Traveling With Pets
Updated: 2 days ago
Traveling with pets can be a great adventure, while at the same time it comes with unique challenges. Whether you're planning a road trip, a weekend getaway, or a long vacation, ensuring your pets are comfortable, safe and happy is essential. In this guide, we will explore practical tips and strategies to make traveling with pets more fun and less stressful.
Understanding Your Pet's Needs
Before embarking on your journey, it's crucial to understand your pet's specific needs. Each animal has its own personality, preferences, and comfort levels. Here are some factors to consider:
Health Considerations
Veterinary Check-Up:
Schedule a visit to the vet before your trip. Discuss vaccinations that might be necessary for where you’re visiting and whether your pet should be on heartworm preventative for the location. Get a fecal exam and any blood work/ heartworm test / diagnostics suggested. Discuss what kind of external parasite control might be necessary and discuss any other health concerns. Make sure your pet is up to date on dental cleaning and other dental work. Travel with a copy of pertinent medical records such as recent lab work and other diagnostic records.
Also have a conversation about sedatives or anti-anxiety medications for nervous pets. Travel is no fun for anybody if your pet is miserable and anxious the whole time. If your pet is especially anxious, take a few test runs in the car with the suggested sedatives. There are a variety of natural anti-anxiety ideas in the Pet Health Resource section under Pet Emotional Support, and in the Blog Help Your Anxious Pet. Some pets will do fine with natural OTC pet products; some need a pharmaceutical for maximum effect. Flower essences, hemp, L-theanine are generally safe, but some herbal products interact with drugs so ask your veterinarian if your pet is taking medications for a health condition.
Medications:
If your pet requires medication, get refills well in advance and pack enough for the duration of your trip, plus a little extra in case of delays. If your pet uses insulin, or other medication needing to stay cool, the FRIO Cooling Wallet is very effective.
FRIO Cooling Wallet - Insulin Cooler for 45+ Hours - Blue – Small https://geni.us/eWZz4Kg
FRIO Extra Small Insulin Cooling Case https://geni.us/T9zFlj
Identification:
Ensure your pet has a collar with an ID tag and consider microchipping for added security. Ask your veterinarian/technician about getting a microchip for your pet or scanning your pet’s microchip to make sure it is scanning properly. Make sure the microchip is ISO compliant, which is a standardized animal identification transponder that follows the global guidelines set by the International Organization for Standardization. An ISO microchip has 15 digits and can be read by any standard universal microchip scanner worldwide, making it essential (mostly required) for international pet travel and relocation. In certain travel circumstances it will be required to get an ISO microchip even if your pet has an older still functioning chip (both microchip numbers will be listed on health certificates).
Comfort and Safety
Familiar Items: Bring along your pet's favorite treats, blanket, toys, or bed to provide comfort in unfamiliar surroundings.
Secure Transport: Use a pet carrier or seatbelt harness to keep your pet safe during travel. This is especially important for car trips.
Ruffwear, Load Up Dog Car Harness, Slate Blue, Medium https://geni.us/DJIH
Travel Cat Store Amazon https://geni.us/ndHJB7B
Travel Cat Carrier Bag - Portable Comfort Soft Sided Transpurrter Cat Carrier https://geni.us/KJJGv
Fat Cat Backpack Carrier - Airline Approved Cat Carrier with Space Capsule Bubble https://geni.us/z3Xqj
Travel Cat Harness and Leash Set - Adjustable Fit Mesh Cat Harness and Reflective Strap https://geni.us/CiA2m
Preparing for the Journey
Preparation is key to a successful trip. Here are some steps to take before you hit the road or board a plane:
Packing Essentials
Food and Water: Pack enough food for the entire trip, along with portable water bowls. Consider bringing a water bottle with a built-in bowl for convenience. For fresh food, insulated tote bags with reusable ice packs are more practical and won’t leak like a bag of ice. If you will be using a different food (ex. usually eat raw but need to pack freeze dried raw due to logistics), integrate trial meals to help their digestive system to adjust.
Cibaabo Dog Water Bottle Portable with Food Container & Filter for Travel https://geni.us/nMUh6
Dog Bowl Pet Collapsible Bowls, 2 Pack for Cats Dogs, Portable Pet Feeding Watering Dish https://geni.us/avjvX
Cleaning Supplies: Accidents can happen, so bring along waste bags, paper towels, and pet-safe cleaning solutions.
First Aid Kit: Include basic supplies like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and any specific items your pet may need. If you use homeopathic medicines, bring along your remedy kit and store in a cool place (See Blog Post Homeopathic Medicines for Dogs and Cats for ideas.)
Dog First Aid Kit - Vet-Approved Emergency Kit for Dogs & Cats – Essential https://geni.us/9kF0X2f
Travel Arrangements
Pet-Friendly Accommodations: Research and book hotels or rentals that welcome pets. Check their policies regarding size, breed restrictions, and any additional fees. Be especially careful if traveling with cats. Airbnb and VRBO have posts that say, “pet friendly,” but when you inquire, that rarely includes cats. There are often extra cleaning fees and insurance deposits involved with pet friendly rentals.
Interstate Travel: US states require varying documentation. Most states require a rabies certificate (some states do not require rabies certificates for cats). Some states require a health certificate.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/state-to-state
Transportation: If flying, check the airline's pet policy. Some airlines allow a limited number of in cabin pets per flight that are under 20lbs in approved carriers. For example, Alaska Airlines requires in-cabin pet carriers to measure no more than 19" x 13" x 9” and ideally be soft-sided for ease of fitting entirely under the seat in front of you. Larger dogs will be required to travel in the cargo hold, unless you charter a private jet. Most domestic US airlines no longer require a health certificate if the pet is in the cabin (please double check with your airlines and check the requirements of your destination), but pets in cargo will need a health certificate and specific size and construction for their carrier. Plan in advance for this situation and additional fees.
Important note regulatory bodies (like the U.S. Department of Transportation and Canadian carriers) do not classify Emotional Support Animals (ESA) as service animals. Different rules apply to trained service dogs and psychiatric service dogs in the cabin. There is no fee for these individuals, but the pet guardian must fill out a DOT Service Animal Form. They must fit quietly in the space at the traveler’s feet. https://nsarco.com/rights/service-dog
https://www.alaskaair.com/content/travel-info/policies/pets-traveling-with-pets/travel-crates
If you are going to Canada by car here’s what you need to know about coming back into the US: your pet will need to be at least 6 months of age, appear healthy, have an ISO compliant microchip and a pet import form. You will need a valid rabies certificate to enter Canada. https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/dog-import-form-instructions.html
If you are traveling internationally make sure that your veterinarian is familiar with the USDA endorsement / Veterinary Export Health Certification System (VEHCS). There are some veterinarians and services who specialize in international pet travel. For some countries the process may take no more than 3-4 weeks, other countries require a six-month process after initial FAVN rabies titer testing.
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export#modal-link-cdc-alert-export
There are presently a number of CDC alerts related to pet travel to countries at high-risk for rabies and confirmed active cases of New World Screwworm. Popular travel destinations in Central America and Mexico have been affected, and NW Screwworm is endemic in South America and the Caribbean. The Old World Screwworm is endemic in parts of Asia. Know the CDC requirements for coming back into the US from countries considered high-risk for rabies, Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) and countries affected by NWS outbreaks.
https://www.cdc.gov/importation/dogs/high-risk-countries.html
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/another-country-to-us-import/dogs/disease-status?page=1
Use this link to find the latest info on travel to Mexico
https://www.aphis.usda.gov/pet-travel/us-to-another-country-export/pet-travel-us-mexico (at the time of writing this blog post, 10-9-2026, Mexico requires an NWS Inspection Documents, however multiple US states are prohibiting entry of dogs and cats returning from Mexico regardless of inspection documents. If you have extenuating circumstances, please reach out to your State Veterinarian.
https://usaha.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/STATE_ANIMAL_HEALTH_OFFICIALS.pdf
Frequent travelers who have some form of residence in the EU or UK often go through the process of getting a pet passport from an “authorised veterinarian” within the EU/UK. The US does not issue pet passports. US veterinarians have specific areas where they may write (sections labeled simply as “Veterinarian” such as where they may notate administration of tapeworm medication) and areas where they are not permitted to write (sections designated for “Authorised Veterinarian”). As long as the rabies vaccine is current in the pet passport, that is all the pet needs to travel to the designated country from the US.
Travel to Hawaii requires 2-3 months of preparation for first time visitors (FAVN rabies titer, coordination with neighboring island veterinarians and timing flights for arrival in Hawaii for inspection during business hours, pet import documents, and tick control medication requirements).
FAQ – 5 Day Or Less Program: https://dab.hawaii.gov/ai/faq5dol/
https://dab.hawaii.gov/ai/files/2023/06/Checklist-1-06.13.2023.pdf Honolulu Arrival
https://dab.hawaii.gov/ai/files/2024/01/Checklist-2_01.17.2024.pdf Neighboring Island Arrival
https://identity.ais.hawaii.gov/hipop/login Pet Import Applications may now be made online!
The Animal Quarantine Station people or extremely helpful for questions and support during this process, Email: rabiesfree@hawaii.gov .
*Notes about the CDC Import form (for dogs coming from rabies free or low-risk countries): Follow instructions to submit your form, verify your email address and receive your emailed copy of receipt. Keep a copy of your CDC Dog Import Form receipt. You must show the receipt (printed or on your phone) to the airline if the dog is traveling by air and to U.S. Customs and Border Protection on arrival in the U.S.
You can use the same receipt for multiple entries into the United States within that six-month window. The dog must enter from the exact same country of departure listed on the receipt. The receipt becomes invalid if the dog visits a high-risk rabies country or a different departure country during the six-month period.
During the Trip
Once you're on the road or in the air, keeping your pet comfortable and happy is essential. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth journey:
Frequent Breaks
Rest Stops: Plan to stop every couple of hours to let your pet stretch, relieve themselves, and hydrate. This is especially important for long car trips. For road trips with cats, remember the litter box. (To be honest, I’ve been on very long trips with my cat, and she will not use the litter box. The latest road trip was 14 hours. I’d stop every 3-4 hours, let her walk around the car, give her treats, and sit her in the litter box. She just sat and looked all around but never used it until we finally got settled into the destination.)
Exercise: Take your pet for a short walk during breaks to help them burn off energy and reduce anxiety.
In-Transit Comfort
Temperature Control: Ensure your vehicle is at a comfortable temperature. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, as temperatures can rise quickly.
Calm Environment: Play soothing music or use calming sprays (make sure you are not sensitive to the spray’s scent or ingredients before spraying in your car, ex. pet pheromone sprays make my throat uncomfortable) to help reduce anxiety during travel. See Resources – Pet Health - Pet Emotional Support and Through a Dog’s Ears calming music. See recipe for Calming Spray in the Anxiety Help for Pets Blog post.
Air Travel
Many airports have pet relief areas. I have seen some people (with tiny dogs) place a potty pad in a quiet place in the restroom. Please keep your carrier secure and your pet securely leashed/haltered at all times and follow the instructions of the flight attendants. Remember to schedule the health certificate, if required, with a USDA Accredited Veterinarian within 10 days of travel. (Most certificates state on the bottom that they are good for 30 days from issuance, but most airlines require the health certificate to be issued within 10 days of travel).
At Your Destination
Once you arrive at your destination, it's time to help your pet settle in. Here are some strategies to make the transition smoother:
Creating a Safe Space
Familiar Area: Set up a designated area for your pet with their bed, toys, and food. This will help them feel secure in a new environment.
Exploration: Allow your pet to explore the new space at their own pace. Supervise them to ensure they don't get into anything harmful.
Routine Maintenance
Feeding Schedule: Stick to your pet's regular feeding schedule as much as possible to maintain consistency.
Exercise: Explore the area together. Take your pet for walks or find nearby parks where they can play and socialize.
Dealing with Challenges
Traveling with pets can sometimes present challenges. Here are some common issues and how to address them:
Anxiety and Stress (see also section discussed in veterinary check-ups)
Calming Aids: Consider using calming collars, sprays, or treats to help ease your pet's anxiety during travel. (See Resources – Pet Health – Pet Emotional Health)
ThunderEase Calming Collar for Dogs (Small) https://geni.us/E49OcBq (Large) https://geni.us/ayj8U8h
Flower Essences https://petessences.com/collections/behavioral
VetriScience Max Veterinary Strength Calm & Confident Chews - Stress Supplement for Pets https://geni.us/KVBeU
Ark Naturals Happy Traveler Calming Soft Chew Treats for Dogs and Cats https://geni.us/j9s0tI (Don’t use in combination with other sedatives, anti-seizure, anti-fungal or heart medications)
ElleVet Dental Sticks https://geni.us/CyD2yJ
ElleVet Calming Chews https://geni.us/FFGHd
Standard Process Wholefood supplement Calming Comfort Pro
For pets with extreme anxiety see also Calmer Canine Device Anxiety Treatment https://assisi.zomedica.com/Products/calmer-canine/
Desensitization: If your pet is nervous about travel, take them on short trips leading up to your vacation to help them adjust. Work up to effective doses of natural calming products or pharmaceutical anti-anxiety and sedative medications prescribed by your veterinarian.
Health Emergencies
Local Vet Information: Research nearby veterinary clinics at your destination in case of emergencies. Keep their contact information handy.
Emergency Kit: Have a pet first aid kit ready, including any medications your pet may need.
Returning Home
After your trip, it's important to help your pet readjust to being home. Here are some tips to ease the transition:
Routine Reestablishment
Back to Normal: Reinstate your pet's regular feeding, walking, and playtime schedule as soon as possible.
Post-Travel Care: Monitor your pet for any signs of stress or illness after returning home. If you notice anything unusual, consult your veterinarian. If your pet often gets stress diarrhea after travel, you may preemptively start pumpkin such as Firm up by Diggin or other fiber such as Honest Kitchen Perfect Form; a probiotic like Proviable DC; and a digestive care product like Animal Essentials Colon Rescue or Standard Process Veterinary GI Soothing.
Firm Up! Pumpkin Bundle – Fiber Supplement with Pumpkin & Apple Fiber for Cat & Dog Digestive Support 8oz https://geni.us/0e9sYF
The Honest Kitchen Perfect Form Herbal Digestive Supplement for Dogs & Cats https://geni.us/tSeyh
Nutramax Proviable Probiotics for Dogs and Cats, Daily Digestive Health Supplement with Multiple Strains of Bacteria, Cat and Dog Probiotics Plus Prebiotics, 30 Capsules https://geni.us/ek9R
Colon Rescue Herbal Digestive Aid for Dogs & Cats - Slippery Elm, Marshmallow Root, Licorice Root
Powder - https://geni.us/iOxS
1 Fl Oz https://geni.us/BWTBC
2 Fl Oz https://geni.us/Ovcs
Reflecting on the Experience
Review: Take some time to reflect on what worked well during your trip and what could be improved for next time. This will help you plan even better adventures in the future.
Conclusion
Traveling with pets can be a memorable and positive experience. By understanding your pet's needs, preparing adequately, and addressing any challenges that arise, you can ensure a smooth journey for both you and your friend. Remember, the key to a successful trip is to keep your pet's comfort and safety at the forefront of your planning and make sure to do your research up front for Hawaii and international locations.
