Everyone has thought at one point or another about bringing their beloved pet with them on a trip. After all, they are family, right? Not everyone thinks about the responsibilities and details that would involve, though. But fret not, here is everything to think about for bringing along your furry friend during your next vacation!

Before You Go

Most importantly, be sure that your pet is fit for travel. If they are ill or injured, it probably isn’t a good idea to put them in a stressful situation and move them around. Some animals just cannot travel, whether due to temperament, age, or personality. For example, most cats experience extreme anxiety when moved to an unfamiliar place, and can refuse to eat or get out of their hiding spaces. But some have been trained to love going on adventures, even kayaking and hiking. So, be sure you understand what is best for your individual pet first.

Identification

When in a new place, identification is going to be an important thing for keeping your travel buddy safe! Make sure you have an ID tag for your pet’s collar that includes an address and phone number, and it would be a good idea to purchase a separate temporary tag with the location and phone number of the hotel you are staying at for your trip. If you haven’t already, now would be a good time to get a microchip for your pet. This involves a safe, permanent form of identification that can prove useful is your loved animal escapes from their collar.

Accessories

When packing for yourself, don’t forget to pack for your pet as well! Your pet’s travel crate or carrier should be well-ventilated and provide enough room for them to stand, turn around, and lay down in. Always introduce your pet to the carrier at home before using it on a trip to ensure that they are not scared of it. Also be sure to check with your airline’s pet carrier size guidelines before purchasing any new gear! Don’t forget anything else you may want to bring for your baby, such as toys, treats, a bed, a leash, food and water dishes, and food.

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Hitting the Road

Whether you travel by car, plane or train, one way to calm animals is to tire them out before departure. Play a long game of fetch or take your animal on a walk before leaving — it will help them sleep through the journey. Also be sure to cushion your pet’s carrier with a favorite blanket, or a T-shirt with your scent. The smell of something familiar can relax a distressed animal.

Car travel

Before leaving on a long road trip, take time to make sure your fur baby is familiar and okay with spending time in a car. Even if you are flying somewhere for your vacation, you will likely still need to ride in a car to get to your hotel or airport. Start by sitting with them inside a parked, turned-off car. Then take short drives to places they associate with “fun” such as the park and give them treats after a successful car ride. This will help them build positive associations with riding in the car.

Give your pet a light meal about four hours before leaving to avoid motion sickness. Nothing is worse than dealing with a sick pet while trying to drive safely! Make pit stops every two to three hours to allow time for bathroom breaks and exercise. One more good tip is to save your pet’s sensitive ears by isolating the radio to the front seat of the car.

In-cabin air travel

Small animals, generally 20 pounds or less, are permitted to travel in the aircraft cabin with an adult. Each flight has a limited number of animals allowed, so be sure to let us know if you plan on bringing along your buddy, so we can reserve a spot for you. Also keep in mind that airlines do have a pet fee. We will find you a nonstop flight whenever possible, but if you do have a layover, let your dog stretch its legs and use the bathroom at a pet relief station, if the airport has one. Always be prepared for flight delays, and keep extra food and toys in your carry-on.

Give your pet a bit of water during takeoff. Their ears pop and get uncomfortable while ascending ust like ours do, but the swallowing will help unpop their ears and alleviate discomfort.

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Booking a pet-friendly hotel stay

Make sure to select a pet-friendly hotel before booking (that’s where we at Travels by Donna make things easier for you). In addition to noting any special additional amenities they may have for your fur baby, also check for any additional pet fees. If you want, request a room with an exit on the ground floor so that it is more convenient for you to take your dog for a walk. One last tip to avoid any hefty cleaning fees is to bring some potty pads just in case. Even a well-trained dog can get anxious in an unfamiliar setting, so it is better to be safe than sorry!

Photo by Adam Vradenburg on Unsplash

Cover photo by Steve Rybka on Unsplash