Holiday Travel With Pets: What Every Pet Owner Needs to Know
If you’re hitting the road or flying the friendly skies with your pets this holiday season, you’ve come to the right place! In this blog, our team at Harpeth Hills Animal Hospital
shares some of our favorite helpful hints for holiday travel with pets.
Top of the To-Do List: Schedule a Vet Visit
Here’s why a thorough veterinary checkup should be a top priority prior to holiday travel with pets:
- If your trip involves air travel with pets, your pets will likely need health certificates.
- New destinations mean new exposures to other animals and diseases, so we’ll make sure your pets are properly vaccinated and protected against parasites.
- We’ll conduct a thorough physical examination to ensure your pets are healthy enough for travel—particularly if you’re planning air travel with pets.
- We can microchip your pet if you haven’t yet done so.
Tips for Pet Travel: Road Trips With Pets
If road trips with pets are in your holiday plans, the health and safety of your pets must be considered at every turn. Keep these tips for pet travel in mind:
- If you have an anxious pet or you’re concerned about your pet’s ability to handle travel, consider hiring a trusted pet sitter or using a reputable boarding facility.
- All pets should be properly restrained or in a crate during road trips with pets.
- Never leave a pet alone in a parked car.
- Contact hotels in advance (even if they say they’re “pet-friendly”) and make sure your pet meets the hotel requirements for breed and size.
- Pack everything your pet needs: food, medications, toys, waste disposal bags, and blankets. Bring a litter box from home with familiar litter.
- If you’re traveling with a cat, a blanket over the carrier can have a calming effect.
- Feliway for cats and Adaptil for dogs are calming products that are helpful for holiday travel with pets.
- Map out places for potty breaks and walks if traveling with a dog.
Tips for Pet Travel: Air Travel With Pets
If you’re jet-setting with your cat or dog, it’s important to plan ahead. Keep these helpful hints in mind for air travel with pets:
- Contact the airline directly to make sure you understand all the requirements for pet travel, including vaccines, documentation, and breed restrictions.
- Keep your pet in the cabin with you if possible.
- Make sure your pet carrier is airline approved.
- Nonstop flights are strongly recommended for air travel with pets.
- Air travel is not safe for snub-nosed breeds like bulldogs or Persian cats.
Whether you’re taking flight with your favorite feline or cruising in a car with your canine, we want you and your pets to have safe travels and a joyous holiday season. Contact us for additional tips for pet travel or to schedule a visit.
