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Traveling with your pet can either be a fun adventure or a majorly chaotic hassle. Although a negative experience can come from causes outside of your control, you can reduce the odds with careful planning and preparation. There’s no reason you shouldn’t be able to travel comfortably with your pet.
Here are some ways you can prepare to travel comfortably with your pet.
Plan for the Way You Travel
Are you traveling by car, plane, bus, or train? Do your research on the rules for traveling with your pet for your chosen mode of transportation. For example, if you’re flying, find out whether you can bring your pet as a carry-on or an emotional support animal, or if your pet has to fly in the cargo hold.
Depending on the type or size of the pet you have, you should choose the type of transportation that will not only accept your pet as a passenger but will also be the most comfortable for the both of you. Consider your pet’s tendencies and personality when choosing. Does he get anxious around strangers? Does he easily get queasy? These are the types of questions that will help you plan the best way to travel.
If Traveling by Car, Take a Test Run
Not all pets do well in the car, some fare worse than others. If you’ve never taken your pet on a long road trip before, take him for a couple of test runs. Drive your pet around for a little while and see how he does. Bring a companion along in case your pet gets sick or anxious while you drive. Make Sure you protect your vehicle by snagging a custom cargo liner, similar to what they make at Ruff Rugs.
If your pet isn’t a fan the first time around, give it a couple more tries to see if your pet will grow more comfortable with it. If not, you may want to explore other traveling options or experiment with different foods, toys, beds, or carriers to help keep him calm.
Take Your Pet to the Vet
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No one likes being sick while traveling. Before taking a trip, take your pet to the vet to make sure your furry friend is in topnotch shape. Not only does this ensure that he’s healthy enough to enjoy the trip comfortably, but it also will help you determine whether any unusual behavior your pet exhibits during the trip is urgent or travel-related.
Pack Your Pet’s Favorite Foods and Snacks
You’re not the only one who likes to eat and munch on snacks during long trips. When making your shopping list for your trip, be sure to include your pet’s favorite foods and snacks as well. This will keep him happy and calm (if he tends to get anxious) during the trip. But take care not to overfeed your pet while you travel, especially if he’s prone to getting sick.
Bring Your Pet’s Favorite Things
Does your pet have a favorite blanket? What about a favorite chew toy? Bring two or three of your pet’s favorite things to help make him feel as much at home as possible, wherever you are. It may be just what he needs to keep him calm and distracted during your travels.
Make the Trip Comfortable
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Some modes of transportation may limit what you can do, but if, for instance, you’re traveling by car, make your pet’s space as comfy as possible. For dogs and cats, you can place a pet blanket or small pillow in their carriers. If you’re traveling with a turtle, which should be transported in a tightly secured plastic box with holes for ventilation, place a comfortable towel or layers of paper towel on the bottom for padding.
If you’re traveling with a different kind of pet, do your research on the safest and most comfortable way to transport him.
Sit Your Pet with His Their Favorite Person
Who’s your pet’s favorite person in the household? While not all pets have one favorite person, if yours does, that person should be the one sitting with him. If it’s you, and you’re traveling by car, have someone else drive, if possible, so you can sit with your pet to keep him calm. More importantly, do not ask someone your pet does not like to sit with him. This will cause unnecessary anxiety.
If you’re the only one traveling with your pet, be sure to check on him frequently whenever you can.
Bring Your Pet’s ID
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Always bring the proper identification for your pet, no matter which way you travel. Even if you’re traveling by car instead of by plane or train, your pet should have his ID in case he escapes and gets lost at any point during the trip. It will give you at least some peace of mind.
Keep Track of Potty Time
Last but not least, especially for dogs and cats, keep track of how long it’s been since your pet had a potty break. Just because you’re able to hold it for long periods of time doesn’t mean your pet can. When driving, stop frequently to give your pet a potty break. Even if he doesn’t have to go, it will at least give him some fresh air.
It’s easy to get stressed about traveling with your pet, but careful preparation for all possible scenarios and doing what you can to keep your pet calm and happy can make your experience with your domestic companion as enjoyable as it can be. There’s no reason why you can’t both have a good time!
