Pet traveling with owner

Planning summer vacations with pets can be one of the best things ever about pet parenting. But it takes preparation to make sure your furry family member stays safe and comfortable during travel.

Whether you're prepping for a road trip or a flight, keep these pet travel tips from the team at True Care Veterinary Hospital in mind.

1. Visit the Vet Before You Go

Before traveling with pets, schedule a check-up to make sure your pet is healthy and up to date on all vaccinations. If you're flying to your destination, the airline will almost certainly require this, so make sure you look up the guidelines before you fly. Ask your vet to help you manage any worries you have about motion sickness or anxiety.

2. Research Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Not every hotel or rental property allows animals. Make sure to map out your accommodations beforehand based on which places welcome pets. Most places that are pet-friendly charge fees for pets, so be prepared to pad that into your budget. Read each accommodation's set of rules, too—some have restrictions based on breed or size.

3. Pack a Pet Travel Bag

Just like you, your pet needs a travel kit with all the essentials. Pack up a kit with food, water, bowls, leash, waste bags, medications, vaccination records, and a familiar blanket or toy for comfort. If you travel often, keep a travel kit packed at all times for easier adventure prep.

4. Plan Frequent Breaks

If you’re driving, plan to stop every 2–3 hours for bathroom breaks, water, and short walks to stretch their legs. Traveling with pets can be tiring not just for you but also for your pet, especially in hot weather.

5. Never Leave Pets Alone in a Car

Temperatures inside vehicles can rise quickly and become deadly, especially in the summer months. Even with the windows cracked, never leave your pet unattended in the car. This is one of the most critical pet travel tips to follow. Always have another member of your crew in the car with your furry family member or bring them with you outside.

6. Secure Your Pet Safely

Whether by car or plane, pets should be secured in a crate or harness to prevent injury. They should not be left to wander all over the car. This is unsafe for the driver and, in the event of an accident, dangerous for your pet.

7. Update Identification

Make sure your pet wears a collar with up-to-date tags in case he wanders away. Consider a microchip if your pet doesn't already have one. If you want to keep your pet extra safe, invest in a GPS tracking collar.

8. Keep Your Pet Calm

Travel can be stressful for everyone involved, pets included. Try to keep yourself calm so you can be an anchor for your pet, especially if she’s skittish about leaving home. Speak in a calm tone, use reassuring touches, and stick to your pet’s routine as much as possible to ease her into the experience.

Bring along favorite treats, blankets, and toys to keep anxiety levels low.

Need extra help preparing your pet for travel or making sure she’s healthy enough for the trip? Call our caring veterinary team at True Care Veterinary Hospital at (732) 677-2180 to schedule an appointment.