Why not bring your furry friends along with you on your trip? I’m sharing tons of pet travel hacks and helpful links so you’re prepared for anything! More than just a to-do list, in this post you’ll find easy ideas for traveling with pets that take no time but make a huge difference. Wondering exactly how to travel with pets? Look no further.
One of my favorite trips so far this year was to see the giant redwoods in California. We went back and forth when planning our trip – should we fly? drive? Ultimately we decided to do a road trip and a big reason why was that we wanted to take our two dogs along with us. We have two elderly terriers that love adventure too!
If you have pets, you know that they feel like part of your family. And it’s nice to bring them along with you on your travels. But you may be thinking:
- How do you travel with pets?
- Should I bring my pets with me? Won’t that stress them out?
- How does that work exactly with taking pets on a plane?
- Is it hard to find pet-friendly hotels and places to stay?
- What are my options?
There are lots of great resources online for how to travel with pets, and I’m guessing you’ve already checked some of them out. But in this post, I’ll be sharing tips and ideas for traveling with pets that you haven’t heard. We’re talking simple things you can do that make a huge difference. Some of these hacks have seriously been a game-changer for us, and I hope they encourage you too!
Things You Already Have At Home
Ok, if you’re wondering if traveling with pets is expensive – it doesn’t have to be. Chances are, you already have things in your home right now that you can grab for your trip. Here are a few suggestions for basic items you’ll need:
- Pet beds to keep them comfy
- Collar, leash, identification tag
- Waste bags (TIP: Bring more than you think you’ll need)
- Large container for food storage
- Bowls for food and water (TIP: Use foldable bowls to save space)
- Any medications they already take (TIP: Keep them in the original bottles)
- Treats!
Easy Ways To Prepare
A little preparation makes a huge difference when traveling with pets! Here are a few easy (but important) things to do before you leave:
- Do a few short practice trips the month prior to departure to get them used to travel (TIP: Car rides, time spent in the kennel or pet carrier, etc.)
- Contact your veterinarian for a checkup and to get any needed travel documents (TIP: This is a good time to update your pet’s microchip info – your vet can scan them and help you with this!)
- Locate pet emergency services along your route and save their contact info
- Get my free Pet Travel Toolkit below – it’s filled with helpful phone numbers, links, travel checklists, and more!
Car Travel Tips
If any portion of your trip includes driving, you’ll want to take into consideration these ideas for traveling with your pet:
- Make sure they have a comfortable place to rest (TIP: Use a combination of their bed/blanket with a pet car harness)
- Keep pets in the back seat for safety
- Ensure good airflow to avoid car sickness
- Consider a window shade if you’ll be on the road for extended periods of time
- Plan stops along your route that have dog runs/pet relief areas so they can stretch their legs and use the restroom (TIP: Check out this pet-friendly road trip planner)
So Fresh, So Clean
Our pets are great, but let’s face it… sometimes they smell. Here are a few hacks to keep you and your things smelling fresh and clean:
- Keep your belongings smelling good (TIP: Slip a few dryer sheets into bags/luggage)
- Bring a lint roller to keep clothes and other small items pet hair-free
- Use a squeegee to quickly remove hair from car seats, furniture, and hotel rooms
- Pack a small “cleanup kit” to use in case of accidents (TIP: Baking soda can help absorb moisture and deodorize)
- Grab some pet wipes in case your pet gets dirty/muddy or you need to quickly clean up messes
Hotel Hacks For Pets
Whether you’re staying in a hotel, Airbnb, RV, or even with family and friends, the ideas below will ensure your pet is safe and happy:
- Find pet-friendly accommodation (TIP: See the “links” section below for a full list)
- Book a room on a lower-level floor (if you’re staying in a hotel) for easy access to take your pet outside
- Be smart about leaving your pets unattended in your room (TIP: Do a safety check first to eliminate any hazards for your pet)
- Know the policy about where pets are and aren’t allowed and any other rules
- Know your pets and what they need (TIP: If your pet loves looking out the window, pull back the curtains so they can see out)
- Make them as comfortable as possible, setting up beds, toys, food, and water
Safety First
Any time you take your pets to a new environment, there are some important things to consider to keep them safe:
- Have the means to secure your pet wherever you go (TIP: Attach a carabiner to your pet’s leash)
- Bring a pet water bottle with you can make sure they stay hydrated while traveling
- Consider using a pet gate/baby gate to contain your pet in a certain area while you’re away
- Use a pet carrier or kennel if needed
- Keep an eye on your pet’s behavior and remember they may behave differently in a new environment
- Prepare a pet first aid kit (TIP: Get my free Pet Travel Toolkit below – it details what basic items you need in a pet first aid kit along with the best pet safety apps to download)
Dealing With Pet Anxiety
Whether your pet struggles with separation anxiety or is simply acting differently than they do at home, here are some practical things you can do to alleviate their stress:
- Wear them out! A tired pet is a happy one, so give them plenty of active playtime (TIP: Bring along a favorite toy or two from home)
- Play calming music to relax your pet
- Create a distraction using background noise from a fan or television
- Buy an interactive toy to keep your pet preoccupied (TIP: my sister uses this food-dispensing toy for her dog and it really has helped!)
- Consider a “thunder jacket” that your pet can wear to help them feel comfort
Air Travel With Pets
Yes, it’s possible to take your pets along on the plane! But this form of travel does require a bit more planning and attention to detail. Here’s what you can expect:
- Read the airline’s policy on pet travel before you book anything (TIP: See the “links” section below for a full list)
- Be aware of the fees and plan accordingly
- Research your options (TIP: There are typically two options for pet travel: cargo or cabin)
- Book a direct flight if possible, to avoid lengthy layovers
- Ensure you have a pet carrier that meets the airline’s criteria in terms
- Be prepared with a health certificate (TIP: Most airlines require this within 10 days of your departure date)
The Best Links Ever
Now that you’re armed with some great ideas for traveling with pets, here are of some of the best, most comprehensive resources online so you can get more information to plan your trip:
- For airline pet policies: Go Pet Friendly
- For all things related to pet travel (or to contact them for questions you can’t find an answer to online): Pet Relocation
- To explore over 250,000 places to stay, play, and eat with your dog: Bring Fido
- To find pet-friendly hotels and accommodations: Pets Welcome
- Destination guides, recreation ideas, and tons more: Pet Friendly Travel
- A blog focusing on chic dog-friendly travel guides and lifestyle for the modern dog parent: Where’s The Frenchie?
Enjoy Traveling With Your Pets!
I hope you found this post helpful, and if you did, please share it with a friend using the share buttons at the bottom. And remember, the ideas I shared with you are more than just a to-do list! It’s all about taking a little time for preparation so your trip with pets goes smoothly. Thanks for reading!
