10 Safety Tips for Traveling with Your Pet

10 Safety Tips for Traveling with Your Pet

Pets can be the best traveling buddies. Whether you’re packing for a vacation to the mountains or traveling cross-country for a big move, your pet will be delighted to accompany you wherever you go. While your pet’s company might be pleasurable, as a pet parent, you’re responsible for their safety while you’re traveling with them. Pets who are not accustomed to traveling might be a bit uncomfortable, stressed, and scared when put into this unusual position. They might need extra love, care, and protection during this time, and it is your responsibility to be prepared to undertake all the necessary measures for their protection and comfort.

If you’re traveling with your pet for the first time, you might feel overwhelmed and stressed about it. After all, you want to make sure that your pet is comfortable and enjoys its time on the road (or in the air).

Here is a list of ten things you must do to ensure that you and your pet have a safe, pleasurable, and comfortable journey together.

1. Put an Identification Tag on Your Pet

The first thing to do before taking your pet out on an adventure is to put an ID tag on him. A collar that has your name and contact number written on it should be placed around your dog’s neck for the entire duration of the trip. This way, if your dog runs away or you’ll get separated, anyone who finds your dog will be able to get in contact with you.

2. Microchip Your Pet

What’s better than an ID collar? A microchip. Register the chip so you can track your pet’s location in case he wanders off alone.

3. Keep a Picture of Your Pet with You

In case you haven’t put a tag or chip on your pet, keep a recent picture of them in your wallet. In the unfortunate event that they get lost, you have some identification to provide to people or the police.

4. Keep Their Medical Records

Take your pet to the vet and get a clean bill of health before taking them on the trip with you. Airlines straight up refuse to board sick pets, and even if you’re crossing borders on a road trip, you will have to show vaccination documents for them to allow your pet into the country.

5. Pack Their Essentials

While you pack your own vacation bag, don’t forget to pack a mini-vacation bag for your pet too. Include their medical records, collapsible food and water bowls, a bag of treats, medication, first aid kit, and their favorite toy.

6. Feed Them Three Hours Before Traveling

Their feeding schedule has to be adjusted according to the traveling time. Feed them at least three hours prior to leaving for the journey so they can ideally sleep through the travel time.

7. Restrain Your Pet

If you’re traveling by air, you’ll need to keep your pet in a carrier. However, even if you’re traveling by car, you should restrain them in some way, so they don’t distract or disturb the driver.

8. Don’t Leave Them in a Locked Car

If you stop for a break on your road trip, make sure to let your pet out with you, or keep an eye on them. Do not, under any circumstances, leave your pet in a locked car with no ventilation. Cars can become stifling hot, and if you leave your pet in there for too long, it might not survive for too long.

9. Keep Them Hydrated

Make sure to keep fresh water available to your pet at all times while you’re on your trip. They’re already stressed out, so don’t let them get dehydrated on top of that.

10. Easy Access in Times of Emergencies

Make sure to secure the carrier, but don’t lock it in a way that won’t allow you to open the carrier to let the pet out quickly in times of emergencies.

Follow these safety tips for traveling with your pet and make sure you both have a nice, comfortable journey. If you can’t take your pet along with you for whatever reason, Little Friends Pet Sitting and Dog Walking can take care of your dog while you’re away. Pick out any of our packages and stay worry-free during your travels.