5 Easy Tips To Keep Your Pet Safe During Travel

For certified furry parents, their travels will never be complete without their pets. Traveling with your pets can be one of the best ways to strengthen your bond.

Pets also provide excellent company, specifically for pet owners who feel anxious or stressed when traveling alone. However, when you’re not prepared, traveling can become stressful for both the pet and the pet’s parents.

Furthermore, there’s a higher risk that your pet could get lost or missing during the trip. 

With proper preparation, you can ensure your upcoming trip with your furry friend goes smoothly, safely, and hassle-free.

So, are you ready to go on an adventure with your pet?

Here are some easy tips for keeping your furry friend safe during travels. 

Invest In A Secure And Comfortable Pet Carrier  

The most effective way to keep your pet safe and secure during your travels is by putting them in a pet carrier.

Pet carriers and crates will keep your pets securely contained while you’re traveling or moving from one place or another via trains or planes. 

Most often, some people think that the bigger the carrier is, the better. However, pet carriers that are too wide for your pet might cause them to be thrown around during travel.

As much as possible, invest in a pet carrier with enough space for them to sit, lie down, and shift positions.

You may refer to a cat or dog crate size to determine which size is appropriate for your pet’s weight and height.  

Additionally, ensure your pet’s crate or carrier is marked with proper identification, such as your name, contact number, and the words ‘Live Animal.’ 

Keep Your Pet Properly Restrained During A Car Ride 

If you’re traveling by car, keep your pet properly restrained in their seat.

Letting them move and hop around the car while you’re driving isn’t safe. It can be dangerous for both of you.

You need your undivided attention on the road, and your pet can easily distract you when they’re moving around the vehicle.

Furthermore, letting your pet sit in the front is never advisable.

Airbags may be great for saving humans from injuries, but they can seriously injure or kill pets.  

Thus, the safest way to take your pet on car rides is by putting them in a carrier and strapping the crate to the seat with a seatbelt.

Or let your pet sit on a pet car seat and strap them securely with a pet seatbelt. 

Pets Must Be On A Leash And Wear A Harness With An ID Tag 

Once you and your pet are off the plane or whatever travel transportation you’ve used, you must always keep your pet on a leash.

As much as you want to give your pet time to run off and consume their energy, letting them run or walk independently to an unfamiliar destination can put them at risk of being lost or missing.

Otherwise, you might spend the rest of your vacation doing rescue efforts to locate your pet. 

Your pet’s leash and collar must have your name and contact number in case they get lost or go missing.

Better yet, consider having your pet microchipped before the trip so you can easily locate them.

Don’t forget to carry a clear, recent photo of your pet which you can use to show people or make posters in case of emergency. 

Bring Your Pet To The Veterinarian For A Checkup 

Like humans, pets are discouraged from traveling when sick or with certain health conditions.

So, before the day of the trip, take your pet to the veterinarian for a full checkup.

That way, you can ensure your pet is physically fit and mentally prepared to travel.  

More importantly, certain countries or states have imposed rules and regulations regarding traveling pets.

One of these is that pet owners must present medical certificates, vaccination papers, and other health documents signed and dated by the vet within ten days before departure.

You may contact the animal welfare office of the country or state you’re traveling to for complete information regarding pet travel requirements.  

Prepare Your Pet’s Travel Kit 

To keep your pet safe and comfortable during travel, make sure to prepare your pet’s travel kit, which shall include the following: 

• Food and water bowls 
• A waste scoop and plastic bags 
• Grooming supplies 
• First aid kit 
• Medications 
• Extra leashes and collars (in case the one they’re using gets damaged) 
• Their favorite toy 
• Pillows and blankets 

More importantly, it’s recommended to pack enough snacks, food, and plenty of water for your pet.

Some pets tend to be sensitive when they eat food or drink water from an unfamiliar area. This could result in them experiencing stomach discomfort.

Additionally, avoid feeding or letting your pet drink water in a moving vehicle to prevent car sickness. 

Key Takeaway 

When traveling with your pet, choose the safest and most comfortable decisions for your furry friend.

So, take note of these easy tips above to guarantee a safe, fun, and memorable vacation with your beloved pet.