How to Travel when You Have a Pet
As the holidays approach, you may find yourself asking, “what do I do with my pet while traveling?” along with millions of pet parents who are making their travel plans. If you’re one of them, you are probably thinking about one of three options: 1) hire a sitter, 2) board your pet, or 3) take your pet with you. There are pros and cons to each, and not every option is right for every pet. It is important to consider what works best for your pet and your family.
Hire a Sitter
Hiring a pet sitter is a great option for pets who are usually most comfortable at home and generally a little more independent. When hiring a pet sitter, it’s important to make sure that:
There is a backup plan in case your sitter can’t make it. If you hire through a company, ask about their protocol in case a backup sitter is needed. Or, have a friend or neighbor on standby with an extra set of keys.
You have a backup plan if your own travel plans change or you are unexpectedly delayed. Holiday travel can be unpredictable and there may be delays — you’ll ensure your pet continues to be safe if you have a backup in advance.
Your sitter will know what to do in the case of an emergency while you’re away. You should leave contact information for your vet, as well as contact information for a trusted person if you can’t be immediately reached. We also recommend either calling your local and emergency vet to give advanced permission for treatment, or leaving it in writing, in case you are not reachable in an emergency.
Even if you have a cat, your sitter should come every 24 hours at minimum. Your cat will need fresh food, water, and their litter changed. It’s also important to catch any concerning behaviors before they become life-threatening including vomiting, diarrhea or inability to urinate.
Quality time is not forgotten. Ask the pet sitter to spend some time each day trying to engage your pet with their favorite toys or activities. This can include walks, cuddling on the couch, or playing fetch. This will help your pet work off stress and keep them comfortable while you’re gone.
There is enough food and medicines that your pet will need while you are away. Always include extra since plans can change and it may be hard to get last-minute refills from your vet.
Your pet sitter is trained and comfortable giving medication and any other care required to your pet at the time they need and in a way that keeps them comfortable.
It’s always a good idea to meet with your pet sitter ahead of time to go over all the information and answer any questions — including accommodations for senior pets. Having a folder with all of the routines, medications, and plans for emergencies can help you and your pet sitter feel more comfortable too.
Board Your Pet
Boarding might be a good option for your pet, especially if your pet has been boarded safely and comfortably before and enjoys socializing with others. Some pets find boarding very stressful, so make sure you know what your pet will be comfortable with.
Many of the same considerations you will have when hiring a pet sitter also apply if you decide to board your pet. It is also important to:
Make sure to find a reputable boarding location that makes you feel comfortable, and ask to tour their facilities before boarding your pet.
Ensure they have vaccination requirements, and make sure your pet is up to date.
Schedule a test run in advance. Even if your pet has been boarded before, a test run can help make sure they’ll be happy at a new location while you’re away.
If your pet doesn’t get along with others, or has medical complexities, consider hiring a pet sitter to stay in your home or see if there is a way to include your pet in your travel plans and bring them with you.
Take Your Pet With You
Traveling with your pet can be a good option if your pet likes — or will tolerate — travel, or if you can’t leave or board them. People often think of traveling with dogs, but cats can travel too. However, not every pet enjoys traveling. They can find it stressful and the uncertainty confusing, but with a little advanced planning, your pet might be more than happy to join you.
A few other important considerations include:
If possible, it’s best to travel with your pet by car, either in a crate where they can stay secure, or buckled in if they are wearing a car harness. Try to plan travel during light traffic, and plan to stay overnight if necessary to break up a long trip.
It may be beneficial to get a GPS tracker while traveling with your pet since they will be in unfamiliar surroundings.
Since traveling can be stressful for your pet, it is always a good idea to talk to your vet and see if there is anything you can do to support your pet through their anxiety. Vets can help with ways to lessen stress or motion sickness for your pet.
For dogs, make sure to stop for regular elimination breaks, as well as time for exercise. Bring along their favorite toys and treats, and always keep your dog leashed outside the car. You can even get a toy and spread something tasty inside to help them calm down in the backseat. Sometimes a car hammock in the backseat can make it more comfortable for them too!
For cats, try turning a dog crate into a mobile travel condo. Include a blanket that smells like home, a small litter box, and some favorite toys. Leave the crate out for a few weeks before you travel so your cat has time to adjust to it. On travel day, spray the inside of the crate with a synthetic calming pheromone to help your cat feel more relaxed, and try to position the crate in the back seat where your cat can see you and remains secure.
For any pet, make sure to check in with your vet before traveling to ensure your pet is up to date on vaccination requirements and to make sure they are in good enough health to travel safely. If you have to fly, take some time to research the airline’s requirements, do your best to minimize travel time, and take your pet on board with you if at all possible.
If your pet takes regular medication, talk with your vet before you leave to make sure you have enough to take with you, plus a plan if you unexpectedly need additional medication while you’re away. If your travel falls around the holidays, it is a good idea to try and fill the medicines ahead of time since there can be delays.
If you need help deciding which travel option might be best for your pet, please schedule a virtual consultation. We know travel can be stressful, and Gentle Journey Vet Care is here to support you and your pet as you prepare for a wonderful holiday season. We specialize in palliative care and caring for the emotional and physical health of your pet.
