8 Tips to Make Traveling with Pets Easier
Traveling with our furry friends is an exciting experience that also requires careful preparation. Whether you’re traveling for hours on the open road or flying to a new country, there are definitely things you can do to make the traveling experience easier and less stressful for you and your pet. We’ll dive into everything from packing the right essentials like a pet hair brush that can travel with you to helping acclimate your pet to travel in advance. To ensure a smooth journey, use any of these eight tips to make traveling with pets easier.
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1. The Pet Travel Essentials
First things first — you’ll want to pack your pet’s traveling essentials including necessary medications, extra food and water, and a portable water bowl. Consider packing their bedding and toys to help them feel at home even when you’re traveling. A first aid kit for you and your furry friend is essential to pack just in case. Another important pet travel item is the portable pet hair remover. This small tool easily packs into your purse or pocket and can be stowed away in your car or luggage. The portable fur remover helps remove excess fur on your pet and acts as a grooming brush, too. Use it on your own clothing to remove pet hair like a lint brush without the sticky lint paper.
2. Bond with Your Pet
Traveling with a stranger can feel a whole lot different than traveling with a trusted companion. The reality of our day-to-day lives means that sometimes we don’t spend as much time with our pets as we want to or should. Don’t feel guilty about that. Instead, take this opportunity to bond with your pet ahead of your travels. One easy way to bond with your pet is to groom them. Grooming them with a deshedder will help remove any excess pet hair right before your trip, and your furry companion will love the TLC of your running a brush through their coat.
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3. Plan Ahead of Time
Plan out your trip ahead of time by booking pet-friendly accommodations. Make sure their health certificates and vaccination records are up to date. If you’re traveling on the road with a dog, you’ll want to map out stops to let your dog stretch their legs and take a bathroom break.
4. Practice Crate Training
If you’re traveling by airplane, your pet will need to get used to traveling by crate or carrier. Familiarize them with the travel crate in advance by making it a comfortable and positive experience. That way, they won’t be shocked when they’re sitting in the crate for hours during the flight. The same goes for cats or dogs that will need to stay in their carrier during road trips.
5. Consider Microchipping Your Pet
Microchipping your pet can come in handy in the event that your pet accidentally escapes or runs away during your travel. It’s an added precaution that can save your pet’s life. For those who aren’t comfortable with microchipping your pet, or haven’t gotten around to it, ensure that your pet wears a collar with identification tags. That tag should have your current contact information including your name, phone number, email and address.
6. Provide Bathroom Breaks and Exercise Opportunities
Before you actually depart for your trip, you’ll want to help your pet expend excess energy. Let them run around for a while before you hop into the car or on that flight for your journey. If you’re driving, ensure you make frequent stops for your dog to relieve themselves and stay comfortable.
7. Follow Airline Regulations
When traveling by air, familiarize yourself with your airline’s pet travel policies. Different airlines may have different carrier size restrictions and health documentation requirements, and these may differ if you’re going to different countries as well. To help minimize the stress of traveling for you and your pet, book direct flights without any layovers whenever possible.
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8. Use Calming Aids
Traveling can be stressful for both humans and pets. Speak with your vet to see if they have any recommendations for calming aids such as a pheromone spray or an anxiety wrap. Before using any natural supplements, speak with your veterinarian first. You can also provide your pet with a chew toy or treat to keep them occupied during your travels. In addition to calming scents, use a pet hair remover brush to groom your pet. They’ll love the gentle feeling of your bonding with them and brushing them. Combine that with some relaxing pet-friendly smells, and your pet will ease right into a relaxed state in due time.
Remember that the key to a successful trip with your pet is to ensure their comfort and safety. By keeping their well-being in mind throughout the entire journey, you’ll be able to navigate any bumps in the road — both literally and figuratively — with confidence. According to Starwood Pet, hiring a professional pet transport company, especially if you’re traveling to a different country, can take the stress out of flying with your pet. Traveling with our furry companions can and should be a cherished experience, so do whatever you can to make it easier and more enjoyable for you and your furry best friend.
