared for them. If your animal companion easily gets antsy when you leave home, you can also ask your vet if there are safe ways to keep your dog calm until you get to your destination.
In addition to dropping by your regular pet care provider, check out the veterinary clinics that you’ll pass along the way or those that are based in your destination. Knowing where to find help just in case your pet gets sick or injured during your holiday can help you calmly face pet-related emergencies.
#5 Train Your Pet for Travel
Last but not least, train your pet for travel. Weeks before you leave, start training your dog or cat to stay inside their crate for longer periods. This way, they’ll be less nervous when they have to stay put in their crate while far from home. It’s also a good idea to brush up on your basic pet commands, like “come” and “stay.” Mastering these commands can help you keep your pet safe and under control when you’re staying in an unfamiliar location.
A bit of preparation can come a long way when you’re traveling with your pet. Sure, it can require a bit of extensive planning. But if you put in the work, you’ll find it all worthwhile as you create new memories with your fur baby.