How to Easily Survive a Day of Traveling With Your Pet

Make certain that your pet is healthy enough for travel. If they are sick or have any condition that would make them uncomfortable during transport, you may want to rethink bringing them along. You will also want to consider your pet’s temperament. How are they around large crowds of people? Remember your pet’s comfort is just as important as your own when traveling.

Check with the airline BEFORE arriving for your departing flight. Many airlines have regulations on the size/weight of pets that they allow to travel in the cabin. They also may require your pet to be of a certain age and be completely weaned/trained in order to travel. Checking your pet as cargo is a bit more complicated than having them travel in the cabin with you, and ultimately comes with bigger risks. Getting in touch with the airline before you arrive at the airport will allow you to better plan. Seriously, traveling can be stressful enough.

Consider booking a non-peak, direct flight. Normally these non-peak flights are less crowded, meaning there’s more room in the cabin for your pet. Plus, if your pet is in cargo hold, there’s less of a chance that your pet will be lost in the mix during a layover/stop. Comfort = less stress for both you and Rover.

It’s recommended by Trips With Pets to not feed your pet 4-6 hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water is okay right before boarding. You could also secure a collapsible bowl in your pet’s carrier with a few ice cubes to get him/her through the next few hours of travel.

This probably goes without saying but make sure your carrier AND pet is labeled properly with your name, permanent address, and a number where you or a contact person can be reached. You can fix the ID directly onto their well-fitting collar, as well as the carrier, just in case you’re separated from it at any time during travel.

Don’t forget to bring a leash to walk your pet before and after your flight, and remember to bring along a current photo of your pet. Again, this is just in the off chance you’re separated from your pet.

Lastly, refrain from tranquilizing your pet unless it’s prescribed by a veterinarian. It may sound like an easier way to travel with a pet that doesn’t enjoy flying or being in a car, but it isn’t recommended.