Whether you are going by plane, train, and/or automobile, it is extremely important to be well prepared when traveling with your pet. Here are some must-know pointers to make the vacation a great one for you and your furry passenger.
TRAVELING WITH YOUR PET
ARE THEY OK WITH TRAVEL?
Unfortunately, your dog or cat cannot just come out to tell you that they aren’t too keen on traveling. If you are not 100% that your pet is a good traveler, start by taking them for short car rides.
Getting your pet used to traveling in the car, for longer and longer rides, will help ease them once you’re ready to go on that fabulous vacation together.
CONFER WITH YOUR VET
If your pet is a nervous traveler, you may want to chat with your vet. I am not one to medicate unless totally necessary, but sometimes the vet may prescribe a sedative to calm your pet’s nerves. It may make for a more relaxing voyage for both of you.
WHAT TO PACK
A lot of these items may seem common sense, but you’d be surprised!
- Your veterinarian’s contact information
- If you are traveling via car, make note of any emergency pet hospitals/veterinarians along the way – just in case.
- Two forms of identification
- Basic ID tag with name and phone number
- Travel ID tag that includes your phone number, email address or website with information, and home address
- Microchips are a HUGE helper too…
- Enough medication for the duration of your vacation plus a few days
- Health records
- Collar, leash, harness
- Water and food bowls
- Enough food for the duration of your vacation plus a few days
- Crate
- Toys, blanket
- Pet first aid kit
SAFETY WHILE IN MOTION
TRUE STORY: My cat, Harley, was NOT a happy camper when it came to traveling – even 10 minutes to and from the vet. He would moan and moan and moan in his cage. It sounded as if someone was pulling his claws out, one by one. The next time we had to travel in the car, I decided to let him sit on the seat next to me. My thought process was that he would be able to see his surroundings as opposed to being in the cage. Worst idea ever. Not only was he even more vocal, he got so freaked out that he jumped onto the floor beneath my feet. BAD – very bad – because gosh forbid I had to break quickly – he would have gotten stepped upon or I wouldn’t have been able to break – SO dangerous. Moral of the story – deal with the moaning while he or she is safely secured in the cage.
There are a lot of great restraints for dogs – below are some that will keep them comfortable and safe during the voyage.
EVERYONE NEEDS A BREAK
Even when we drive to Orlando, which is only about 2.5 hours, we always make one pit stop. It’s important to stretch your legs, the same as it is for your pet! This is the perfect time to walk them around for a bit – let them do their thing, and get back in the car.
FINAL DESTINATION ACCOMMODATIONS FOR YOUR PET
There are a handful of hotels and resorts that are known as cat or dog friendly vacations. Below are some of the pet friendly hotel chains that I came across.
Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Double check as not all Four Seasons properties allow pets, but if they are one of the ones that do – your pet is in for a BIG treat. Your 25 or less pound pet will enjoy their own dog bed, weewee pads, water bowls and more!
Kimpton Hotels
With over 59 properties in the US, the Kimpton chain allows any pet! There is no extra charge, they get their own bed, and you can get a list of pet-friendly restaurants and other locations at your final destination! I read that even if you didn’t travel with a pet, they will provide you with a pet fish if asked.
La Quinta Inn
All pets are allowed at La Quintas nationwide (minus I believe 3 or 4 of them). I love that there is no extra charge here as well!
Loews Hotels
Loews Loves Pets is the specialized program that welcomes your pet with open arms. There is a small fee, usually about $25, which includes pet mats, food and water bowls, treats, and more. Oh, and did I mention the special room service menu exclusively for your four-legged guest?
Best Western
As long as your pup is under 80 pounds, it is welcome to hang with you at Best Western. Most allow 2 pets, which is great! The maximum per-day charge is $20 with a maximum out-of-pocket of $100 per week.
Please double check before booking as some of the allowances, fees, and perks may have changed since this article was written. Regardless, I give kudos to these amazing pet-friendly properties!
It also helps to check out websites such as Best Fido, which offers a variety of different pet0friendly lodging options in one place.
Have you ever traveled with your pet? I’d love to hear some more tips on how to make the voyage and experience as a whole, a great one!
Kansas Bonanno says
Your puppers is adorable, I think my dog is an oddball. She hates traveling and riding in the car, she gets carsick.
Dana says
Thank you! Sadie isn’t the biggest fan of car trips either. I’m sorry to hear your dog gets car sick 🙁 It’s actually somewhat common!
Megan says
This is a great post, traveling with pets can sometimes be a challenge but it’s fun nonetheless! x
Dana says
Agreed, Megan!
Emily Fata, www.WanderousAffair.com says
These are great (and important tips) for all pet owners! I love bringing my pup on road trips with me, so I’ll definitely be taking all of these things into consideration!
Dana says
Thank you, Emily! I love that you travel with your pup!
Preet says
Aww, Traveling with my fur babies is such a great idea but I am so busy so I am looking for the best time to travel with them. Thanks for this guide.
Ann F. Snook-Moreau says
I sadly don’t have a pet but these are great resources for those who want to vacation with their furry pals! My parents’ cats are the same as yours . . . you’d think they were being tortured as soon as the car starts moving.
Dana says
Ann, the sounds that came out of that cat’s mouth were horrendous!
Sue-Tanya Mchorgh says
I always want to travel with my pets but I think it would be too much to handle. This was an awesome post.
Dana says
It is a lot to travel with your furry family members, but if you prep right it should be OK!
Marcie says
That’s a great idea to get your pet used to longer and longer car rides! Fantastic tips!
Dana says
Thank you, Marcie!
Christa says
This is a great resource! I’m hoping to do some roadtrips with my dog in the coming months.
Dana says
Thank you, Christa! I am glad this list is helpful. Happy travels!
Britney says
Love these! Maybe once we get an DUV we would travel with our pets and kids.
Dana says
What kind of pet(s) do you have?
Maggie says
So many great ideas in here. I found it really informative. My cats hate traveling so the only trips they take is to the vet and that is always a mission.
Dana says
There’s something about cats and cars!
Andrea says
This is so useful for all the dog-ma’s out there. Already shared it with a couple of my friends.
Dana says
Thank you for sharing, Andrea!
Olivia says
My pup is terrified of the car haha but if I took him this list is so great! Maybe I will use it for my cat and see if she will take an adventure with me!;)
Dana says
Olivia, happy travels with your pets!
Noor says
This is such a great blog. Very helpful for people have pets. I think it’s a lot of work when traveling. Thanks for sharing.
Dana says
It is a lot of work when you have pets and want to travel!
Carol Cassara says
We have two new fur babies that we would love to travel with. It’s been so long since we did, and now that we have adopted again, I think it would be nice to take them around. These tips are perfect!
eliza says
I am really pleased with this post. Also, I appreciate accommodations such as a resort or hotels that allow pets. Great post!
Dana says
Thank you Eliza!!! Do you have any pets?
Megan Jones says
This is not just a good post, it’s an *important* one. Traveling with pets can be wonderful as they’re part of the family…but it can also be a nightmare and stressful for your pets if not done properly. Plus not pets even want to be part of the family trip. My lab is thrilled when we travel as she has so much fun. But my two cats are happier being at home. For them car = stress.
Dana says
Thank you so much for your comment, Megan! It’s so interesting how one pet loves the car and the other wants to run away!
animal hospital Lewisham says
Senior pets can greatly benefit from what a vet clinic has to offer in the way of pet care. Older dogs and cats are more susceptible to illness, accidents, and loss of cognitive function.
Dana says
Very true! If your pet is too old to travel, it may be in their best interest to board them at a reputable veterinarian.
Kolten says
We take our dog porter everywhere with us! she absolutely loves traveling in the car, we have car seat covers, pet toys, poop bags, and doggie treats. Thanks for the post and mentioning the pit stops even on short rides.
pet safe ice melt says
Very good things to have on the list!! I really appreciate that you described these items out!