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“Doing everything ahead of time will help you stay calm and save a lot of money. But it’s worth it! While it may be stressful the first time, and unexpected things can happen, you will get used to it, and it can be a lot of fun.”
Joanne Fernandez-Lopez, DVM, Veterinarian & Pet Travel Expert
With the holiday season just around the corner, many people are starting to plan their travel arrangements. This can be stressful for pet owners as they try to figure out what to do with their beloved furry family members. Should they bring them along? Leave them with a pet sitter? Or board them at a kennel?
Each option comes with its own set of considerations. If you decide to bring your pet along, ensuring that your destination is pet-friendly is essential. Check to see if your accommodations allow pets and if there are amenities like pet parks or walking areas. Additionally, be aware of any travel restrictions or requirements, such as health certificates or vaccinations for your pet.
On the other hand, leaving your pet with a pet sitter can provide them with a familiar environment while you’re away. Choosing a reliable and trusted sitter who can provide your pet’s care and attention is crucial. Boarding your pet at a kennel is another alternative many pet owners consider if traveling with them is out of the question. However, both these options are costly and mean spending the holidays without your pets.
Now is the time to start planning. “Doing everything ahead of time will help you stay calm and save a lot of money,” says Joanne Fernandez-Lopez, veterinarian and pet travel expert. “But it’s worth it! While it may be stressful the first time, and unexpected things can happen, you will get used to it, and it can be a lot of fun.”
If you’re considering bringing your pet along for your holiday travels, there are some important things to consider before making that decision. Here are Dr. Fernadez-Lopez’s tips and considerations to help you make the best out of holiday travel for you and your pet.
Meet the Expert: Joanne Fernandez-Lopez, DVM
As a dedicated veterinarian with a decade of experience, Dr. Joanne Fernandez-Lopez has spent the past eight years working in emergency medicine for dogs and cats. Her passion lies in tackling challenging cases in dermatology, nutrition, emergency care, and behavioral issues. She also takes great pride in helping pet owners navigate the complexities of traveling with their pets, ensuring all health certificates are thoroughly evaluated and completed.
Outside the clinic, she indulges in traveling, reading, and surfing—embracing adventure while staying committed to the well-being of your pets.
What You Need To Consider
According to Dr. Fernandez-Lopez, here is the checklist of things you must consider before packing up your furry companion for holiday travel.
Airline Policies
If you are planning to fly with your pet, it’s essential to check the airline’s policies regarding pets. Each airline has its own set of rules and regulations for traveling with animals. Some airlines allow small pets in the cabin, while others require them to travel in cargo. Also, the guidelines for pet carriers and documentation requirements for your pet’s journey will vary from carrier to carrier.
“Make sure you also consider any stops you may have along the way. Because if you’re traveling by air and have layovers, there are different travel requirements for each country,” says Dr. Fernandez-Lopez. “Make sure you make your reservations early because airlines have a maximum number of pets allowed to travel on each flight.”
Questions that you need to know from your airline include what are the size restrictions for cabin versus cargo, are there breed restrictions such as brachycephalic dogs, what are the requirements for carries, are there temperature restrictions while you are traveling, and booking requirements and fees.
Road Trip Necessities
Not everyone is going to fly to their holiday destination. Driving is generally considered safer than flying when traveling with pets. It allows for more control over the conditions your pet will be exposed to during the trip. If you’re driving, ensure you have all necessary items like food, water, medication, and a first aid kit for your pet. Plan frequent stops for bathroom breaks and exercise, and never leave your pet unattended in the car.
“If you are taking a road trip instead of flying, make sure your pet is comfortable traveling long distances in the car,” encourages Dr. Fernadez-Lopez. You may need some safety gear for the car, such as a crate or a seat belt, to keep everyone comfortable along the journey.”
International Travel Stipulations
International travel with pets adds another layer of complexity. Each country has its own regulations when it comes to importing animals, and these regulations can change frequently. It is essential to research the requirements for your destination well in advance and work with a veterinarian knowledgeable about international pet travel.
Also, pets who go abroad must meet the requirements to reenter the United States, so pet owners must ensure they comply so returning stateside is easy. “If pets are coming from outside of the US, they must have a CDC import permit. They must also have a microchip, a rabies vaccine, and be over six months old. They also must have a health certificate. This applies to all countries and both air travel or road trips between the US and Canada or Mexico,” advises Dr. Fernandez-Lopez.
Health certificate validity length can vary, so owners need to ensure that the certificate they obtain before traveling is sufficient for the duration of the trip. Sometimes, obtaining a new health certificate may be necessary before returning home.
General Health and Safety Considerations
Ensure your pet is healthy and up-to-date on all necessary vaccinations before traveling. If your pet has pre-existing health conditions, speak with your veterinarian to determine if travel is safe. Dr. Fernandez-Lopez recommends that all owners obtain a health certificate before travel, even if they don’t need it for international or airline regulations. It can provide peace of mind that your pet is fit to travel.
Travel can be stressful for some pets. “If your pet suffers from a lot of anxiety, they may need some medication to help them,” advises Dr. Fernandez-Lopez. Motion sickness medication may also be necessary so that your pet is better prepared for the trip.” Not all pets will respond well to anti-anxiety or motion sickness medication, so it is important to plan, consult your veterinarian, and trial the medication before departure.
Other health considerations include making sure your pet has any medications it already takes, checking that vaccinations are up to date, and ensuring that your pet has proper identification, such as collar tags. This is also a great time to check that the microchip contact information is up to date.
Preparing Pets for Travel
Traveling with pets is not easy. So, you must prepare your pet for travel to make the journey as smooth as possible. “I tell people to start months ahead of time. Buy the crate you will use and have it open at home. Put toys, food, treats, and anything they love in there. Make it their special space so they have a good time there and want to be there,” encourages Dr. Fernandez-Lopez. “Now and then, you can close the door, then open it again. It trains them to be used to the confined space.”
It is also essential to develop good exercise and feeding routines before travel so that once you are on the trip, your pet will know what to expect.
Destination Considerations
Once you have arrived at your destination, there is still a lot you must do to ensure your pet has a great trip. If you are staying with family, Dr. Fernandez-Lopez advises taking things slow: “Create a safe space with them where they can be alone. Put the same crate that they traveled in somewhere they can access easily. If there are other pets, take the meetups slowly. Also, slow down the introduction to new people and the outdoors. Give them lots of time to acclimate.”
It is imperative to ensure you don’t make any changes to their diets. “There should be no food changes whatsoever. Plan on bringing the same food they eat at home and make sure there is enough to last the whole stay,” encourages Dr. Fernandez-Lopez
If you aren’t staying with family, locate a pet-friendly hotel or vacation rental. “You may need to plan a bit ahead of time as these can sometimes be hard to find. BringFido.com is a great resource for hotels, restaurants, doggies parks, and other places that are pet friendly,” she says.
Alternative Options
Sometimes, traveling with your pet isn’t the best option. The requirements for travel can be too strict, your pet may not be fit to travel, or the destination may not be suitable. When this is the case, the two most common options are hiring a pet sitter or boarding your pet at a facility.
When choosing between a pet sitter or a boarding facility, it’s essential to consider your pet’s temperament and specific needs. Pet sitters can provide a more personalized and stress-free experience for pets who thrive in familiar environments, whereas boarding facilities offer structured care and socialization opportunities. Thoroughly vet potential pet sitters by checking references and conducting interviews. Similarly, visit boarding facilities ahead of time to assess cleanliness, staff qualifications, and overall suitability for your pet’s comfort and safety.
Holiday-Specific Concerns
Holiday travel with pets can present unique challenges. During peak holiday seasons, transportation and lodging options may be limited, so booking well in advance is important. Additionally, many places may restrict bringing pets due to increased crowds or special events. It’s also crucial to remember your pet’s comfort and safety during holiday activities such as fireworks or large gatherings.
“Be sure to educate your family not to give holiday food to your pet because the likelihood is high that they are going get sick,” warns Dr. Fernandez-Lopez. “It can be really easy for a family member to give them a little bit of turkey or pumpkin pie. Make sure the whole family is on the same page.”
Carefully monitor your pet’s temperament, too. Large gatherings can be stressful for animals, particularly ones in strange environments with people they don’t know well. Give your pet space to take breaks, encourage family members to ask permission before petting, and consider medications if you have a particularly anxious pet.
Post-Travel Care
After your trip, it’s important to monitor your pet for any potential health concerns that may have arisen during travel. Watch for signs of motion sickness or anxiety, and consult with your veterinarian if needed. It’s also a good idea to schedule a follow-up check-up to ensure your pet is healthy after the journey.
Properly disinfect any supplies or equipment used during travel, such as crates or carriers. This helps prevent the spread of germs and keeps your pet safe from potential illnesses. Once home, take some time to relax and bond with your pet after the trip. Travel can be stressful for animals, so show them extra love.
