The holidays are almost here, and if you’re planning to bring your furbaby(ies) along for the festivities, you’re not alone! More pet parents than ever are including their dogs and cats in holiday travel plans.
But before you hit the road or board that plane, there’s prep work to do. Follow these holiday pet travel tips to make sure your trip is safe, comfortable, and stress-free for everyone.
Start with a Vet Visit
Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to verify your pet’s health status for travel and administer any required vaccinations.
Holiday travel can be challenging for any pet, but particularly for younger and older animals. Puppies and kittens may be more susceptible to illness due to incomplete vaccination schedules. The health status of senior pets could make travel risky due to existing medical conditions. Your vet can help you decide if the trip is a good idea.
Hotel facilities, boarding centers, and airlines require proof of rabies vaccination, so bring along your pet’s medical and vaccination records.
Your veterinarian can also provide you with information about anxiety relief options, which include prescription medications and calming supplements.
Detailed Checklist for Holiday Pet Travel
The process of traveling with pets demands proper organization from the start. Begin your packing at least 3 days in advance (and ideally, a whole week ahead). The following items should be included in your travel package:
Food and Water Essentials
- Enough regular food for the entire trip, plus extra
- Collapsible travel bowls like this inexpensive set
- Bottled water (sudden water changes can upset tummies)
Comfort Items
- Favorite blanket or bed
- A few familiar toys
- For cats: a calming pheromone spray to reduce stress
Safety Gear
- Secure carrier or crate (airline-approved if flying)
- Leash and harness (even for cats if not in a carrier during stops)
- Updated ID tags with your phone number
- Recent photos of your pet on your phone
Health Supplies
- Medications your pet takes regularly
- First-aid kit
- Waste bags and cleaning supplies
- Litter and portable litter box for cats
Selecting the Correct Carrier for Your Pet
Your pet carrier is the most essential item on your pet travel preparation list. A well-ventilated car carrier or harness with crash-test certification (such as these by Kurgo) provides dogs with necessary safety during their car journeys.
All cats need to be kept in secure carriers at all times, even for road travel. An anxious cat on the loose can cause a myriad of safety risks in a moving car.
Airline passengers need to verify their specific carrier requirements before their flight. The correct carrier selection makes all the difference for your travel experience. The Sherpa Original Deluxe Pet Carrier is airline-approved and works for both cats and small dogs.
Start Your Pet Carrier Training Before Departure
Your pet needs to experience their carrier before you embark on your holiday journey, and the process of getting them comfortable with it should begin at least two weeks before your trip. Place treats inside, feed meals in the carrier, and take short practice drives.
This training process for puppies and kittens is especially important, for obvious reasons, but don’t forget that older pets who have not traveled recently also need time to grow accustomed to their new environment.
Plan Your Route and Stops
If driving, schedule travel stops every 2 to 3 hours at pet-friendly rest areas. Dogs in particular require regular breaks for both bathroom activities and exercise to stretch their legs, but even cats will benefit from time outside the car in their carrier (or in a harness on leash).
Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle, even briefly, because temperatures can change quickly, and both car theft and break-ins are more frequent during holiday periods.
Select Hotels That Accept Pets
Not all hotels welcome four-legged guests, so book ahead. Call hotels directly to confirm their pet policies and ask these questions:
- Do they charge a pet fee or deposit?
- Are any breed or size restrictions?
- Is there a designated pet relief area?
- Are there any veterinary clinics nearby? (just in case)
Prepare for Air Travel
The experience of flying is more stressful for animals than driving is for humans. Most pets experience some level of anxiety when traveling by air. Choose direct flights to reduce travel time, and try to fly during off-peak dayparts when airports have fewer passengers.
Some airlines prohibit short-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds – such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus, as well as Himalayan and Persian cats and others – because these animals can face dangerous breathing problems during flights. To be safe, confirm your airline’s exact policies before you book your flight to avoid the risk of being denied boarding.
Keep Routines Consistent
As you already know, most pets thrive best with standard routines. Make every effort to maintain your pet’s regular feeding, walking, and bedtime schedules throughout your holiday journey. This is especially helpful with puppies and kittens who are still learning and with senior pets who rely on consistency.
Pack Patience and Flexibility
The process of traveling with pets during the holidays will inevitably lead to unexpected events despite your best efforts. New surroundings may change your dog’s potty habits. Your usually peaceful cat might continuously meow throughout the entire trip.
Remember that your pet will feed on your energy and mirror your emotional state, so try to maintain serenity while showing understanding.
This holiday pet travel checklist, combined with proper preparation and other information you’ll find in our blog articles (such as easing storm anxiety), will help you build amazing memories with your pet. Safe travels, and happy holidays from our pack to yours!
What are your best tips for holiday travel with your furry friends?
Share in the comments below!
