Video: 14 Tips for Traveling with Dogs and Cats

Key Takeaways

Planning ahead — including carriers, documentation, breaks, and veterinary advice — may help make pet travel safer and more comfortable.
Travel requirements for pets vary across airlines, countries, and train operators and should be verified before a trip.
Travel protection plans may offer assistance for unexpected delays and support services when all plan conditions are met.

Few of us want to leave our furry friends at home when we go on vacation—it stresses them out and stresses us out. Having to arrange, trust and pay for pet sitters, or board cats or dogs in a kennel is no fun. It might take a little extra planning and work to take them on a trip, but people do it all the time and their trip is more fun as a result.

Most pet owners have traveled with their tiny companion on a trip (53%), according to a survey by Brittany Ferries. Also a recent poll found that 27% of travelers are planning one or more trips with their pets.

Your pet is a member of the family, so it only makes sense to have them join you on your travels. As long as you plan well and follow these tips, your trip should remain enjoyable, and hopefully less stressful.

Learn how travel protection plans can help when you travel with pets

Car Travel with Pets

If you're embarking on a road trip with your furry friend, there are a number of factors to consider. You'll want to ensure your pet is comfortable and safe by following these tips:

1. Travel Safely
Use a crash-tested pet carrier and ensure that it can be strapped into the backseat. Here are some top rated pet travel carriers for car, train or plane.

2. Acclimate Your Pet
To ensure your pet is comfortable with car rides, take a few test drives before your trip.

3. Identify Your Pet
Pets should always wear ID tags when traveling. You may want to invest in a pet tracking GPS device, in case they get loose.

4. Be Prepared
Make sure your travel checklist includes enough food, water, and medication.

5. Take Breaks
Making regular pit stops will help your pet avoid accidents in the car and may help relieve anxiety—yours and theirs!

6. Be Alert
Check for signs of overheating, excessive panting and increased salivation, as these could indicate dehydration or worse.

Air Travel with Pets

1. Do Your Research
Some airlines may require a health certificate from the vet. Be sure to check your individual airline specifications. If you intend to travel internationally, be sure to contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country as they may have specific travel regulations for pet travel.

2. Prepare Your Pet for Travel
Feed your pet about four hours before traveling. Otherwise, a full stomach could cause nausea.

3. Fly Direct
Booking a direct flight can help you avoid the hassle of an anxious pet during connections. When flying with your pet, the less time in transit, the better.

4. Transporting Large Animals
If you're shipping large dogs, cats or other animals, or putting them in the cargo hold, use a well-ventilated crate.

5. Flying with Small Pets
Small pets can often travel in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat. Regulations vary from airline to airline, so check before you fly.

6. Identify Your Pet
Make sure your pet's tag and its crate or carrier are labeled with your pet's name, flight info and contact details.

7. Choose Your Airline Wisely
Airlines have different rules for what pets are allowed to fly, how much their ticket costs and how they can be transported. New York Times has a good summary of the guidelines for major airlines and notes that Delta was rated one of the best airline for flying with pets.

Also read: Top 10 Dog-Friendly Vacations Around the World

Train Travel with Pets

1. Be Prepared
Carry your pet in a tight carrier and make sure you have enough food and water for the duration of the trip.

2. Take Breaks
Exercising during stops can help keep Fido from getting restless.

3. Do Your Research
Check carrier restrictions before traveling as some train operators may have weight and size restrictions.

Tips for Traveling with Dogs

1. Dog Travel Apps

BringFido: helps you find dog-friendly places around the world (parks, stores, hotels, restaurants, events, hotels, etc.).
Dog Park Finder Plus: specifically helps you locate dog parks so you can keep up your exercise and social time for your dog when you’re on a trip. For Apple and Android
Red Cross Pet First Aid: helps you fix doggy health problems you might encounter on your trip or find a suitable veterinarian near you.
DogVacay: if you are doing an activity that your dog can’t participate in, this app will help you find a qualified dog sitter where you are traveling.

2. Puppy Pads
Carry along some absorbent pads that you can place in your carrier, car or accommodation so any accidents your dog might have won’t stain.

3. Keep them Calm
Consider products that may help promote calm behavior during travel. Pheromone products that mimic calming scents (such as Adaptil™) are sometimes used to support relaxation. Some travelers also use natural options like chamomile, which is often associated with calming effects. Always check with your veterinarian before trying any new product or remedy for your pet.

Tips for Traveling with Cats

1. Cat Scents
Place a towel or blanket that they’ve laid on already into the car or carrier so their scent is already present.

2. Exploration
When traveling by car, allow your cat to explore the inside first.

3. Happy Kitty
Consider taking along a product like Feliway, that helps make cats feel comfortable and secure. Check with your veterinarian first to be sure your cat will react well.

4. Car = Food
Feed your cat in the car and give them nice treats for a week before you leave so they associate good things with the car.

Travel Protection Plans and Pets

Getting a travel protection plan from Generali Global Assistance gives you access to coverages and services that could help when traveling with pets or service animals. Especially if you're planning a trip around destinations that cater to your dog or cat, consider how a travel protection plan might help on your trip.

Travel Delay coverage: If you experience a delay lasting six or more hours with our Premium Plan, 8 hours or more for our Preferred Plan, or 10 hours or more for our Standard Plan, you may be reimbursed up to the amount listed in the Plan Documents for meals, telephone calls, additional parking charges, and even pet kennel fees.
Traveling with a service animal? Our Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverages can help protect your trip in the case of sickness, injury or death of your service animal.
Pet Services Locator: Need help finding pet-related services? Our Concierge Services can help you find veterinarians and pet sitters while you are away from home.

While taking a vacation with your dog or cat can be a challenge, taking the necessary precautions can make travel with your pet more than worth it.