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Traveling with pets can be a delightful experience, allowing you to create lasting memories with your furry companions. However, it also requires careful planning and consideration to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of your pets throughout the journey. In this blog post, we’ll explore some essential tips and reminders for pet owners, ensuring that your travels with your beloved animals are enjoyable and stress-free.

1. Visit the Veterinarian: Health First Before embarking on your trip, schedule a visit to the veterinarian for a thorough health checkup. Ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations, and discuss any concerns you have about travel. Your veterinarian can also provide advice on motion sickness, anxiety, and other travel-related issues.

2. Prepare Identification and Documents Ensure your pet wears a collar with an ID tag containing your contact information. Additionally, carry essential documents such as proof of vaccinations, health certificates, and microchip details. These documents may be required during travel, especially if you’re crossing international borders.

3. Choose the Right Carrier Invest in a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier that provides enough space for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Familiarize your pet with the carrier before the trip, making it a safe and comfortable space. Line the carrier with familiar bedding and a favorite toy to ease your pet’s anxiety.

4. Pack Pet Essentials Pack a travel bag for your pet, including their favorite food, water, feeding bowls, medications, grooming supplies, and first aid kit. Carry an extra leash and collar, waste disposal bags, and a blanket or towel for your pet to sit on. Having these essentials on hand ensures your pet’s comfort and well-being during the journey.

5. Plan Regular Breaks Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, plan regular breaks to allow your pet to stretch their legs, relieve themselves, and hydrate. Research pet-friendly rest areas, parks, or pet-friendly accommodations along your route. These breaks are not only essential for your pet’s physical well-being but also provide mental stimulation and reduce stress.

6. Consider Your Pet’s Comfort Be mindful of the temperature and weather conditions during your journey. Avoid leaving your pet in a parked car, as temperatures can rise rapidly, leading to heatstroke. If flying, choose flights during cooler times of the day. Provide shade and ventilation if you’re traveling in a pet carrier or crate.

7. Stay Calm and Patient Traveling can be overwhelming for pets, especially if it’s their first time. Stay calm, patient, and reassuring throughout the journey. Offer treats and gentle praise to encourage positive behavior. Your soothing presence can significantly reduce your pet’s anxiety and make the travel experience more pleasant for both of you.

Traveling with pets can be a rewarding and enriching experience when approached with care, preparation, and patience. By following these essential tips and remembering the well-being of your furry friend, you can ensure a stress-free and enjoyable journey for both you and your pet. Safe travels!

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Are you planning to jet-set with your beloved feline friend? Traveling with a cat on an airplane can be a rewarding experience, but it requires careful preparation to ensure your cat’s comfort and safety. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essential steps to prepare your cat for plane travel, making the journey a stress-free one for both you and your furry companion.

1. Choose the Right Carrier: Before embarking on your journey, invest in a sturdy and airline-approved cat carrier. Ensure it is spacious enough for your cat to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Familiarize your cat with the carrier by leaving it open in your home and placing treats and toys inside to create a positive association.
2. Visit the Vet: Schedule a visit to your veterinarian for a thorough check-up and to ensure your cat’s vaccinations are up to date. Discuss any concerns you have about your cat’s health during the flight and ask for recommendations on sedation or calming products if necessary.
3. Identification and Documentation: Ensure your cat wears a collar with an identification tag that includes your contact information. Additionally, carry your cat’s medical records, vaccination certificates, and a recent photo in case of emergencies.
4. Crate Training: If your cat is not accustomed to being in a crate or carrier, start crate training well in advance of your trip. Gradually increase the time your cat spends in the carrier, rewarding them with treats and positive reinforcement.
5. Acclimate to Airport Sounds: To minimize stress during your journey, expose your cat to airport sounds and activities by playing airport ambient sounds at home. This can help desensitize them to the unfamiliar noise.
6. Familiarize with Airline Policies: Research and understand the specific airline policies regarding pet travel. Each airline has its own regulations, including crate size requirements, pet fees, and health documentation.
7. Pack Essentials: Pack a travel kit for your cat, including food, water, collapsible bowls, a leash, and waste disposal bags. Familiar, scent-soaked items like a blanket or toy can provide comfort during the flight.
8. Feeding and Hydration: Avoid feeding your cat for a few hours before the flight to reduce the risk of motion sickness. However, ensure they are well-hydrated by offering small sips of water.
9. Security Screening: Prepare for security screening at the airport. You may need to remove your cat from the carrier during the screening process, so practice this at home to make it less stressful for your cat.
10. In-Flight Comfort: During the flight, keep your cat’s carrier under the seat in front of you, and avoid opening it unless necessary. Speak to your cat in a soothing voice to provide reassurance.

Conclusion: By following these steps to prepare your cat for plane travel, you can ensure a smooth and safe journey for both you and your furry friend. Remember, patience and preparation are key to making the experience as stress-free as possible. Bon voyage, and happy travels with your feline companion!

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While the most common way to travel with pets is likely by car, train travel has increased in popularity in the last few years. As people adopted pets in 2020 more than ever, they want to bring their furry friends along for the ride. We’re here to tell you more about traveling by train and taking your furry friends along for the ride.

Train Travel is Safer

Traveling by train can take some of the stress of planning and organizing a trip by car or plane out of the equation. More importantly, train travel can be a safer alternative to traveling by plane or even by car. Airlines have breed and size restrictions, which can limit your options significantly. For example, brachycephalic (literally meaning “short-headed) dogs have shortened snouts which cause narrowed airways and trouble breathing. Most airlines have strict policies that don’t allow these dogs on board due to their inability to breathe properly in a pressurized cabin or in the cargo area. Unless you’re traveling with an emotional support animal, air travel can be pretty hard on your pets. On a train or in your car, you won’t have to worry about traveling with your pet as cargo or baggage.

Train Travel is Cheaper

Traveling by train with pets is a cheaper alternative to traveling by plane with your furry companion. Air travel with a dog for example, can cost you anywhere from a few hundred dollars upwards of $1,000 – and that is in addition to your own likely pricey ticket. Prices depend on the flight you’re taking, any layovers you may have, and the time of year. In the U.S., dogs and cats up to 20 pounds are able to travel on most Amtrak routes up to 7 hours long. While fees are assessed on a case-by-case basis, the basic fee is $26 to take your pet on an Amtrak train.

Train Travel is Easier

Pet check-in and paperwork is relatively straightforward and quick when traveling by train. As mentioned, fees are generally low. Some basic rules include that you must travel with a carrier for your pet, all pets must be leashed when out of the carrier, and pets must be odorless and non-disruptive to the rest of the passengers on the train. The goal is to make traveling more enjoyable for you and your pet, and going by train can help with that!

Do all Trains Allow Pets?

All of that being said, not all trains allow pets all the time. In the U.S., Amtrak specifies that only dogs and cats are allowed to travel on their trains. In Canada, travel with pets on Amtrak is not allowed on Adirondack, Maple Leaf and Amtrak Cascades; not available on Auto Train, Keystone Service, Pennsylvanian, San Joaquins, Capitol Corridor or Thruway Connecting Services. In Europe, smaller pets are generally allowed to travel on trains for free, and larger dogs must be leashed and muzzled and can travel for a small fee. The rules and regulations vary by company, route, and circumstance, so be sure to check with the train service you’re planning on taking before finalizing your trip.

Traveling by train with pets can be a unique alternative to traveling by plane or car, so it’s something to consider for your next trip. Remember, as with any travel plans, to double check the rules and regulations of any services you are planning to use and be sure your furry friend is allowed on with you before making any final decisions!

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If you aren’t ready to travel internationally yet, or if borders are still locked down, a road trip is a great option to satisfy the travel bug in you. Try planning a road trip with your furry friend in mind, while international travel with pets remains a bit more complicated these days. A domestic road trip won’t require quarantining your pet and you likely won’t run into any restrictions as far as crossing state borders!

Plan Your Route

How to travel with pets during COVID may seem like a daunting task, but a road trip can take a lot of stress out of it. Planning can begin with your starting point and final destination, checking out the suggested routes, and then planning the general stops in between. There are several recommended road trips out there to take with your dog, for example, because the routes offer pet-friendly hikes, camps, and restaurants. It doesn’t take too much digging to find them!

Get Your Car Ready

Keeping our pets safe is the number one priority, and that includes while in the car. The best way to keep your dog calm in the car is to make the trip comfortable and safe with some of his favorite things. A good crate is always a safe choice to keep your pet secure, but if you want Fido to hang out in the back seat, a harness will keep him safe while you drive. Backseat hammocks provide extra protection in case you have to hit the brakes and will keep your pet in the back during sudden stops.

Get Supplies

Ok, not just snacks, but make sure you have some key necessities to make the ride more comfortable. You’re not the only one who will need water and snacks! In addition to food and water, it’s a good idea to have a physical or digital copy of your pet’s medical records in case you have to make an unplanned visit to the vet. You’ll also need the usual accessories of a leash, collar, and waste bags. A dedicated towel for your pet could also come in handy, while a blanket and toy will provide some comfort while in the car.

Get Your Pet Ready

Preparing your dog for a road trip is just as important as doing the same for another pet. You can even take a short trip with your pet fish if you want! Since your dog will be sitting in the car for long periods of time, make sure he gets plenty of activity before your start your trip. A bone is also a great way to keep him occupied and wear him out. Getting your cat warmed up to the idea of traveling could take some more time, so make sure you get them used to the new surroundings and being in the crate. A harness and retractable leash could also be useful for a cat so they can get outside and stretch their legs without running away.

Remember, traveling with pets during COVID may require an extra bit of planning, but traveling with your pet by your side will make the effort worthwhile! Give yourself and your pet some time to get ready for a road trip and you’ll have an unforgettable experience.

The post Guide To Planning A Pet-Friendly Road Trip appeared first on How To Travel With Pets.

Our day-to-day lives have changed, and more people adopted pets during the Covid-19 pandemic. People are getting back to travel, and airlines have made domestic and international travel with pets over the last year more difficult, but that doesn’t mean taking your furry friend is impossible. While planning travel with pets can be a daunting thought, there are ways to make it easier for you and your furry friends.

Plan Ahead

Make sure you check airline regulations for pets and cargo pet transport, as many rules have changed due to Covid travel restrictions and quarantine procedures. Quarantine procedures for humans may still be in place, and there may be similar procedures set in place for pets as well. You may even be able to earn frequent flyer miles for your pet!

Make Sure You Know The Rules At Your Destination

Not only do you have to worry about whether an airline will accept your pet, but you also need to check whether Fido is allowed at your planned destinations. Dogs aren’t allowed at the Hoover Dam, for example, even though other popular destinations in the area are pet friendly.

Get Ready To Go

As always, make sure you prime your pet for travel but getting them used to a crate or carrier. You don’t want the day you travel to be the first time your pet sees the inside of a crate or carrier, and don’t forget to bring toys and treats. This will help keep your dog or cat calm the day of your trip.

Take A Road Trip Instead

If traveling by air just doesn’t look like it’ll work out, consider taking a road trip instead. This way, you’re more able to plan your trip with your pet in mind, and it’ll be easier to find pet friendly hotels and hostels. Renting an RV or a sprinter van has become a popular option for travelers who want to bring their furry friend along, and an option worth considering.

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The first time you begin planning to take your dog or cat with you on a flight across international borders it can seem like a daunting undertaking. As most people find out after their initial outing, traveling with your pets is easier once you become familiar with the general process. These are the most important things to keep in mind so that any trip isn’t stressful for either owner or pet.

Pets Are Dogs And Cats Only

Sorry birds, according the almost all airlines, dogs and cats are the only animals that can be classified as pets. Birds, reptiles, and the like are designated as ‘wildlife’ whose rules and regulations for transport are complicated at best. Border control at your destination will also consider anything not cat or dog a special import that likely requires a quarantine. I would recommend leaving any type of animal that could be labeled wildlife at home whenever possible.

• Also, dog owners: beware of airline breed restrictions and keep in mind puppies under the age of 12 weeks usually aren’t accepted.

Don’t Plan Any Trip With Pets Less Than 6 Weeks In Advance

Most of the required immunizations have some sort of time restriction and must be done (e.g. two weeks) before traveling and pets typically need to be micro-chipped as well. In reality some trip can be done with as little as 2-4 weeks of preparation but many last minute trips with pets aren’t usually feasible. Begin researching the airline’s rules as well as the requirements of the country you’ll be visiting as far in advance as possible.

• Learn how to bring your pets to the U.S., travel with pets to Europe, and how to travel with pets in Turkey to get an idea of the paperwork involved.

Remember The Return

And this is very important:

• Check what the requirements are for your home country. Some require blood tests to be done 3 months prior to return so a 1 month trip may not be feasible.

Without Booking, Find Your Flights

Look for your flights as you normally would without pets. Once you find the ideal route (I recommend avoiding layovers when flying with pets) and airfare, then call the airline directly. Airlines typically only allow two animals per cabin, as well as limit the total number that can be transported as cargo in the baggage hold. You don’t want to book a flight only to find out it doesn’t have any vacant space for your pets.

• This almost goes without saying, but booking passage for your pets costs money. Anywhere from $100-$300 so don’t forget to include that expense into your travel budget.

Follow The Rules Exactly

Improvising on what are usually very specific rules for pet travel can lead to your pet being quarantined or rejected at border control. These are worst-case scenarios that can be avoided by researching the complete requirements from the appropriate embassy and airline and meeting them exactly. Two weeks means two weeks and you might have to re-vaccinate for shots your pet is already up-to-date on. The vet visits are usually the most cumbersome part of the entire pet travel process; but it’s rarely complicated,  just time consuming.

No Water Or Food 12 Hours Prior To Flight Time

Dogs and cats are both reluctant to pee or poop in their immediate surroundings (like pretty much everyone else) but traveling with an empty digestive system will make the ride more comfortable. We’ve all regretted having one too many cups of coffee at the airport but at least we don’t have to pee in our seats for relief – be considerate so your pet doesn’t have to either.

No Meat Bones Or Other Organics

A synthetic, flour-based bone can be relaxing for dogs stressed by their crate and isolation but any type of meat-based chewing material can result in a quarantine. Stick to completely flour-based bones (make sure to bring the packaging along) and do not line the crate with anything organic. No grass, hay, or anything similar.

You’ve Got Something To Declare

At customs. Namely, your pets. Assuming you’ve got your paperwork in order and microchip if required, it should be a painless process. Now you’re through the hard part – ready to explore a new destination with your cat or dog. At this point you’re probably realizing how smooth traveling with your pets can be with a little organization, preparation, and patience.

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Those of you who travel with pets are often on the lookout for pet-friendly cities, but what features exactly make a place more accommodating to your animals than others? It comes down to cities that have the most places that allow your pet to join you in three critical areas: hotels, restaurants, and parks/hiking trails. That combination of locations gives your pet a place to stay, join you on your most frequent traveling activity, and somewhere they can enjoy the best parts of a new city. The key is finding out what hotels and restaurants are pet friendly plus locating suitable outdoor areas as well.

Hotels

The number of pet friendly hotels – the kind that let you room with your dog or cat – is varying in many major cities around the world. Some are increasing the number of rooms available to pet owners while others are seeing a decreasing trend. Go Pet Friendly has an excellent pet-travel accommodation search engine for the United States and Canada while Bring Fido can help you expand your search to worldwide destinations.

• To cast an even wider net, learn how to find pet friendly hostels.

Additionally, don’t forget to ask if the hotel has a weight limit for your dog or any breed restrictions.

Restaurants

Eating out with your dog gives you more time to spend with them outside of a hotel room or RV – provided you can find a place that allows pets. Aforementioned Go Pet Friendly and Bring Fido both have pet-friendly-restaurant searches, as does Dog Friendly (U.S. and Canada only). Keep in mind to check for any information regarding the extent of how pet-friendly an establishment is. Showing up to a restaurant in Chicago in the middle of winter only to find out pets are only allowed outside would be disappointing to say the least.

Parks, Hiking Trails, Outdoor Monuments

Of course your pets aren’t really concerned about the restaurants you visit or the hotels you stay at (so long as they’re invited) but can really let their excitement and energy out at various parks and outdoor areas. Most of the information about pet friendly parks is local, so a quick Google search should turn up the results you’re looking for about a given city. Pet Friendly Travel also has a list of the best U.S. National Parks for dogs and Yelp is a good place to find pet friendly hiking trails.

When it comes to outdoor monuments that are pet friendly, there aren’t many good search options. Typically major tourist attractions (indoor and out) in the U.S., Canada, and Europe will have information on whether pets are admitted and to what extent. For global information, TripAdvisor has a good deal of reviews on pet friendly (or not) tourist attractions.

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Dogs are remarkably adaptive animals who can teach us a lot about life and travel if we avoid ascribing our own human limitation on them. Their inherent flexibility and natural instincts for exploration and survival have taught me a lot about about it means to be a good traveler. Their philosophies are simple ones that we tend to complicate by over-thinking with our gifted brains.

A Stomach Open To Anything

Few creatures on the planet love ingesting food more than a dog – most of whom will happily eat anything you will. Being a picky eater while traveling complicates your daily routine on the road and can create a low level of stress; making you less tolerant to other common issues that may arise when traveling. Of course, traveling isn’t simply walking with your feet, it’s exploring a culture with your palate and trying new foods, strange and familiar alike.

Go With The Flow

Properly balanced dogs tend to be happy-go-lucky animals who enjoy a routine but are flexible enough to follow you into different schedules and situations. A change in a meal or bed to sleep in are usually not a problem for more than a few minutes, so long as you, the leader, are fine with it. (Dogs with anxious owners tend to absorb those feelings making occasional changes more difficult for them to adjust to.) Travel enough and you’ll find schedules, plans, and paces of life vary all the time around the world. Try to force things to your way if fighting a losing battle but accepting the culture around you relieves you of stress while giving you local insight at the same time. Evolution has already taught your dog that you can’t fight the environment – so rather, become a part of it.

Trust Your Instincts Avoid Those Your Don’t Like

Introductions among dogs mean a lot for where their relationships will head. Body language, a sniff, and eye contact tell one another a great deal about the other. But dogs don’t force the issue, if there is some disharmony in that stage of a meeting, they show it. One dog may ignore another or a quick nip may say, “stay away”. Humans tend to force the issue in introductions, but often, our initial impressions tell us more about a person and situation than we’re willing to listen to. When traveling, it’s important to trust your subconscious perceptions, whether it comes to safety or a shifty tout in a market ripping you off. Instincts can be verified later (he was being culturally rude or his lack of smile was acceptable for the local custom). That’s the advantage of having the human brain – it comes with both intuition and access to vast amounts of information.

Ultimately, when traveling, that is what we can teach ourselves – to perceive more like our dogs – so we can experience and absorb more from the places we’re visiting.

The post What Your Dog Already Knows About Travel And Can Teach You appeared first on How To Travel With Pets.

Traveling anywhere with your cat or dog can be a daunting experience, most often in the initial planning stages, particularly on your first trip. (Then, your first trip internationally due to the added restrictions and preparation that’s often required.) Some of the same questions however keep coming up in my inbox – the answers to which can helpfully clear up some of the gray areas we all tend to encounter before going on trip using public transportation with our cat or dog.

1. How Can I Fly With My Pet?

Well, that depends on where you’re going and from where (e.g. Barcelona to Amsterdam). For specific guides read up on traveling with your pets from the US to Europe and how to bring your pets to the US. Otherwise for most other general cases you’ll need to first find out if your pet is allowed at your destination, and while we’re talking about it, keep in mind that only dogs and cats are considered pets for both airlines and customs

• All other animals such as birds or fish become nearly equivalent to importing wildlife – a separate matter altogether.

Once you find out the requirements for traveling with your pet (this mostly applies to international travel), you’ll likely need to get a series of vaccines and certifications for your animal from a vet or overseeing government body. You’ll then need to find an airline who will fly your pet and call as far in advance of your flight as possible to let them know you’ll be bringing a pet either in the cabin or in cargo. Most carriers only allow two animals per flight per plane so the earlier the better. You should also beware of airline breed restrictions plus keep in mind per pet there’s usually a $100-$250 flying fee.

2. How Should I Prepare My Pets And Can They Have Food Or Water?

For most flights, food, water, or any other organic material is not allowed however for dogs I would recommend placing a small (flour-based) bone in their crate or carrier to keep them occupied. Cats should have their carriers lined with a soft blanket and if possible prepare your feline months in advance for the journey. The same goes for dogs as well. Your pets are unlikely to eat under the stress of traveling in a confined place and spilled water can make matters worse in-transit for your pets. They’ll be find without either for 12-24 hours and be sure to not feed them for 6 hours prior to leaving for the airport.

3. What Can I Do To Make The Experience Less Stressful For My Animals?

I would recommend avoiding flights with connections – even if it means getting a more expensive ticket. Try to avoid the seasons of extreme temperature and tire your pet out with play, a walk, etc. right before you’re ready to leave for the airport. A tired animal is less likely to have the energy to be anxious for long. Finally, be sure to do all of your research in advance (using the appropriate embassy websites) thoroughly to avoid any problems such as getting through customs control upon arrival.

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