Traveling with pets is not always easy. Small animal veterinarian Dr. Liza Cahn, a consultant for Embrace Pet Insurance, gives tips on how to make the process easier. For both you and your pet.

Preparing Pets for Travel

However you plan to travel with your pet, be it by car, train, plain or bus, it’s extremely important to prepare ahead of time.

4 Tips for Preparing Pets for Travel

  1. Research the requirements and restrictions associated with your mode of travel and destination. This can be a fairly complicated process, especially if you plan to travel internationally with your pet. If flying, you will need to decide if your pet will be traveling with you in the cabin or being shipped as manifest cargo. Many airlines no longer allow animals to travel as checked baggage.
  2. Make an appointment with your veterinarian for a health certificate (often required within ten days of travel) and to make sure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on preventative care and vaccines. It’s also important to consider your pet’s age, breed, and health status. For example, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds are at much higher risk of respiratory issues associated with stress.
  3. Purchase an appropriate carrier ahead of time so that your pet has plenty of time to get used to it. If traveling by plane, the airline will have specific requirements regarding size, material, and ventilation. Acclimation training is essential to help your pet feel safe and comfortable in the crate. Reward them with treats and praise for exploring and entering the crate, provide high-value treats or puzzle toys, and try feeding their meals in the crate. Once they feel comfortable, you can progress to closing the door for short periods of time and going for test rides in the car.
  4. While it may seem appealing to sedate your pet for travel, this is actually not recommended. Sedation can affect your pet’s breathing, cardiovascular system, and temperature control. In some cases, it can also cause disorientation, worsen anxiety, and lead to injury. It is best to talk with your vet about which (if any) anxiety medications may be recommended, especially if your pet is traveling by car or in the airplane cabin with you, and thus under close supervision. Getting your pet acclimated to the crate and using pheromone spray, such as Feliway or Adaptil, can significantly help with anxiety as well.

Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations

There are generally lots of options for finding pet-friendly accomodations. There are several websites dedicated to this. Many hotels and airbnbs also allow pets, although it’s important to fully read and understand their pet policy ahead of time, as they may require additional fees or for your pet to be current on specific vaccinations. When in doubt, get in touch directly with the accommodation.

Navigating Air Travel with Animals

While all the tips above apply to flying with pets, a few other considerations include scheduling a direct flight whenever possible and traveling at times that are less busy. It is safest for your pet to fly in the cabin with you, however, there are strict size requirements. The next best option is shipping your pet as manifest cargo. This is safer than sending them as checked baggage, due to stricter handling procedures and temperature control. Always research the airline’s policy well ahead of travel. They have requirements ranging from the size and type of crate that is acceptable to what you can put in the crate with your animal. Ideally, you want to include a few comfort items, such as familiar toys and bedding, a small litter box for cats, as well as plenty of fresh water.