Holiday travel is stressful enough on its own. When you add your dog or cat into the mix, it can add an extra layer of responsibility. Luckily, taking the time to prepare your pet for holiday travel can help reduce potential stressors when making plans. If your pet becomes ill or stressed out, these tips and tricks can also help soothe any upset tummies to make the experience more enjoyable for everyone.
Items to Have on Hand Before Traveling
Before you leave on vacation there are a few items you should grab to have as part of your travel pack for your pet. You may think of the obvious items to have, such as your pet’s food or toys. However, this pack should also include your pet’s vaccine records, extra ID tags, and a list of any medications your pet has to take.
These documents are required for checking into hotels, crossing borders, boarding planes, and other public transportation. You also want to check with any airlines or hotels before traveling. They can sometimes require an additional health certificate. If your regular vet is closed for the holiday, or you’re away on travel, these items are also important for receiving emergency care.
In addition to the paperwork, there are some key items you should have in your pet’s travel pack. Extra leashes and foldable bowls are great to have if the hotel or location you’re staying at doesn’t provide them. You also want to have enough food and medication packed for the time you’ll be traveling, as well as a few days extra in case you get delayed. Lastly, a few favorite treats or toys are important to help your pet feel at home once you arrive.
What to Do When You Arrive at Your Destination
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, you can do a few things to help keep your pet calm and stress-free. Set up a place for your pets to relax. If you’re in a hotel, a crate or kennel kept in a quiet corner of the room is best. Many hotels also require these items for your dog or cat to stay in when housekeeping is present. You’ll also want to set up a food, water, and litter station in the room. Be sure to show your pets where these items are so that they know how to access them.
If you’ll be leaving your pets alone for long periods during your vacation, be sure to let the hotel know. They may have special requirements for how long you can leave your pet unattended. Some hotel chains also offer complementary pet-sitting services, where they can stay with your pet while you’re away. If you’re staying at someone’s home, make sure to ask which areas are safe for your pet, such as a specific bedroom or part of the yard, especially if they have holiday decorations up that your pet may disturb.
Additional Tips to Make Travel Go Smoothly
In addition to the above tips, a few more things can help make traveling with your pet go smoothly this holiday season. If you have a senior pet, adding in a supplement such as fish oil can be beneficial. Travel, stress, and aging can all lead to increased joint pain. A supplement is a great way to support the joints during these stressful — and motion-heavy — times.
Bringing familiar objects with you on your travels can also help to reduce stress and anxiety. This can be as simple as your dog’s favorite toy, or a blanket that smells like you tucked into your cat’s carrier. The more familiar you can keep things during travel, the less change your pet will have to face, helping to ease them into a new location. If your pet easily becomes stressed, especially during flights or car rides, it’s also a good idea to speak with your vet. They can prescribe a sedative that may help make travel a bit easier.
Holiday travel is exciting and at times, stressful. Luckily, traveling with your pets doesn’t have to add to it. Make sure to have a plan, a few key items, and some familiar objects to help your pet transition smoothly between locations. By taking a few extra precautions, you can make sure everyone enjoys their holidays with a wagging tail.
