By Patricia Clark
Sometimes a vacation may call for all members of the family to take part, including your furry friends. If you plan on traveling with a pet, a few extra steps need to be taken before and during your trip to ensure a smooth travel experience for all. Amy Nichelason (Department of Medical Sciences), clinical assistant professor of primary care services at UW Veterinary Care, shared tips to make sure pets are safe, happy, and comfortable when coming along for the ride on family trips.
How can owners tell if their pet would make a good travel companion?
Before bringing your pet along for an adventure, you’ll want to make sure that they’re fit for travel. Start by exposing your pet to short day excursions, building up length in small increments. Observe your pet and consider how your pet may respond to other environmental changes or interactions encountered on a trip. If your pet becomes anxious or motion sick during these test trials, they may not be fit for frequent travel.
When traveling by air, how should pet owners prepare for takeoff?
When flying with a pet, be sure to check individual airline requirements and policies, as they tend to vary. Locate pet friendly accommodations at the airport ahead of time, planning for where and when to take bathroom breaks. To keep pets hydrated, opt for a spill-proof water bottle and dispenser instead of a water bowl which spills easily and takes up valuable carrier space.
International travel with pets requires extensive preparation, often starting six months or more before departure. Pet owners can find resources to navigate country specific rules from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service. The American Veterinary Medical Association also offers a timeline guide to help understand the deadlines for paperwork and other tasks required during international travel.
What should pet owners look for when booking accommodations?
Always confirm that where you’re staying is pet-friendly and ask about any pet deposits before booking. If lodging claims to be amenable to companion animals, check that your species/breed of pet is included under their policy. Also familiarize yourself with your lodging’s policy on leaving pets unattended, as not all places allow this.
Follow the same rules of thumb about pet policies when booking day excursions.
What should be packed for a pet during travel?
Pet’s essential packing list includes a water bowl (and a separate spill-proof water bottle), plenty of pet food and treats, a leash, and a harness or collar with ID tags listing contact information along with rabies tags. Don’t forget to pack poop bags, or, for feline travelers, a litter box with extra litter and a way to dispose of waste. Be sure to pack medications or preventatives your pet may need during the trip, along with a pet first aid kit.
What are the basic rules of taking road trips with pets?
Pets should always be confined to a designated area when traveling in a car, never free-floating within the cabin. Safety-tested carriers, harnesses, and barriers offer solid options for owners depending on their particular pet and vehicle.
When stopping for your own bathroom breaks on a road trip, give your pet the same option to stretch and use the bathroom. If traveling with cats, use a litter box, keeping them on a harness and leash to prevent escape. For pets with special medical conditions like kidney disease or diabetes, accommodate your trip with more frequent pit stops and increased access to water.
How can pet owners deal with anxious travelers?
If you’re worried about your pet becoming anxious during travel, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to talk through different treatment options. In some cases, veterinarians can prescribe an anti-anxiety medication. In addition, gradual environmental adjustments are a helpful way to prevent increases in anxiety.
Sometimes the stress of travel may outweigh the reward of the destination for a pet. For some pets, traveling may always be stressful, and voluntary travel with your pet may need to be avoided. Owners know their pets best and should determine whether a great pet lodging facility or pet sitter would be a preferred option over travel for some pets.