Quoting the old saying, “Nothing is certain except death and taxes,” is one heck of a way to start off a post. But I would add holiday travel to the list of near certainties in modern society. With pet lovers always looking to include their four-legged family on their journeys, the question of how to safely travel with our animal companion(s) can sometimes create a dilemma. Whether traveling by plane, train, or automobile, let’s explore the best ways to include our cherished pet in the plans!
No matter what…
A couple of points are pertinent to traveling with pets no matter how the journey is made:
- Keep things consistent - Just like their human companions, pets do well with maintaining consistent nutrition and sleep patterns. We recommend taking the pet’s feeding bowl(s) and bed along on your trip, as well as a familiar toy or blanket for extra added comfort.
- Safety first - When traveling with pets, it’s essential to prepare and pack your pet’s emergency kit. You should also discuss the use of medication with your vet professional to reduce anxiety and/or motion sickness during travel.
Flying with four legged companions
In 2022, the U.S. Department of Transportation reported that 188,223 animals flew as cargo. To ensure your pet's safety during air travel, the American Red Cross offers the following tips:
- Smaller pets can be carried onboard with you in a crate or enclosure. Be sure to confirm any potential size restrictions with your airline.
- If your pet must ride as cargo, take a direct flight and travel on the same plane as your pet if possible. Avoid booking flights when temperatures are above 85°F or fall below 45°F, and if possible, request to view your pet being loaded and unloaded onto the plane.
- Notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is in the cargo hold.
- If the plane has to taxi for an extended period of time, ask the crew to check the temperature in the cargo area. Extreme temperatures can be harmful to pets while taxiing.
And for those hitting the roadways…
Did you know that a recent study from CNN showed that a car traveling at just 30 mph with an unrestrained pet can injure other passengers, and also cause severe injuries to the pet itself? Many choose to travel on roadways with their pets, so let’s review some helpful tips for dog and cat car safety from Progressive Insurance:
- When hitting the roadway with pets, secure them in a crate, carrier, or harness in the back seat for safety.
- Prior to longer car trips, it’s best to try some shorter trial runs to check for motion sickness sensitivity and acclimate a pet to traveling on the road.
- Don’t leave a pet unattended inside a vehicle. The risk of overheating is well documented, but cold temperatures can also be a danger to dogs inside vehicles when their body temperature drops below 99 degrees.
Happy trails with wagging tails!
With a little bit of planning, you can easily bring your pet along for any adventure! Start by consulting your veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy and fit for the journey, addressing any specific health considerations. Let’s all do our part to give our pets the best possible lives, whether at home or on the go!
