Summer is made for road trips and traveling to beautiful, exciting places. You may be considering bringing your furry traveling companion with you as you vacation this summer. Traveling with your pet can be a rewarding experience, allowing you to share new adventures with them. However, ensuring their safety and comfort requires careful planning. Before you hit the road, consider our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team’s pet travel safety tips.

1: Schedule a pre-travel veterinary visit

Before traveling to a different state or internationally, check your destination’s pet regulations. Many airlines and stopping points require your pet to be current on their core vaccines. Travel can take its toll on pets with certain health conditions, especially seniors. Our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team can provide a nose-to-tail exam, ensuring your furry pal is ready for the adventure. Additionally, you should pack or have online access to your pet’s health records, prescriptions, and other health information.

2: Microchip your pet and update your contact information

When traveling, your pet’s escape risk increases. Minimize the threat of losing your pet by ensuring your four-legged friend is microchipped. Identification (ID) tags on their collar are also necessary, but these can easily fall off or be removed. Microchipping is a permanent pet ID form, but remember to update your contact information in the manufacturer’s database if you’ve recently moved or changed phone numbers.

3: Use proper safety restraints while traveling with your pet

Use a pet seat belt, carrier, or crate to maintain your pet’s safety and security in the car. Not only do these restraints keep your pet safe, but they also prevent your pet from distracting you while you’re driving and potentially help prevent accidents if your pet is moving around in the car.

If traveling by air, check with the airline for their pet travel policies. Use an airline-approved pet carrier and ensure your pet is comfortable inside it before the trip. Attach clear ID and contact information tags to the carrier to prevent your furry pal from becoming misplaced or stolen. 

4: Bring your pet’s favorite toys, treats, and blankets

Comfort and familiarity can calm your pet during travel and in new, unusual places. Many pets become anxious when they haven’t been exposed to travel or being away from home. Bring items that foster a home-away-from-home feeling, which can soothe and decrease your pet’s anxiety. Pack the following pet supplies:

  • Pet bed
  • Blanket
  • Toys
  • Pheromone sprays to relieve stress
  • Leash and collar
  • Crate or carrier
  • Waste bags
  • Food 
  • Unbreakable bowls
  • Treats

5: Keep your pet hydrated by bringing plenty of water

Travel can cause your pet stress, leading them to pant and drink more water than usual. Many pets can be affected by motion sickness, sometimes leading to vomiting and dehydration. To keep your pet hydrated, bring lots of water and a portable bowl for convenience. Even if traveling locally, pack water in case you get delayed because of a car breakdown or traffic congestion. Remember, always have water on hand. 

6: Plan for frequent breaks for your pet

Long car rides can be uncomfortable for your pet without regular breaks. Plan on stopping several times so your pet can stretch their legs, relieve themself, drink water, and have a treat or meal. When creating your itinerary, factor in these 10- to 15-minute breaks every few hours. 

7: Use pet-friendly hotels and restaurants

Many online sites, such as BringFido, list pet-friendly hotels and restaurants by city. When you book hotel rooms, know in advance that your four-legged friend will be welcome. Do your research and look for places with high ratings for pet friendliness and features promoting pet well-being, such as dog walking areas and patios allowing pets.  

8: Have a plan for where your pet will be at all times

If your plans include activities that aren’t pet-friendly, know where you can take your pet while you are away. Look for high-quality doggie daycares or have a travel companion stay at the hotel with your pet. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, as temperatures can rise quickly, leading to life-threatening heatstroke.

Traveling with your furry friend can be a delightful experience if done safely and thoughtfully. Monitor your pet at all times, assessing their comfort, health, and well-being. By prioritizing your pet’s safety, you can ensure their happiness and enjoyment while having a stress-free journey together. Schedule an appointment with our Aloha Veterinary Hospital team so we can get your pet ready for the road. Safe travels!