With the end of the year quickly approaching you may already be thinking about travel plans and who is going to be taking care of your beloved pet. 

However, some of you may have already planned that you will be bringing your pet along with you, or maybe you haven’t even thought about the possibility because it’s just too much to think about. 

Well do we have some news for you. 

Travelling with your pet isn’t as hard as you think.

Follow our travelling with your pet tips and make your dog or cat your newest travel buddy!

Put Together a Pet Travel Kit

A couple of days before you set off on your travel adventure, pack a bag containing all of the essentials your pet will need for the trip. Items in your pet travel kit may include:

• Food
• Toys
• A bed
• A blanket
• Bowls
• Treats
• Medication (if necessary)
• Carriers (optional)
• Poop bags
• A leash
• A harness or collar
• Seatbelt
• Jumpers
• Travel towels

If your pet has other owners and they are not joining you on your trip, consider bringing along an item of theirs (such as a t-shirt) to help ease possible separation anxiety.

Stocktake Your Pet Supplies

Keep in mind that pet supplies don’t last forever. You may be ignoring your pets slowly unstitching harness in everyday life, however ensuring your pets items are safe and intact before travelling is crucial. 

A few weeks before setting off on your trip, take the time to check that all of your pets’ belongings are in good condition and replace the appropriate items if they are not. Items such as crates, harnesses/collars, leashes, food expiry date, ID tags, weather appropriate accessories (jackets and booties) and bowls should be inspected before you go.

Contact Your Vet

It is very important that you have updated medical records for your pet before your trip. This usually consists of a document provided by your vet that records that your pets appropriate vaccinations and flea/worming etc. is up to date. 

Most pet-friendly hotels/areas will require that you have these records, and therefore it is best to have a copy whilst you travel.

It may also be a good idea for your pet to have a quick check-up at the vet before you go to ensure they are of good health for the trip. You should also consult your vet for advice if it is your first time travelling with your pet in case they have any anxiety or problems with new situations.

Add ‘Time with Your Pet’ to the Itinerary 

Travelling can be very overwhelming and with your pet as your travel buddy it can be even more chaotic. You might be on a tight schedule when travelling, however it is very important that you plan to have dedicated time with your pet every day. 

Taking your dog for a long walk or giving your cat a good snuggle and pat can be crucial to your pet whilst travelling. Try to keep your pet on a regular routine throughout your travels especially if they are used to a specific routine at home.

Prepare an Emergency Plan

Although it’s not something you want to think about, it is essential for you to be prepared for a pet emergency. It’s important to have an emergency plan while travelling in case your dog eats something odd, your cat hurts their paw or something even more serious happens. 

Before you leave, be sure to look up vets located close to where you will be staying. You should also look for nearby 24-hour emergency vets. Although your trip is most likely to go smoothly, it is best to be prepared for an emergency to give you a peace of mind.

Additional Travel Tips

• If you are travelling by car
  Ensure you take regular breaks to allow your pet to stretch their legs, go to the toilet and eat. Keep them secure in the car by using either a dog seatbelt or a carrier/crate. Consider preparing your pet prior to your trip with small car rides to get them used to travelling in the car.
• If you are travelling by planeIt is suggested by experts that you should only travel with pets by plane if it is essential. If you do have to travel by plane, ensure your pet is in the cabin with you unless they are over the airlines restricted weight/size amount. It is crucial to see your vet before flying as some cat and dog breeds are not able to withstand this type of travel.
• If you will be staying at a friend or family members houseBe sure to ask the owner of the household if your pet is allowed to stay and where they are allowed to be within the house. You may have to arrange gates or a crate for your pet before staying over.
• If you will be staying in a hotelIt can be difficult to find hotels that allow pets. Bringfido.com is a great website to use for finding pet-friendly hotels. When staying in the hotel, ensure you pet has been to the toilet and is relaxed, secure and quiet before leaving the room to ensure they do not disturb their neighbours.