How to Travel With Your Pet
Going on a vacation or a road trip? With the holidays right around the corner, it’s time to start planning your trip with your furry friend.
What should I pack?
It’s important to pack all of the pet essentials. Depending on whether you have a cat or a dog, your packing list might look a little different.
- Food & water
Pack as much food as you need for as many days as you will be gone. It may help to pre-portion the food into individual bags, so you know that you will have enough. Pack additional water bottles for your pet for the trip to your destination.
- Bowls
You will need a food bowl and a water bowl for your pet. If you are bringing multiple pets, bring each one their own food bowls. They can share a water bowl, but it is important that they have their own food bowl in order to create a healthy, safe environment, free from stealing or territorial behavior.
- Waste bags
These are a staple that you should take with you any time you and your pet leave the house. Bring enough for the length of your trip!
- Pet paperwork
Depending on where you are heading and how long you plan to stay, you should bring your pet’s paperwork. Make sure to look up what vaccination records, registration, or other documents you may need at your destination before leaving.
- Toys
Bringing some familiar toys can help your pet adjust to the unfamiliarity of their new location, and help them feel more comfortable on long trips. Toys also help keep them entertained for long stretches of inactivity while in a car.
- Pet bed
To help keep your pet comfortable at your destination, bring their bed! You may think that this is unnecessary, but this small act will bring a huge sense of comfort for your pet.
Extra items to pack FOR CATS:
If you have a cat, bring their litter box! You should also bring a carrier, for the car ride, as well as for any outings.
Extra items to pack FOR DOGS:
If you have a dog, bring their leash! Most states have a leash law in place for public safety. To find out the best types of leashes: check out this article!
To help with their comfort on long car rides, consider purchasing a dog seat extender. The back seat is statistically the safest place for your pup, and these “doggy hammocks” can help make the back seat safer and more comfortable for your dog! Depending on the length of your trip, it may be best to kennel your dog for the drive. Just make sure they are properly secured in the car!
Extra tips for easier travel:
- Plan for extra time
- Leave a little earlier than you think you should so that you don’t add more stress to your fun trip! Loading and unloading a pet and their packed items into your car will take longer than simply going by yourself. Also, schedule extra breaks for your pet so they can use the bathroom and stretch their legs!
- Try to stick to your pet’s daily routine
- Setting a daily routine provides security and predictability for your pet, which reduces their anxiety. Thus, it is best to try to be as consistent as possible with bathroom breaks, feeding times, and other daily activities during your trip.
- Update identification / microchip
- In case your pet gets lost, make sure they have updated contact information on their collar. You can also microchip them prior to your trip, which allows a 30% greater chance that they will be returned to you!
- Look out for motion sickness
- According to VCA Animal Hospitals, motion sickness in dogs mainly impacts puppies under 1 year of age and motion sickness in cats is brought upon by stress and anxiety of traveling. Symptoms of motion sickness are similar in dogs and cats, and include excessive drooling, licking of lips, excessive vocalization (whining/meowing), lethargy, and vomiting.
- Visit your veterinarian if you are worried about your pet getting motion sickness or becoming stressed while traveling. Some medicine can be prescribed to help create the best possible experience for you and your pet.
Traveling with your pet may seem stressful at first, but by following these tips, your trip will be smooth sailing. Your furry friend will thank you for bringing them along on your trip!
Tag us in pictures of you and your pet at your favorite holiday destination @lowcostpetvet on Facebook or Instagram!
Safe travels!