Earlier this January was National Pet Travel Safety Day! It is a day of awareness for traveling safely with your pets. In honor of that, we are compiling a list of tips to help pet owners with future travel adventures with their pets. Remember to always care for your pets as you would care for yourself in times of travel. Pets need their bags packed with essentials and checked with airlines as would any other human being. Follow along with these 7 travel tips for pets and have a safe trip this new year!
Pack Smart
Double-check that your pet has everything they need for the travel AND the stay. That includes food, treats, toys, a first aid kit, etc. Pets need to have their bag/bags filled with their needed essentials and daily items when traveling. If your pet is accustomed to a routine, it would only be fair to bring along those belongings that they use routinely. Here is a list of important essentials your pet should have with them when traveling.
- pet seat belt
- airline approved carrier
- calming supplements
- Collapsible water bowl
- first aid kit
- car seat cover
- waste container
- portable litterbox
- dog crate
- pet wipes
Going on an outdoor adventure? Visit our previous blog post to learn about dog-walking essentials.
Update ID
Make sure your pet’s ID and/or Microchip are up to date with the correct information in case they are separated from you. There are a lot of horror stories by owners where their pets have vanished while traveling. To prevent that heartbreak, make sure that your pet has on them at all times their ID on their collar. If they have a microchip, even better! This way, you will be contacted as soon as your pet has been found.
Take Breaks
If on the road, pull over somewhere convenient for stretches and pee breaks. Imagine how uncomfortable it is to have a bladder full while contained in the car. Make stops every 1-2 hours to let your pet do their business. These breaks will also help with their anxiety and restlessness. For pets who do not enjoy car rides, having the moment outside will provide much-needed relief.
Back Seat Only
Pets should not be placed in the truck, front seat, or in the truck bed when traveling. They are safest in the back seat with their seatbelt or inside their crate. Invest in a traveling crate that is the most safest and most comfortable for your pet’s needs and comfort level. Or look into a seat belt hook for pets who love to look out and view the scenery.
Carrier/Crate
If your pet is not crate trained, crates are a great essential that can get your pet comfortable for the trips. It is always a good idea to crate train for these moments since crates provide lots of safety benefits for pets. They allow pets to be secure, comfortable, and safe in one place. It is convenient for transporting pets to the vet, on airlines, and during their housing/boarding accommodations.
Check with the Airline
Always check the airline’s website for needed information on pet travel. It is important to check in with the vet before the trip to make sure your pet is healthy to travel. Keep in mind that pets that cannot fly in the cabin will need to be placed in cargo; so they must be crate trained. Crates should be airline-approved and noted with your pet’s information somewhere on the crate.
Safe travels, from the Fire Hydrant Team!