Once you become a pet owner, a lot of things that were once normal suddenly get called into question. Daily routines, the way you organize your house, and things like travel can suddenly take on all new levels of complexity.
When it comes to travel specifically, you should definitely do your homework before rushing to take your pets on exotic vacations. But it isn’t impossible. With the right planning, you can have perfectly successful trips with your pets. You do need to be very careful, though, and keep in mind that countries and regions can vary vastly in terms of their requirements. You might look into dog or cat genetic testing to figure out what your pet is really made of.
What you should and should not do
With that in mind, let’s take a close look at the dos and don’ts of traveling with pets. It might all seem a bit overwhelming at first, but ultimately this type of planning is just another part of life that you can easily get used to.
Preparation
Let’s start with what you need to do before any given trip. All of these things are absolutely essential, so be sure you don’t leave any of them out:
- Vaccinations. Be sure that your pet is fully up-to-date on their vaccinations, especially rabies, and keep records with you. You should always check specific country requirements of places that you plan to travel to.
- Overall health check. You should also get your pet’s health checked in general. You may well need a certificate of good health for the destinations you will be reaching. Plus, it is a good idea in general.
- ID. Especially if you are traveling with a dog, you will need to make sure that it has ID tags, a microchip, and a good, strong collar. If a pet gets away from you during a trip, it can be murder trying to find them.
- Trying out your carrier. No one wants to be caged up in a small, uncomfortable box for hours at a time. We can only imagine what this would be like for us as humans, and it is just as bad for pets. So make an effort to get your pet used to the feeling before your trip, just so that they don’t go into shock when you travel.
What to pack
Now let’s take a look at what exactly you should be packing for your trip. Obviously, you will have to keep airline requirements and other particular considerations in mind, but these are the basics:
- Food and water. Just as you and the kids need to stay fueled during the trip, so too does your pet. Water is especially important, particularly if you will be in hot areas.
- Familiar items. Being away from home can be scary for animals, so it is helpful to bring things on trips that give them a sense of familiarity. While you may have limited space, consider bringing a favorite blanket or toy, or even their bed if you have room for it.
- Medical items. If you give your pet medications, be sure to pack them, and keep other necessary items, including the contact information for your vet handy. You might have to send an emergency text asking for advice.
- Toiletry items. If you are taking a road trip, remember to bring a litter box (for a cat), waste bags, and any other necessary items.
Points to keep in mind for road trips
There are specific points that you should keep in mind if you will be taking road trips. These include:
- Keeping your pet secured. There are pet seat belts that you can find, or you can get a secured crate. You don’t want your pet simply sitting loose, because an accident or sudden stop could cause them serious injuries.
- Stopping frequently. Pets get very nervous and restless when traveling. Be sure to stop every two to three hours so that your pet can walk around and relieve themselves outside.
- Not leaving pets in cars. You may be surprised at what sudden heat changes can do to pets. If you have to stop, have a family member monitor your pet while you take care of your business.
Flying tips
Flying can be the most stressful for pets. Whenever possible, try to fly direct, rather than taking flights that require a lot of stops. Also, try to keep your pet in the cabin rather than checking them if the airline will allow for it. This will make the trip much easier on them. Check the airline policy before you book.
Note that there are airport relief areas in most airports. Check to see where they are in the airports you will be flying through so that you don’t have to scramble at the last minute.
Enjoy your trip!
As the global travel community expands, many more people are traveling with pets. It is much easier to find pet-friendly hotels, and even restaurants and pet-friendly attractions in many places than it used to be. You always want to check these things in advance, of course, and make sure you book accordingly. And check for seasonality, as some places aren’t open all year. If you plan right, you and your pets should be able to enjoy a great vacation every time!
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