Preparing Your Pet for Holiday Travel: Tips for a Stress-Free Journey
The holidays are upon us, which means lots of cheer, lots of delicious food, and for some of us, lots of holiday travel to see family and friends far and near. If you’re a pet parent and you want to bring Fido or Kitty along, you might feel stressed about how to handle holiday travel for pets.
Never fear! The team at Bowman Veterinary Hospital has the tips you need for a successful trip.
3 Tips for Traveling with Pets at the Holidays
#1. Plan Ahead
When you’re thinking about a trip with pets, it’s important to start planning as soon as you can. Before you book your tickets, in fact. Different means of transportation come with different rules. A road trip with your pup or kitty is usually the easiest way to travel, but many pet parents fly or ride trains to holiday destinations.
If you’re flying, check with the airline for their specific pet policies. Each airline has different rules when it comes to pet travel safety. Almost all of them require you to fly your pets in the cargo hold if they’re too big to fit under your seat in their crate. Some of them require advanced reservations for pets, plus health certificates or proof of vaccinations.
Whether your pet is traveling in the cargo hold or cabin, make sure their carrier meets all the airline’s requirements.
Train travel comes with similar rules, but most limit pet size to 20 pounds or less. Make sure you know the ins and outs of the rules before booking tickets for cat or dog travel.
Road trips still come with plenty of prep, too. You’ll need to make sure your pet is comfortable in the car. We recommend keeping your dog or cat in a secure, well-ventilated carrier or using a pet seat belt for safety.
If your pet isn’t used to the carrier, spend time getting her familiar with it before the trip. Go on short day trips to fun locations to help your dog or cat form positive connections with the car.
Finally, make sure you pack the essentials for dog or cat travel. This includes food, water, bowls, a leash, waste bags, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget your pet’s favorite blanket, toy, and treat to provide comfort during the trip.
Oh, and your pet’s holiday gifts, of course!
#2. Keep Pet Travel Safety in Mind
Pet travel safety is essential, no matter how you’re getting to your holiday destination. Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle, especially in extreme temperatures. Make sure you take frequent breaks during long road trips to let your dog or cat stretch, go potty, and drink some water.
For air travel, confirm whether your pet will be traveling in the cabin or cargo hold. Ask the airline about temperature regulation during the flight, along with what measures they use to make sure your pet gets food and water in the cargo hold.
If you’re worried about pet plane travel, talk to your veterinarian for tips, tricks, and potential supplements, calming sprays, or medications for the journey. Creating a pet emergency plan can help you be ready for the unexpected, too.
And keep in mind that brachycephalic breeds like pugs, shih Tzus, and Persian cats should not travel in the cargo hold due to their increased risk of breathing issues in tight spaces.
#3. Make Your Destination Pet-Friendly
It’s almost time to jet off or drive into the sunset on your way to a fantastic holiday! But before you do, make sure your destination is pet-friendly as can be. Check for nearby pet-friendly hotels, parks, bars, cafés, indoor pet swimming pools, and pet-friendly restaurants. Make plans to explore local trails or beaches with your furry friend.
Planning activities your pet can enjoy will make your trip that much sweeter.
If you need help getting your pet ready for your next holiday trip, the caring veterinary team at Bowman Veterinary Hospital can help! Call us at (530) 823‑6306 to schedule your pre-travel wellness appointment.