Ah, the holidays: ‘Tis the season to take time off from work, hop on a flight or jump in the car, and visit relatives you haven’t seen in what feels like ages.
As a result of traveling together, your immediate family also gets to spend quality time with each other when you don’t usually get to. (Of course, a few fights here and there are expected, but avoiding these trip-ruining scams might lessen those chances.)
However, there are some family members — sometimes the happiest and most lovable ones of all — who often don’t get to go on these holiday excursions: your pets.
Whether it’s your ball-of-fur cat or your energetic puppy, it feels like you have no choice but to ignore those sad eyes looking up at you and drop them off at their alternative home, both for their own safety and to make traveling easier.
But what if it were easier to bring your pet along for the holidays?
Well, here’s some delightful news for you: it can be. By prepping your furry friend accordingly for the journey ahead and planning pet-friendly options for when you arrive, you and your entire family — two- or four-legged — can come along for the ride this holiday season.
And these nine tips for traveling with your pet will let you do just that.
Did we miss any important pointers that you use to safely travel with your animal? Let us know in the comments below, and please SHARE with your family and friends!
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1. Book An Appointment At The Vet
Make sure to get your pet checked for sicknesses and up-to-date with vaccinations around two weeks prior to your journey. Ask your veterinarian for a dated health certificate, too, in case you run into any issues during the trip — like your pet getting sick or biting someone.
2. Make Your Animal's (And Your Own) Whereabouts Known
It is important to double-check (and triple-check) that your animal has an ID tag attached to his or her collar in the unfortunate but possible case you are temporarily separated. These ID tags should include your name, cell phone, and information about the destination you are traveling to.
This also goes for providing information on your pet’s crate or carrier, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.
3. Pack Accordingly
Make sure to bring extra food and a collapsible bowl for water and food on the go. And depending on where you’re traveling to and the type of animal you have, Travel + Leisure suggests bringing a cooling vest or sweater.
4. Bring Calming Remedies
Pets find comfort in familiar objects they encounter on a daily basis at home, so be sure to pack an abundance of favorite toys, blankets, and treats. Also, for an out-of-the-box idea, bring lavender oil with you: rub it between your hands and apply as a massage to your furry friend.
5. Give Smart Pre-Travel Meals
Feed your four-legged friend long before you travel — between four to six hours before, according to Travel Channel — in order to prevent stomach issues from any sort of motion sickness. And in case this wasn’t already a given, keep your pet hydrated!
6. Know How To Travel By Plane
As soon as you know that you’ll be traveling via airplane, register your pet with the airline immediately. Aircrafts have a limited amount of carriers they can take on each flight, and you aren’t the only one thinking about bringing your cat or dog along for the holidays.
7. Know How To Travel By Car
If you plan on crating (this actually makes pets feel safe) your dog or cat for the ride, make sure it is large enough for your pet to move around, lie down, and stand up. And if you don’t plan on using a carrier, make sure you have a pet-friendly harness to attach to a seat belt.
8. Consider A Pet Shipping Agency
Not a fan of either of those options above, but still desperately want to bring your pet along for the holidays? Consider using the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association, who can connect you with reliable pet shipping agencies that can handle taking care of your four-legged friends.
9. Book A Pet-Friendly Hotel
If you’re not planning on actually staying with extended family or friends (sometimes seeing them for a few hours is just enough), make sure you look into pet-friendly policies at hotels before booking a room. Luckily, with so many pet owners around the world, you most likely won't have a problem finding one — especially in big cities.
Did these travel tips help you decide to bring your furry friend along for the holidays?
