How To Travel With A Pet

Owning a pet is a delightful experience. Caring and nurturing for an animal who will amaze you with its tricks and personality, brings joy and happiness that can’t be expressed in words! While there are various ways of bonding with your pet, travelling with them takes the cake. Imagine being able to hike a mountain or swim in a river with your little bundle of joy by your side, always!

While planning a trip with your bestie - a furry, four-legged munchkin or your feathered friend can be exhaustive, but if you plan it right, it can be extremely rewarding. Below are few pointers HolidayMe recommends that you should keep in mind while traveling with a pet. Follow them to a T, and a memorable vacation is guaranteed!

While on flight

Health Certificate:

Almost all airlines require a pet health certificate for them to allow your munchkin on board. The certificate should not be dated any older than 10 days before your travel dates. Take a pre-trip visit to the Vet, and ask them to issue a health certificate for your pet. Make sure you carry this particular document with you in your handbag, as it may be checked at different points throughout your travel. 

Direct Flights:

Flying is tough for animals and there are chances that your pet might get anxious during a long flight. In order to avoid causing stress to your pet, it is advisable that you book yourself a direct, and preferably, short flight.  However, if the change of planes is inevitable, ensure your pet gets an adequate walk and a much-needed bathroom break in between the layover.

Same Flight & Notify Airline Staff:

It is very important that you fly in the same flight as your pet. Remember to notify the flight attendant that you are flying with your pet and instruct them if any special precautions are to be taken. Also, if you can, enquire with airline authorities if you can watch your pet being loaded and unloaded.

Be Early:

For your pet to acclimatize to its new surroundings, have everything packed well before time and leave early to avoid last minute rush. Make sure you are unruffled and calm during the whole process of packing, boarding the flight, and in between, since your pet can sense your anxiety and stress.

No Tranquilizers:

A veterinarian will only prescribe a tranquilizer to your pet if deemed extremely necessary. Check with them during your pre-visit trip. 

While on a road trip

While a road trip with your pet is comparatively easier to plan and execute, there are few things to be kept in mind in order to have a hassle-free journey.

No Heads out the Window:

First and foremost, though many pets find that sticking their head out the window is the best part of the road trip, it's extremely unsafe. Also, NEVER travel with a pet in the back of a pickup truck. Not only it is dangerous, but also some states have laws restricting such transport.

Proper Hydration:

An upset tummy during a long road trip is not unheard of. During loo breaks, be sure to offer your pet some fresh water. You may want to take ice cubes along, which are easier on your pet than copious amounts of water.

Frequent Pit Stops:

Pets require frequent loo breaks. Plan your road trip with ample of bathroom and exercise breaks, and remember to bring along a bag to pick up after your pet.

Watch the Food Intake:

During the travel, it is recommended that you feed your pet to a minimum. No matter what the temptation is like, do not offer them those burgers or any other food you might be having. Sticking to their brand of pet food is the safest bet.

Don't Leave Them Alone:

Never ever leave your pet unwatched in a parked vehicle, especially during warm season when the temperature can rise dramatically. Not to mention, an animal left alone in a vehicle is an open invitation to pet thieves. 

Prachi Sharma is a mommy blogger, an aspiring best-selling author, a closet-romantic, and a-girl-who-secretly-judges-people-by-their-sun signs, Prachi is all of that and more! When she is not devouring travel-related information and writing fiction, she likes to groove to all sorts of music, from A. R. Rehman to EDM. Follow her articles about Travel Destinations Worldwide.