Travel Tips for Pets- The Royal Dogs
Most people think that traveling with pets get can be exhausting and expensive. If you do your homework and plan ahead you can make it an enjoyable vacation for everyone. Packing a pet travel bag has been a life saver for us. Here is what we learned traveling with pets. First you are going to have to decide are you going to travel by plane or by car. Traveling with pets can be a wonderful experience, but it requires some extra planning and consideration to ensure their safety and comfort. Here are some essential travel tips for pets:
Travel by Plane
If your traveling by plane you are going to want to check airlines with pet travel policies. American Airlines says you need to make reservations for your pets because they do not allow more than 7 pets on a plane. They also have certain guidelines for a dog travel kennel so you are going to want to read up on those policies ahead of time to make sure you have all the proper equipment for travel. I recommend a pet travel bag with soft sides when traveling in the cabin.
You will also want to make sure your dogs Immunizations are all up to date according to the airlines requirements. Before embarking on your trip, make sure your pet is in good health by scheduling a visit to the veterinarian. Ensure that your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and has a clean bill of health for travel. You want to make sure your pet is in tip top shape and ready to fly. You might even want to get a nail trim while you’re there. Make sure your pets have the proper id tags and label your pet travel bag as well. I would even carry a photo of your with your pet travel health certificate.
Consider booking direct flights as well as non-peak flights. With less people flying there may be more space in the cabin and less stress for you and your pet. Here are a few ways to help calm your pet when you travel. Arrive early for any last minute paperwork you may need to fill out or flight changes due to weather.
Doggy Frequent Flier Rewards-
- Jet Blue– offers double mileage of their True Blue points program when you travel with your pet.
- Virgin Atlantic– pet owners receive 1,000 club miles for shorter flights and 2,000 for longer ones
- Southwest Airlines-They don’t offer rewards program but they seem to be the cheapest.
Travel by Car:
When traveling you will also want to follow all the health and proper identification guidelines that I stated above for traveling by airplane. The first thing you want to remember when traveling by car is pet safety. It is not a good idea to let your pet roam about in the car while driving. It can be dangerous and cause an accident. You will want to find the proper restraint to keep your pet safe. You can also check your local pet store for pet car seats.
You will want to plan a relaxed trip so that you can make frequent pit stops for your furry friend. We try to stop at least once every couple of hours. This way your dog can stretch their legs and take a potty break. These are quick stops and usually last no more than 5 minutes. You will want to make sure you keep a leash handy and a travel watering dish also. We keep all our pet related stuff in a pet travel bag. It keeps everything in one place and makes it easy to find things if you are in a hurry. Never leave your pet unattended especially in a hot car. No matter how quick you think you will be.
Using calming treats for traveling with dogs in the car can be a game-changer for both pet owners and their furry companions. These treats are specially formulated to ease anxiety and stress, making car rides a more enjoyable experience for your dog. Whether it’s a short trip to the vet or a long road trip, calming treats can help your dog relax, reduce restlessness, and promote a sense of calm during the journey. They provide a convenient and effective way to ensure that your four-legged friend feels comfortable and secure, turning car rides into a bonding experience you both can enjoy.
Lodging:
Next you’re going to want to look for a pet friendly hotel. Did you know motel 6 will let well behaved pets stay for free? Kimpton Hotels also have a pet friendly policy, in fact they have a whole page dedicated to your pet. Aloft Hotels also offer your furry friend a dog bed, pet bowl, treats, and a toy. Also look for cabins which will give your pet plenty of room to run and play. This will make for a more comfortable and stress free environment for you and your pet.
More Travel Pet Tips
Identification and Microchipping: Ensure your pet has proper identification tags with your current contact information. Consider getting your pet microchipped as an additional safety measure, as it increases the chances of reuniting if they get lost.
Pack Familiar Items: Bring along your pet’s favorite toys, bedding, and familiar items to help them feel secure in an unfamiliar environment. Familiar scents can reduce stress during travel.
What to Pack in Your Pet Travel Bag-
- Medical Records/Vet Information
- Medications- keep these where you can get to them easily
- Leash & Harness
- Travel Dishes– collapsible dishes are great for travel
- Toys- bring your pets favorite toy. If that toy is a squeaker bring a quiet toy for the car ride. TRUST ME!!!
- Travel Bathing wipes
- Blanket/Bed
- Food- always pack a little extra if you can for emergencies.
- Flashlight for night walks
- Flea/Tick meds– I prefer to give my pets a monthly prescription
- First Aid Kit
- Treats
- Pooper Scooper bags
If you have a pet tip to share please let us know.
More Dog Friendly Destinations & Articles:
- Travel Georgia – RVing with Your Pets
- 5 Ways to Calm Pets While Traveling
- Travel to Dog Friendly Orlando Florida
- Barkcations: Dog Friendly Vacations in Branson
- BARKCATIONS: Travel Hot Springs Arkansas
- Yosemite Itinerary – Staying in Madera County
- 18 Fruits and Vegetables Good For Dogs
- How to Combat Pet Odor in Your Home
- Essential Oils for Dogs – How to Use Them
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I KNOW THIS IS LONG BUT IT’S INFO THAT HELPED ME!
I would like to add a little to your tips if I might. We made two 8 hour trips with three little dogs and a 9 year old boy last year and I learned some things.
1. Pack some baby wipes, paper towels, and hand sanatizer in a bag and keep it somewhere easily accessable for accidents.
2. Take a few pictures of your pet before you leave, include face, side, and any idetifying marks. Write their information (size, weight, etc.) on the back. This is great if your pet gets away from you and you need to ask for help.
3. Take the time to find Vet informaton for the area you will be visiting and make a map to keep with your pet stuff, so if your pet gets hurt you won’t spend precious time looking thru the phone book.
4. Pets can get upset stomachs from changes in water. It wouldn’t hurt to take a jug of water from home to help the acclimate to the change. Just mix little by little with the water where your visiting.
5. If your pet gets nervous riding in the car talk to your vet about things you can to to help calm them down so their trip (and yours) are more comfortable.
Thanks. I just hope this helps someone.
And to Melissa – I keep a “trip binder” with all my trip info, maps, entertainment coupons, pictures of my son my pets and my husband, emergency info, and everything else I might need at a moments notice.
Great tips Dana….thanks!!!
Great tips thanks for sharing!