Tips on Traveling with Pets

Traveling with pets

Are you planning a vacation with your pets?  What are things to consider when you are traveling with your pets? What things are needed to prepare for traveling with pets? What are considerations when traveling with pets via plane? This article discusses things you need to consider when travelling with pets.

Considerations when traveling with pets?

Many pets enjoy traveling whether it is in a car, plane, train, etc. But there are others that may exhibit a strong dislike for travelling for different reasons. Some experience motion sickness that leads to nausea and vomiting. While others may experience extreme anxiety which may be manifested as extreme vocalization, inappropriate elimination, or panting.  So before you travel with your pet for an extended period, it is best you take them on a short car ride. Observe if they exhibit any of the mentioned signs. If they do, check with your veterinarian to discuss options to help deal with these issues. There are medications that may help .

Preparations for traveling with pets

How much preparation to travel with your pet depends on how they are traveling and where they are traveling to. If you are just traveling within your state or country, the only preparation you may need would be if they are experience any anxiety or illness.  If you are traveling outside of your country much more preparation is needed.  You can check the APHIS website to help you if you are from the United States.  When traveling to a foreign country or even a different state if in the US, consider updating vaccinations, getting a health certificate,  diagnostic testing, and administrating medications. Medications that are often required include flea and anti-parasitic medications.  To obtain a health certificate you will need to set an appointment with a nationally accredited veterinarian. You can ask your veterinarian if they hold an accreditation. You may need to complete paperwork from the designated country you are traveling to.  Some countries will require a booster of the rabies vaccine even if it is current. Other may require rabies titer to prove that your pet has antibodies against the disease.

Considerations when traveling with pets via plane

When traveling by plane there are a few factors you have to consider. One is how they will travel on the plane. They can either travel on the plane with you in a carrier, or they can travel in a cargo area designated for pets. If they are traveling in a cargo area, most airlines require an acclimation certificate which shows that your pet is healthy enough to handle the environment. It is important to contact the specific airline you are traveling with to get this information.

Conclusions about traveling with pets

Traveling with pets can be a challenging and exciting time. It is important before you travel you get all the information you need to make the process as easy as possible. The website I mentioned has all the information you need. Also your veterinarian can help with any additional information. There are also agencies that can help for a fee so you don’t have to worry about doing the leg work on your own.

66 thoughts on “Tips on Traveling with Pets”

  1. Great advice. We have only taken our dog away once and that was on a camping trip. We found that it was a bit too busy for him as it was at a festival and there was lots of noise and he was slightly overwhelmed.

  2. This was very informative. Thank you. My two dogs I had throughout my childhood absolutely loved car rides, but I had a friend who’s dog was terrified of riding in the car and would get sick the minute they got her in there. My brother a few years ago traveled with their I believe to be then 3 dogs from Washington to Maryland. He also had his 3 young boys with him. They traveled by van and stopped often.

  3. This is soo useful, whenever we travel we have to leave back my Dalmatian (candy) at my friends place which is heart breaking. I really miss taking her wherever we go. This post is so informative and gave me ideas of tackling with those hurdles.

  4. I couldn’t even imagine traveling with my cat. He screamed the car down for a 5 minutes ride to the vet, when he didn’t even know who the vet was. As soon as I take him out of the house, he starts screaming. He is a rescued car and unfortunately I think he still has traumas from when he was living on the streets.

  5. Traveling with pets is a herculean task indeed! Thanks for sharing all the helpful tips that will definitely help all the pet owners!

  6. I can see how traveling could be quite stressful for pets. I never really thought about them needing vaccinations or getting motion sickness. I am concerned about how scary it would be like for them to travel in the belly of the plane.

  7. This is very helpful thanks for sharing the tips it’s really really great to know especially for those who have a lot of pets or in the pet owners too.

  8. I’ve never travelled with my pets, but as the owner of dogs and horses it’s always good to know this. I imagine horses are a bit more difficult than dogs though!

  9. Look I have to plan out thoroughly just traveling for little old me. I didnt know it was so much thought to travel with pets but I can see why now good tips.

  10. Great advice here. We love travelling with our fur babe! Mind you he was not a fan of camping on the beach. Poor darling refused to come out of the tent!

  11. Great advice! We have only traveled by car with our dogs – our older does great (sleeps most of the time), our younger gets anxious so we have started providing her with mild anti-anxiety medication to help her feel less stressed. She always enjoys our adventures once we get there though 🙂

  12. I didn’t own a pet but my cousin does and she always bring her pet with her every time she travel. I think it could be better for me to share this information and your advice with her, thanks for sharing!

  13. We love traveling with our pet, but only on road trips. She is a great travel companion. Such good tips and great for those who have never traveled with their pet.

  14. These are nice tips! I find that it is so easy to travel with your pets around your country because it has a less preparation unlike going abroad with them.

  15. I do worry that our cat might experience stress if we take her with us to see my mom several states away. I hate to leave her though, even though my sister comes to feed her and pet her each day…it’s not the same as if we’re there with her.

  16. Having a pet with a disability makes travel even harder. When my daughter got marries, they had to drive to their new home becuase they didn’t think her deaf dog would handle flying for such a long period of time.

  17. We took a long trip when we moved my sister across country. She was convinced her cat did not need any anxiety medicine. It meowed the entire trip!

  18. Great tips! We have a husky and it’s so hard to try to travel with her because she’s a large dog. As she’s getting older we would love to bring her along on family vacations.

  19. Traveling with pets isn’t the easiest thing to do without a plan. My (now deceased) dog did travel via plane one time. We gave her anti-anxiety drugs and made her as comfortable as possible. She did great!!!

  20. I have never travelled with pets so far. My officemate is planning to let her pet join her vacation so I guess this is the best time to share this article so she have the right information and be guided accordingly.

  21. I had no idea there were so many options for traveling with pets – especially on airplanes. This is great to know as we just got a puppy!

  22. These are really helpful tips! Our dog gets motion sickness if he isn’t laying down in the car, we’re hoping he grows out of it but taking him anywhere is always a planned adventure!

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