Travel Tips For Pet Lovers

Traveling with your pet can be lots of fun and can alleviate the stress of leaving your friend behind and finding someone to take care of him/her. Not every place you travel to is okay with pets, so it is best to do a little research first to find out if they are pet-friendly.

Here are 7 travel tips if you’re going traveling with your dog or cat:

  • Make sure your pet has identification tags with up to date information.
  • If you are taking your pet across state lines or international borders:
    • Let your vet know and make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date.
    • An international health certificate dated within 10 days of departure may be required-certain countries require vaccinations.
    • Check the airline’s policies on pets before booking your pet and try to take a direct flight whenever possible.
    • Make sure you have a USDA approved crate for shipping your animal. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit and turn around in comfortably, and lined with some type of bedding—shredded paper or towels—to absorb accidents. The ASPCA recommends the night before you leave, freezing a small dish or tray of water for your pet. This way, it can’t spill during loading and will melt by the time he or she is thirsty.
    • Don’t assume airlines will supply traveling necessities, especially for crates (special releasable cable ties for the door, live animal stickers, food and water bowls, absorbent bedding, etc.).
  • Find out if your pet is allowed to stay where you are going.
  • Don’t forget to pack your vet’s contact info and a list of 24 hour emergency hospitals, and any prescribed medications.

The Pet Travel Store is a great resource for everything pet travel related and can help you with anything from knowing if you have the right documents, to buying the right crate for your pet for plane travel.

Bring Fido is a fun resource for dog owners to find restaurants, hotels, and parks that are dog-friendly. They also have info about airlines and great hiking spots!

Getting outside with your dog gets the endorphins running!

And this Canadian lady (sukiicat on Instagram) is a great example of how traveling with your pet (her cat, Suki, in this case) can be so rewarding when you take them with you in the great outdoors!

Wherever you travel with your pet, we hope your enjoyment of your destination is even greater with your special friend in tow. Life is short. Enjoy every moment!