Tips on Traveling Safely with Your Pets via Airplane, Car, etc.

There are tips on traveling safely with your pets via airplane, car, etc., that must be followed. These are necessary to ensure a fun, safe, and comfortable journey for the two of you.

Before focusing on the trip, make sure that letting your fur baby tag along is a good idea. It’s only normal for pet parents to want to bring their pets with them. But remember, some of them aren’t good with the whole process of traveling.

If your pet has an injury, is sick, or suffers from anxiety, do what’s best. Leave them at home with someone you trust since it’ll make things easier for the two of you.

But if you really need to take them with you, it’s best to follow these tips on traveling safely with your pets.

General Tips

There are numerous tips you need to ensure before going on a trip with your furry friends. We’ve compiled these general tips to make traveling easier for the two of you.

Get Updated Immunizations and Vaccinations

One of the tips on traveling safely with your pets is by first taking them for a check. Visit their vet to make sure that your fur baby is updated with all the necessary vaccines. Doing so will also give you an idea if they’re fit and healthy enough for travel.

You’ll never know what you and your pets may encounter in a new place. With that, it’s best to ensure they’re well-protected at all times.

Consider Your Pet’s Comfort

Loading and unloading during travel can be stressful for your pets. With that, it’s best to consider the following tips.

You should first get your pets used to stay in the carrier before traveling. On the day of the journey, be sure to take your pets on walks. Or have a quick run to tire them out to keep them relaxed during the trip.

If you’re traveling via plane, purchase flights that have lesser layovers or connections.

Pick times of departure and arrival to avoid experiencing extreme cold or heat. One example is this: plan a night arrival if you’re off to a hot location. It can be better for your fur baby.

Talk to your pet’s vet since sedatives or tranquilizers are highly discouraged during flights. The IATA or International Air Transport Association claims that these can harm pets while in flight.

If your pet needs to get transported via cargo, it’s best to check in earlier. It’s to have your pet stay in the more quiet and dimly-lit hold of the airplane. This specific area will be more comforting since dimly-lit spots somehow give a sense of security and protection for pets.

Once you arrive at your destination, check-in as late as possible to decrease the stress your pet may feel.

Keep Your Furry Friend Calm, but Never Use Sedation

One of the tips on traveling safely with your pets via airplane, car, etc., is to keep them calm. But of course, avoid sedating them.

Sedatives aren’t the best option for calming pets. It’s better to work on properly carrier or crate-training your pet. This will keep them calm and relaxed while in the crate/carrier during the journey.

Plane Travel

If you’re going to a different country, the best option will be traveling via plane with your pet. It’s a convenient way to go places, but the environment and pressure may not be ideal for some pets.

With that, ensure to look into the different tips on traveling safely with your pets via airplane, car, etc.

Do note that smaller pets can ride with you on the plane on an approved airline. Of course, they require that you place them in a carrier, and as long as it fits beneath your seat.

To know their regulations, it’s always best to contact the airline of your choice.

Have a USDA-Approved Carrier

Another tip to follow is to have a USDA-approved carrier for your pet. A lot of airlines generally accept both soft and hard-sided carriers. However, some may be a bit particular and strict when it comes to the carrier you use for pets.

Once you choose the carrier for your fur baby, don’t forget to make them more familiar with it. A few weeks before the trip, practice with your pet and let them get acquainted with the carrier. Allow them to stay inside to get used to the feel of it.

When they’re comfier, let them stay in the carrier while going on quick drives. Do this from time to time until your pet relaxes to the setup.

Choose the Right Flight

Choosing the right flight is among the tips on traveling safely with your pets via airplane, car, etc.

Here, you should remember that all flights are different. When you’re flying with your feline or pup, choose a flight that somehow lessens pet stress.

A good and ideal type of flight is a non-peak and direct flight. Choosing this type will decrease the chances of stress that’s often due to the layover time. Additionally, it will lessen the time your fur baby will spend in the carrier.

Non-peak types of flights often have fewer passengers but with more cabin room. And if you’re planning to travel by air together with your pet during the busy seasons like holidays, forget it. It’s not recommended at all since it would increase the chances of anxiety in pets.

Also, you should make sure that your fur baby’s on the same flight as you. Plus, try your best to have them stay in the cabin as well.

If you’re planning to travel over the winter or summer, choose your flight. Make sure that it accommodates extreme temperatures, especially when pets are below the cabin.

Note that there are a couple of airlines that ban travel within these months, so make sure to check.

Preparing Your Pets to Board

No pet parent wants to dehydrate or starve their pets. But also, you wouldn’t want them to get all stressed during the entire flight. To help, it’s best to speak with your pet’s vet regarding their feeding schedule.

Remember, all this will depend on the type of pet you have, their size, and dietary needs.

It’s always best to leave your pet’s stomach quite empty before a flight. Get them hydrated but not too much, and make sure to get them exercised before traveling. The latter will help keep them more relaxed since they’re tired from the activity.

Additionally, research beforehand about the airport: whether it has a dog-relief area or even a grassy area. These will help you take your pets for one last round of exercise or walk before the journey.

Car

A common way of traveling around with your pet is via car for road trips. These are often easy journeys, as long as your fur baby’s into the whole adventure.

Shorter trips are fine, and you won’t have issues bringing them along. But if you’re staying on the road for lengthier periods, determine if your pets are alright with a road trip.

If not, familiarize them with the vehicle and riding in it while in a carrier/crate. Go for short drives, then gradually increase the duration so that your pet has a positive experience.

Restrain Your Fur Babies

Traveling on the road with your pets requires you to have them stay in a carrier or other types of restraints. Cats are better off in carriers since a lot of them aren’t that fond of traveling in cars.

As for dogs, they should be kept restrained and avoid having them free in the car. It’s to avoid any instances of accidents if they suddenly get too disobedient.

Ideally, smaller dogs can also stay in a crate/carrier that’s fastened with a seat belt. Not only does it prevent your pooch from distracting you while driving, but it’ll protect him/her from accidents like crashes.

Additionally, it’s smart to keep your pets in the backseat in case the airbag in the passenger seat deploys.

Avoid having your pets stick their heads out the window during road trips. Doing so may injure them due to flying debris.

Take Lots of Breaks and Stops

Your pet, or even you, wouldn’t want to spend too long traveling without stops. Having frequent breaks and stops is essential and is a way to prevent your pets from getting stressed. It’s also considered one of the tips on traveling safely with your pets via airplane, car, etc.

When you get the chance to go for a break, let your pet run around. Allow them to drink, eat quick snacks, and relieve themselves too. Make sure that their water and food intake isn’t too much during the breaks.

It’s recommended to feed your fur babies to a minimum and only feed them with their regular food. Avoid giving them human food as well.

Make Refreshments Always Available

Always make sure to have refreshments available for both you and your pets. Keep their food and drinks in a travel container, and have fresh water for them on hand.

Make sure that you can readily access these items to make it easy for you during the drive. It’s to avoid you from having to go through all your packed items.

Additionally, bring water and food dishes to make cleaning easier and to decrease the chances of making a mess.

Boat

Another way of traveling with your pet is via boat, which is relatively safe too. Yet like people, fur babies tend to get sea-sick as well.

And because it’s a bit challenging to train your pets to get used to traveling on ships/boats, be patient. Help him/her to adjust to this environment.

One of the smart tips on traveling safely with your pets via airplane, car, etc., is bringing their favorite toys. Doing so will create a positive and relaxing environment for your pet.

Before you travel, make sure to inquire if the mode of transportation you’re taking allows travel with pets. That way, you can guarantee that your fur baby gets accommodated, and there’s adequate preparation for their safety and comfort.

Bring a Life Jacket

Even your best swimming pet needs a life jacket. There are too many instances where your fur baby might not get to swim. If the water is too rough, they won’t be able to manage and may get pulled down by the current.

Every pet requires a life jacket when traveling on water. For Brachycephalic dogs – those with short noses/snouts, they’re more at risk.

Also, do note that not all life jackets are made equally. They come in different buoyancies and sizes. And no matter which one you purchase, you should try it on your pet and use it in shallow water. It’s vital to test a life jacket before relying on it for emergencies during a boat trip.

Another tip is to choose a brightly colored one with reflective trim since this is more visible. Most life jackets also have handles, so you can easily lift your furry friend out of the water.

The life jacket you choose should keep your pet’s head above water. It should also be comfortable enough when they move.

Pay Attention to Your Pet

Boating along with your dog is challenging since you are responsible for your pet’s safety and yours. It’s easier to have another person with you to take responsibility for one or the other.

However, you should always ensure that you know where your furry companion is and what they’re doing.

Several pets have been reported to be lost due to their owners not paying attention to them. If you can’t dedicate enough focus on your pet, it’s best to leave him/her at home instead.

Having Fun Traveling with Your Pet

Traveling with your pets is fun as long as you and your pet are physically, mentally, and emotionally ready. Be sure that you know the essential tips on traveling safely with your pets via airplane, car, etc.

By keeping these in mind, you’ll have a fun and memorable journey with your furry companion.