No matter how many excursions you take or how excited you are about your destination, travel is always stressful. Add pets to the mix, and the stress level rises further. Whether you intend to take your pet on vacation, need to plan for an upcoming move, or want to prepare for emergencies, the Hearthstone Veterinary Hospital team has tips to help reduce stress and travel safely with your pet.
#1: Avoid air travel with pets whenever possible
Air travel can be safe for small, calm pets who fit below your seat or for service animals allowed to accompany pet owners in the cabin. Most people with medium to large dogs should plan for ground transportation whenever possible, because large pets must travel in an airplane’s cargo hold. These spaces are not temperature controlled, so you must be careful about the time of year when you travel. Also, you won’t be able to check on your pet during the flight.
If you must fly with large pets, ensure you purchase a sturdy, airline-approved crate that you can mark clearly with the words “live animal.” Fly with pets only when temperatures are mild—not too hot or too cold—and let all airline employees know your pet is flying with you. If your plane must taxi or sit on the runway for long periods, ask staff to check on your pet and the cargo hold temperature—if your pet is unsafe, you have grounds to remove yourself and your pet from the plane.
#2: Get a health certificate before taking a trip with your pet
If you’re traveling across states or internationally, you will need proof that your pet is disease-free and up-to-date on their vaccinations. For in-country travel, schedule a visit with our team within 10 days of your departure for a complete physical examination and to update vaccinations as necessary. Pets traveling to another country are subject to strict importation rules and may need tests, vaccinations, or quarantining before and after arrival that can take much longer. Research the requirements for the country you are visiting, and allow plenty of time for the necessary procedures.
#3: Keep copies of vital pet medical records with you when you travel
Copies of critical medical records, including a medication and medical condition list, will be helpful if your pet is sick or injured during your travels. An electronic copy in the cloud allows access from anywhere, but you should also carry a backup printed copy.
#4: Provide medications or supplements to smooth pet travel
Pets who drool or vomit during travel may benefit from anti-nausea medications that prevent motion sickness. Similarly, anti-anxiety drugs can help anxious pets and help them relax and enjoy their car trip. Only your veterinarian can prescribe an appropriate travel medication, which you should always test on your pet before you leave, because you want your pet relaxed, not completely sedated, which can be unsafe.
#5: Pack a travel kit for your pet
Prepare a bag for your pet the same way you pack your own bag for a trip. Consider packing the following:
- Travel food and water bowls
- Your pet’s regular diet and medications
- Blanket or bed
- Pet first aid kit
- Collar, harness, and leash or carrier
- Clothing and gear if needed
- Toys, treats, and chews
#6: Keep pets secured during car travel
Secure cats in a carrier big enough that they can stretch and move around—a small dog crate may work best for longer trips to give your cat extra room. For dogs, use a large travel crate or a specially designed harness, seat belt, or car seat system to keep them from moving around or distracting the driver. Always put pets in the back seat or cargo area, away from active airbags.
#7: Take frequent breaks to let your pet stretch their legs
Stop every few hours on long trips for pets to stretch their legs and drink water. Avoid heavy meals if your pet becomes nauseous during travel, but offer them a snack. Secure pets on a leash before opening the vehicle doors, and keep cats in their crate unless they are harness- and leash-trained. You can also provide cats with a litter box when you stop for bathroom breaks, and then remove the box before you start moving again.
Sit back, relax, and enjoy your next pet travel experience by following our pet travel safety tips. Schedule a visit with the Hearthstone Veterinary Hospital team for a pre-travel checkup and health certificate, anti-anxiety or anti-nausea medications, to stock up on flea and tick preventives, or with questions about the best way to travel with your pet.