Although traveling in 2021 is more rare than it ever has been, it’s still a thing...we promise. Once you get past the checklist of necessities and travel to-dos, taking your pets with you might just make the experience that much better. It definitely is a process and can be stressful, so the decision will depend on your pet’s disposition. Much like humans, each four-legged companion is so unique and their response to the world around them changes with their experiences. If you are looking to be a jet-setter with your pet-setter, this guide is for you.
In Preparation
The most important factor is consulting your veterinarian on whether your pet is fit enough to travel. Taking into consideration age, illness, injury and temperament will ensure that you are making an informed decision.
May I see your ID please?
It is crucial to make sure your pet is physically equipped with the proper identification like an ID tag for their collar with your phone number and even a temporary tag with the credentials of the place you are staying. As an extra precaution, you might consider microchipping your buddy in case they are separated from their collars. If they are already microchipped, make sure it is updated accurately before your trip.
Documentation
Just like you would gather all your medical history in case of an emergency, make sure to take photos of your pet’s documents in the rare chance you should seek out a vet while you are away. Some states may require specific documents such as a proof of rabies vaccine or that they just had a check-up, so a trip to the vet may be wise. Going abroad might ask differently of you and if you travel to Europe regularly, you’ll want to check out the EU Pet Passport.
Bells & Whistles
Even if you don’t typically use carriers or crates every day, it is imperative that they are comfortable and trained to thrive in one. The crate/carrier should be properly ventilated and big enough (consult airline guidelines if unsure) for them to stand, sit, lie down and even turn around.
The Journey
Regardless of how you’re traveling—be it on four wheels or with metal wings—an easy trick for calmer animals is to really drain their batteries; so-to-speak. Before your departure, take them on a really long walk or play an energetic game of fetch to tire them out. To keep the vibes chill, make it a goal to create a comfortable carrier with their favorite toys, blankets or even something with your smell on it which will integrate a sense of familiarity.
Four Wheels
Long road trips can either be a dream come true or a nightmare you can’t seem to wake up from and ensuring your buddy is thriving will really affect the outcome. It is imperative that they are comfortable with the concept of even being in the car, let alone for a while. To start getting them familiar, spend some time with them inside the car while it’s parked and the engine is off. Once they have proven to be chill enough, start with short car rides for fun activities like playtime at the dog park to create a necessary associative connection between the two. Make sure to incorporate lots of positive affirmation like treats and praise afterwards. This will be like a training ground and as they get more accustomed, you can take longer car rides in preparation for the bigger trip. Safety comes first, for every creature, and it’s important to establish the “buckle-up” rule from the start. The last thing you want is your pet finding their way between you and the steering wheel or playing around at your feet by the pedals. It might be wise to start incorporating their travel crate already and up the safety measures while you’re at it. To avoid an upset stomach, make sure their last meal was no less than four hours before your journey. Two to three hour pits stops are vital for bathroom breaks and exercise (you’ll thank us later). Keep air circulating at a comfortable temperature and keep the music volume reasonable to respect their sensitive ears. Never leave your buddy alone in the car, no matter how quick you will be—it’s just not great parenting.
It’s a bird, it’s a plane…!
Flying with pets has two major distinctions, in-cabin air travel and cargo air-travel. Small animals (generally 20 pounds or less) qualify for in-cabin travel with their owners (specifically adults). Also, remember to contact the airline to make a reservation, because there are only a limited number allowed on each flight. Pro-tips: opt for midweek flights seem to have less travelers, avoid flying with your pet during holidays, and pick non-stop flights whenever you can. Traveling is a big lesson on preparedness for anything that could happen so it’s always best to keep extra food, toys, and pet essentials in your carry-on if for some reason your checked baggage disappears.
Once you have boarded, your pet (inside their approved carrier) goes in the designated spot. FYI: you can never put your pet in the overhead bin. Some pets might be a little anxious at any part of the journey so it’s best to consult your veterinarian for medication or even CBD—if you’re looking for more natural remedies. However, with anything medicinal/herbal it will be key to have a trial period prior to your trip. For takeoff and landing, give them a little water or an ice cube to help their ears unpop as they smallow.
Although cargo air travel happens, we recommend using this as a last resort. If you absolutely must bring an animal larger than 20 pounds, they will have to be checked underneath the passenger cabin. It is always best to double check with your airline, as not all of them fly animals in their cargo area and a separate booking is required. Temperature is an imperative consideration as you plan your trip because extreme hot or cold will be an obstacle. The plane itself has highly controlled temperature settings; however, your pet will have to endure polarizing climate on the tarmac during loading and unloading; which is why most airlines do not fly with pets during the summer months. Again, it is so crucial to book direct flights if possible so as to avoid extra handling by the baggage crew if you can swing it. Label their crate with “live animal” and include your contact information and if you are traveling internationally—making sure to have it properly translated. Since the cabin crew is independent of the baggage crew, you will act as that link to communicate to the cabin crew that you have checked your pet into cargo and they will be extra sensitive to the pressure and temperature.
Room for two paw-lease!
A pet-friendly hotel is not as hard to find as you may think. The world is full of four-legged friends! Pay attention to special amenities you may need for them and also to extra fees they may tack on. Some hotels will be more strict than others about things like pets on the furniture, spills and stains. New environments can make anyone anxious and sometimes even the most well-trained, well-behaved pet might have an accident that you didn’t anticipate. For safety, make sure to lay extra towels down—at least for the first few days while they adjust. A room with easy access to the ground floor exits may be a big win so that walks and outside time are a smoother process.
Although it can seem like a lot, once you’ve mastered all the ins & outs, traveling with your little buddy can be the most rewarding experience. Make sure to follow along with us at Petlox for more content to help you be the best pet parent you can be!