Traveling with Pets Made Easy: 12 Pro Tips You Need to Know

We bring our pup, Zoey, with us whenever we drive somewhere for vacation, and I’ve thought about letting her tag along when we fly. But ultimately, I think she’d be happier staying off of the plane, so we get a dog sitter.

I’ve spent the last four years writing about a lot of different pet-related topics, including several pieces on traveling with dogs and cats. Between the research for these pieces and personal experiences, I’ve learned a lot about how to make traveling with pets easier.

The Humane Society of the United States recommends only flying with pets when necessary, encouraging you to exhaust other options first.

No matter how you decide to travel with your pet, use these tips to keep your journey stress-free.

1. Check With Your Pet's Vet Before Travel

If you’re going on a lengthy road trip or flight, or planning an active vacation, check with your pet’s vet. Make sure your pet is healthy for the type of travel you’re planning.

Also, many states may require that you show a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection or similar document.

If your vet recommends that your pet stay home, be prepared to make other arrangements, like boarding or a pet sitter. Traveling can be risky for older dogs and cats or those with certain health conditions (especially if your pet has to travel in the cargo hold).

2. Verify Your Pet Is Current on Vaccinations

Most airlines require proof of current vaccinations before they allow your pet on board. When flying with pets internationally, many countries won’t permit your pet to enter if they don’t have proper records.

It’s also safer for your pet to ensure they are up-to-date on their vaccinations. This is especially vital if you’re traveling to another country where certain illnesses may be more prevalent.

3. Update ID Tags and Microchips

Even with the utmost care and taking all the right precautions, accidents can happen. Depending on your travel arrangements, your pet could get loose or end up on a different plane.

These possibilities are why updating your pet’s identification information is crucial. Check your dog or cat’s ID tags and verify that the contact information registered to your pet’s microchip is correct. (Consider getting your pet chipped before travel if they aren’t already.)

4. Keep Food, Water, and Medications Easily Accessible

When you pack your pet’s belongings, keep their food, water, and any medications in an accessible place. On a road trip, this could be a tote bag you keep in the back seat. If flying, the best place would be your carry-on bag.

We travel with a collapsible water dish that we can pop out easily whenever our pup needs a drink. Special water bottles designed for pets are also available. Check out online sites like Chewy or your local pet supply store for available products.

5. Have a Safe Way to Secure Your Pet

When we bring Zoey anywhere in the car, we use a doggy seatbelt that attaches to her harness. She loves to snuggle on the backseat, safely belted in, next to our son. She even has her own booster seat so she can see out of the window.

However, I’ve had other pets who were better off traveling in a kennel.

The takeaway is to make sure your pet is secure, whether in a car, on a plane, or in a cargo hold. If using a carrier or crate, ensure it is large enough to fit your pet and well-ventilated.

6. Choose a Nonstop Flight Whenever Possible If Flying

The last few times we’ve flown, we’ve noticed a lot more pets in the airport, particularly dogs. It seems like it’s becoming much more common, and some airlines go above and beyond for their furry passengers.

However, Condé Nast Traveler suggests booking non-stop flights whenever possible to limit the risk of mistakes during transfers and changeovers.

Also, make sure to book your pet’s fare at the same time as your own to guarantee a spot on the plane. Most flights limit how many pets they allow onboard.

7. Keep Your Pet on a Leash

You would think this one doesn’t need saying, but it does. There’s always that traveler who doesn’t think their pup needs to be on a leash. Unfortunately, this is not safe for your dog or others, and it’s also against the law in most situations.

Always keep your dog on a leash (and your cat — my cat would walk on a leash when we stopped during road travel). If your pet doesn’t use a leash, then keep them in a carrier when taking them out and about in public.

8. Verify Pet-Friendly Accommodations Ahead of Time

Don’t wait until you arrive at your destination to find out if they allow pets. That’s simply poor planning. What are you going to do if your host tells you no?

Check with your vacation rental, hotel, and anyone you’re staying with when out of town. Make sure that everyone is on the same page about your pets and review necessary deposits or restrictions. For example, your dog is welcome to stay but can’t sleep in the bed.

9. Schedule Potty Breaks for Long Trips

When you fly, there’s nowhere for your pet to go potty on the plane. Therefore, make sure to visit the airport’s pet relief area before you board.

On road trips, schedule time to make potty stops for your pet. It’s important to have a plan for regular bathroom breaks to keep your pet healthy and prevent accidents.

10. Pack Comforting Items

Pets thrive on routine and can get anxious when things are different and new. It can be hard to keep your schedule the same on vacation, so find other opportunities to maintain a sense of familiarity.

We always pack Zoey’s favorite toys when we go on vacation so she has something she’s used to. Other possible items are your pet’s bed, a blanket they always snuggle with, or one of your old shirts (your scent can help calm your pet).

11. Consider Medication for Stress or Motion-Sickness

If your pet gets anxious or experiences frequent motion sickness when traveling, talk to your vet about possible medications. Calming supplements and anti-nausea medicines could help.

However, sedating your pet can increase their risk of various health problems and injury. Plus, many airlines don’t allow sedated pets onboard or to travel in the cargo area.

12. Provide Ample Exercise for Your Pet Before You Leave

Give your pet ample opportunities for exercise before embarking on your journey. It’s wise to let them expend some energy so they’re less restless during travel.

Make stops during your road trip for your furry friend to stretch and play, especially if you have a very active pet. We like to pick up food and eat picnic-style at a park so we can walk Zoey.