Travel with Pets

Travel with pets is easier than it might seem.

A pet that is used to traveling is always easier to handle. If possible start getting your pet used to traveling with you when it is young.

With each subsequent vacation, review your activities in detail. If your pet will remain at your place of lodging while you sightsee, he would likely be better off at home in familiar surroundings.


Visit the Veterinarian

Before you decide to include your pet in your vacation plans:

1) Review your vacation plans with the veterinarian. If the vacation is too physically demanding for your pet then leave him at home in the care of a responsible person. Hire a pet sitter or board your pet.

2) If your pet will enter a foreign country, the veterinarian may recommend vaccinations.

3) The veterinarian can assist you with any legal paper work required for your pet.

Design a Travel Itinerary that Accomodates Your Pet

Whatever your activities may be, keep a regular at-home type schedule for your pet in order to minimize the physical and psychological stress on him.

When you sightsee, choose places that are pet-friendly.

Food and Water

Bring your pet’s usual food from home when you travel. If you are forced to buy a different brand of pet food on the trip, introduce it to your pet gradually. Your pet is less likely to develop diarrhea as a result.

When you return home, re-introduce your pet’s old brand of food gradually as well - for the same reason.

Bring a good supply of cool water from home for your pet. Do this to prevent him from developing an upset stomach. Pets are affected by contaminated water in the same way people are.

When you arrive at your destination, boil water and cool it before you serve it to your pet.

Preparing for Pet Travel

Bring items that are familiar to your pet. These include:

1) Pet dishes

2) Bedding

3) A pooper scooper

4) Litter box and kitty litter (for a cat)

5) A leash and collar

6) Grooming supplies

7) Medications

8) A pet first aid kit

9) Your pet’s favorite toy

10) Carpet deodorizer

11) Stain remover

Bring two ID tags. The first tag has your pet's name and your name, address and phone number. The second outlines how to contact you while you travel (i.e. hotel name, address and phone number).

Keep a current photograph of your pet to show to the local authorities should he become lost.

Purchase a government-approved pet carrier and have your pet spend some time in it before you leave for your trip. This will help him to adjust.

Transporting Your Pet

Transportation options are limited for travel with pets. These include car and plane. Neither buses nor trains will transport animals.

a) automobile

Make frequent stops so your pet can relieve itself.

Always have your pet on a leash before you open the car door.

b) airlines

Before you leave for the airport, exercise your pet well. If he is tired, he may sleep during the flight.

Your pet must remain inside the government approved carrier at all times during the flight.

If the carrier is small enough, it may be placed under the seat in front of you.

If the carrier is too large, the carrier must be stowed in the cargo hold.

Some airlines even offer Frequent Flyer Miles to owners who travel with pets, so don't forget to look into this.


Travel Expenses

Remember to account for any expenses associated with your pet into the travel budget.



Chapter 20 of Turn Your Dream Vacation Into Reality: A Game Plan for Seeing the World the Way You Want to See It addresses travel with pets in greater detail.

Return from Travel with Pets to THE FAMILY VACATION