How to travel with your pet and keep them safe is something every pet owner should know. Whether you're heading on a road trip or flying to a new destination, keeping your furry friend secure and comfortable is key to an enjoyable experience. From ensuring they’re properly secured in the car to packing the essentials for their comfort, there’s a lot to consider. With the right preparation, you can make travelling with your pet a stress-free adventure for both of you. Written by Arrive Alive, NGO.
Travelling with your family pet is a potential hazard for both the animal and owner. Pets can cause distractions for the driver and sudden stops could cause severe injury or death to the pet.
Today, more and more people consider their pets as true members of their families, and there are now many pet travel products that make travelling with pets easier and much safer. Animals tend to get upset and disorientated when travelling by car. Knowing how to cope with this is vital to their well-being, as well as your own.
Before travelling with your pet
- Ask if it is a good idea to take your companion animal on vacation with you – is it best for the animal as well, or only best for you?
- Early acclimation to car travel is the key. If your pet dislikes travelling by car, it might be worth taking it out for a few trips in the car before you set off to try to prepare it for the journey ahead.
- If you will be going over international borders, make sure you have your pet’s proof of rabies vaccination and their current health certificate to hand.
- Some companion animals shouldn’t travel at all. If your companion animal is very young or very old, sick, recovering from surgery, or pregnant, then leave them at home.
- On the day you leave, maintain your pet’s usual feeding routine. Anything out of the ordinary will probably make them feel more uneasy.
- Keep favourite toys and food handy, as animals tend to respond better when they are surrounded by familiar things.
“Animals tend to get upset and disorientated when travelling by car. Knowing how to cope with this is vital to their well-being, as well as your own.”
How to restrain the pet in the car
Restrain your pet in the vehicle. It is essential that the driver of the vehicle is not distracted by fellow passengers – irrespective of whether these are humans or animals.
- Net pet barriers can keep animals in the safe area of your vehicle and keep them from distracting the driver.
- Truly pampered pets can ride in style in booster seats, right next to their owners.
- These pet travel seats are supported from below, so your pet has a great view along with a comfortable ride. There are straps to secure your pet to the basket of the booster seat.
- There are various sizes of padded pet vehicle safety harnesses that secure your pet to the vehicle’s seat belt system.
- The safety harness keeps your pet from distracting the driver and keeps your pet secure in the event of a sudden stop.
- If you are involved in a car accident, the restraining device will keep your companion animal from crashing into the front window or car seat.
Keeping your travelling companion healthy
- As soon as you know your companion animal is vacationing with you, see your veterinarian and have them check your pet’s general fitness and ability to travel.
- Check with your vet that your pet’s vaccinations are fully up to date.
- Take along a flask of cold water in case other water sources are not available along the way.
- Stop every couple of hours to allow your pet to get some exercise. Remember to pack the lead!
- Don’t let your pet put its head out of the car window in case grit and dust get in its eyes. This can cause a nasty injury or infection.
- Be sure to keep the windows closed, or open them slightly on a warm day.
- Don’t leave your pet alone in the car. The temperature can soar very quickly inside a locked car.
- If you must leave your pet in a parked car, make sure you lock the doors, park in some shade and return quickly.
- Keep a first-aid kit containing bandages, gauze squares and antiseptic cream in the car. Anti-diarrhoea tablets are also useful. Ask your vet to recommend the best ones for your pet. You should keep the phone numbers of your vet and a 24-hour emergency vet hospital near where you are staying with the kit.
- If possible, try get a reference from your vet for another vet at your destination if you’ll be at your vacation spot more than just a few days. When you get to your destination, find the veterinarian’s office on a map or ask around for directions. Knowing where to go if problems arise will make it easier on everyone.
How to identify your pet in case of an accident
It is important to consider the fate not only of human passengers in the unfortunate event of an accident, but also our animal passengers.
- No matter what transportation you choose, your pet should wear a collar, with proper identification and a microchip tag at all times.
- The identification tags should have your companion animal’s name, your name, address and telephone number on it. If there is room also add the name and telephone number of a person who could serve as an emergency contact in case your companion animal is lost.
- A nylon collar or harness is best for either a cat or a dog. Never allow your pet to travel wearing a choke-chain. The collar-pull could become snagged on the carrier or other object and they may choke to death.
- A cat must wear a safety stretch collar to prevent getting hung up on hooks, branches or other protruding objects.
- Keep handy your pet’s shot records, a written description and several photos of your pet in case they become lost.
- You will need these to claim your pet from the local animal centre when they find them. The written description should include your companion animal’s name, height, weight, colour and any distinguishing marks.
Taking your fur baby for a drive or on vacation with you comes with a lot of responsibility and an understanding of the rules of the road on driving with pets. Be sure to read up on these before you load up your car and hit the road.
BabyYumYum FAQs: How to Travel with Your Pet and Keep Them Safe
Is it safe to travel with my pet in the car?
Yes, as long as your pet is properly restrained and you follow safety guidelines. An unrestrained pet can be a distraction and a danger in an accident.
How should I secure my pet in the car?
Use a pet seatbelt harness, travel crate, or pet barrier to keep them safely contained. Never allow your pet to sit on your lap while driving.
Should I let my dog stick its head out the window?
No. While it may look fun, it’s risky, debris or sudden stops could injure your dog. Keep windows partially closed or use window guards if necessary.
How often should I stop during a road trip?
Plan to stop every 2–3 hours for bathroom breaks, water, and a chance to stretch. Never leave your pet in a parked car, even briefly as it can become dangerously hot or cold very quickly.
What should I pack when travelling with a pet?
Bring:
- Water and food bowls
- Leads and harnesses
- Pet food and treats
- Toys and blankets
- Waste bags or litter trays
- Medication and vaccination documents
Can I feed my pet before we travel?
Feed your pet a few hours before the journey rather than immediately before to reduce the risk of travel sickness. Keep meals light on travel days.
What are signs of travel anxiety in pets?
Watch for panting, whining, drooling, pacing, or shaking. Use calming sprays, soothing music, or speak to your vet about safe anti-anxiety options if needed.
Is it safe to travel with my cat?
Yes, but cats should always travel in a secure, well-ventilated carrier. Cover the carrier with a light blanket to help them feel safe and keep noise to a minimum.
Can my pet stay in hotel or accommodation with me?
Check in advance. Many hotels, B&Bs, and self-catering accommodations are pet-friendly, but may have specific rules or size limits. Always confirm before booking.
What vaccinations or documents do I need for travel?
For local travel, ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and treated for fleas and ticks. For international travel, you’ll need a pet passport or health certificate, microchip, and proof of vaccinations, including rabies.
What’s the safest way to travel with a pet on an aeroplane?
Air travel should be a last resort unless absolutely necessary. Use an IATA-approved carrier, and check the airline’s pet policy carefully. Some small pets may be allowed in the cabin on certain airlines.
When should I not travel with my pet?
Avoid travel if your pet is very young, elderly, ill, or recovering from surgery. If your pet is highly anxious or aggressive in unfamiliar environments, it may be safer to arrange a trusted pet-sitter or boarding facility.
Disclaimer: This content is for general pet travel guidance and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your vet before travelling if your pet has health issues or special needs.
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