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Helpful Tips for Traveling with Pets

February 8, 2017 by Mary Telesz

Traveling with PetsWhen it comes to vacations, more Americans than ever are taking along their four-legged companions. A recent study by Trip Advisor found than more than half of pet owners in the United States take their cats and dogs with them when they travel. The results of this study are not surprising to anyone who shares their home with a pet. After all, dogs and cats are part of our families — why should we not take them with us when we hit the road?

The good news is that there are more pet-friendly travel options than ever before, with hotels and rental home owners offering accommodations for most pets and more alternatives for other types of travel with pets. But even with these additional choices, a smart pet owner will take advantage of these tips to make the most of traveling with pets.

Pre-Traveling with Pets Preparation

While traveling with pets can be fun, a poorly-planned trip can be stressful for your cat or dog — and potentially disastrous for you. That is why it is so important to spend time getting both yourself and your pet ready for travel.

Start with a consultation with your veterinarian. This can be done at a regular check-up, or at a special appointment if you have any particular health concerns. Your vet can address your pet’s overall health and ability to travel safety. He or she should also talk about things that you should watch for at a particular location, such as how hot sand at a beach may affect your dog’s paws, or how being isolated in a crate while may create anxiety for your pet. Tell your vet where you will be traveling and how you will get there, and ask for tips on how to make the experience a successful one. You may also want to consider asking your vet for a microchip, which can help locate your pet in case he or she is somehow lost during transit.

Next, stock up on gear to help ensure that your pet is comfortable and well-nourished during the trip. If you’re driving, put together an emergency first-aid kit for your pet, similar to what you likely have on hand for humans. This should include tweezers, gauze and a strip of fabric that could act as a muzzle if your pet is hurt or could be used to bind a wound until a veterinarian can treat an injury. A spill-proof water bowl is a must for both air and car travel, so that your pet can remain hydrated as he or she travels. In addition, make sure that you have food available for your pet, which can be given in collapsible bowls. You should also consider purchasing some type of calming aid to help your dog or cat remain calm on the plane or in a car. Popular brands include Adaptil for dogs and Comfort Zone Feliway for cats; experiment with a few brands in advance to see what works best for your pet. A favorite toy or blanket can also help to keep your pet both calm and occupied. If you’re driving in the car, you should purchase a restraint harness that allows you to buckle your pet into your vehicle. This will keep both you and your pet safe, as it will prevent them from jumping onto you while you are driving, and will keep them secure in the event of an accident. Finally, your travel kit should include items such as bags to clean up after your pet, disposable litter boxes, and wipes to help keep your pet clean and happy while traveling.

Finally, do a trial run so that you know how your pet will handle a long trip. Your pet may be used to short trips around town, but may not be accustomed to spending hours cooped up in a crate or inside of a moving vehicle. While it may not be practical to drive your pet around for hours or to book him on a short flight, you can get your dog or cat used to a crate or to wearing a harness. Take your pet on a few slightly longer trips to determine if they get motion sick or anxious. You can then use this experience to better plan for a longer trip in the future.

Driving with Your Pets

When it comes to traveling with pets, driving may seem to be the easiest option. Your dog or cat can get out often, can be right with their humans, and won’t be around other strange pets. But even driving in a familiar vehicle can be stressful for a pet, particularly on longer car rides. That is why you should always take care to prepare well in advance of any road trip with a pet.

While it may seem silly, pets should always be restrained while in a vehicle. This will prevent driver distraction and injury to your pet. In an accident, an unrestrained pet can be seriously hurt or even killed. Even if you do not collide with another vehicle, a quick stop or a sharp turn can throw your pet around, resulting in injuries. There are numerous choices available for keeping your pet safe while in a vehicle. This can include a pet seat belt (safety harness), a car seat specifically designed for pets, a pet barrier, or a travel crate. Find a solution that works for you and your pet ahead of time; it will help to keep you both safe and happy while on the road.

Next, make sure that you have plenty of food and water for your pet while on the road. Even in an air-conditioned car, your pet may get thirsty. Keep a gallon of cold water ready to offer to your pet, ideally in a spill-proof bowl so that your pet can drink during the trip. Plan for regular stops to let your pet take a bathroom break and get some exercise. Remember that a tired pet will often sleep through travel, so make sure to play with your pet or take him for a walk before getting into the car, and take advantage of rest stops to let your dog or cat get some fresh air. Don’t forget to pack a leash to make sure that your pet stays safe in busy rest stops and picnic areas!

Finally, follow common sense safety precautions to keep your pet healthy while traveling. Never leave your pet in the car on a warm day. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside of a car can quickly reach lethal levels. Always bring your pet with you when you leave the vehicle, and if you aren’t going to a place where your pet can be, consider other alternatives to traveling with your pet, such as a kennel or staying with family or friends.

Air Travel with Pets

When it comes to traveling with pets via plane, the key is advance preparation. You likely will not have contact with your dog or cat while en route, so be sure to do everything that you can in advance to help them get through the flight comfortably and safely.

First, carefully consider whether your pet is able to fly. Older cats and dogs, puppies and kittens and pets with health issues may not be able to fly. In those situations, it is best to leave your pet at home rather than risk problems on the flight. You should also thoroughly research airlines before booking a spot for your pet. Some airlines have a higher incidence of pets being lost, or of dogs and cats suffering injuries or even dying on flights. Your research should also include looking at the rules and regulations for each airline; some may have specific requirements for travel that you cannot meet. If you are concerned about putting your pet on a regular flight, consider booking a flight on an airline that caters to pets, such as Pet Airways.

Once the travel has been planned, you should get everything in order for the flight itself. This includes gathering all necessary documentation, such as proof of vaccination, and making sure that your pet has an ID tag and/or a microchip to reduce the risk of your dog or cat being lost. Next, prepare the pet carrier for travel. Make sure that your pet can stand in the crate, and have him or her spend some time in it beforehand. Purchase spill-proof water and good containers, and make sure to have familiar bedding and toys available.

On the day of the flight, be sure to take your pet for a walk or play with him or her beforehand to help them relax and get some exercised before putting them into a crate. This may help them sleep during the trip, which will make the process less stressful for them.

By taking these basic precautions and preparing in advance of any travel, you can help to ensure that traveling with pets is successful for both you and your furry companions. If you believe that your pet may not be able to handle a long trip, consider contact a pet care professional about pet walking or sitting services while you are away.

Filed Under: Travel

Contact Paw Pals for More Information

Paw Pals specializes in professional dog walking, dog sitting, and pet sitting services. One of our reliable, adult staff members will keep your pet safe, while providing your pet the love and care they need when you are away. Contact us to learn more!

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Paw Pals Pet Sitting, LLC
14001-C Saint Germain Drive #213
Centreville, VA 20121
(703) 345-1695

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Paw Pals Pet Sitting
Paw Pals Pet Sitting
4.9
Taylor Smith
Taylor Smith
21:22 03 Oct 21
I never worry when Mary and team take care of my dog!
Michæl Silva
Michæl Silva
21:38 01 Jul 22
Mary at Paw Pals Pet Sitting is the greatest! She has helped me train my pooch Chico how play nice with other dogs and for that I am extremely grateful! A+A+A+A+A+A
Kwi Kim
Kwi Kim
22:37 17 Jun 22
I hired Paw Pals based on my sister’s referral. Meet & greet was very thorough and detailed. I was surprised that my finicky cat came to check the sitter out. Subsequently, a sitter watched my cat over several separate visits, and it was clear through the visit reports that my cat loved the sitter. All the visits were completed having followed my directions & with professionalism.I would highly recommend Paw Pals to anyone who’s looking for a dependable, personable, & professional sitter.
Joseph Walter
Joseph Walter
19:55 13 Jun 22
Paw Pals provided a large number of photos of our pets along with a personalized message on how our pets were doing with every single visit. I would highly recommend using Paw Pals, we'll be continuing to use them whenever we go on vacation.
Ashley Manning
Ashley Manning
09:50 11 Jun 22
Highly recommend as pet sitters!Initially, a sitter from the company will visit the house to meet the pets and learn where everything is. Tatiana took careful notes and we got her some spare keys.While we are away, Paw Pals sends sitters to come and look after our boys. They feed them, scoop litter, bring in mail and packages, and they will even manage trash, recycling, blinds and lights so that everything is comfortable for our kitties. Each time they check in, we receive an email message with updates and pictures, which is so comforting when we are on the road.Also, if you don’t let Paw Pals know when you are home, they assume something has happened and will continue to care for your babies. If something were to happen, I know they would be okay.Five stars for Paw Pals!
Brian Wood
Brian Wood
04:08 22 May 22
We have used Paw Pals for a number of years now and would highly recommend to anyone looking for help with their pets. Great communication from owner Mary and flexibility to make adjustments in schedule as life changes over time. Have had a consistent set of walkers who have gotten to know our pup and the various walking routes around our neighborhood quite well.
Lesley Bush
Lesley Bush
13:58 18 Mar 22
We can't rave enough about Paw Pals. They took care of our 18 year old Cat and 20 year old Chinchilla while we were away and when our flight got cancelled, they were so accommodating and available last minute for an extra day. We worked with Jen to coordinate visits from Miko and Danny. I loved the pictures and updates on how our Lil geriatric guys were doing. Thanks a million, Paw Pals!! Our special pets were so well cared for.
Sebastian Barnes
Sebastian Barnes
01:06 17 Jan 22
I have used Paw Pals for several trips over the last few months, and they have been phenomenal every time! Mary is extremely kind and responsive, and she makes sure that my cat and dog have the care that they need every time I am out of town. All of the pet sitters that I've had have been incredibly sweet to my pets, and they treat them like their own! Will gladly continue using Paw Pals every time I need a sitter.
Julie Shildt
Julie Shildt
17:45 14 Nov 21
It has been a pleasure doing business with paw pals. We have used this company for several trips we have taken over the past 6 months. They have been wonderful caretakers for our 2 cats. Anytime there is ever a question they don't hesitate to give us a call and they leave the best notes and pictures in the emailed report of each visit. We are so glad have found such a great company.
Andrea Hall
Andrea Hall
22:45 03 Oct 20
I wasn't sure about hiring a new doggie walker service... after all they are our kiddos... my babies were in great hands and I felt relaxed having them in their care. Thank you for everything!
Katie McCune
Katie McCune
19:19 15 Jul 21
I honestly cannot recommend Mary and her whole crew enough! We started using Mary originally about 7 years ago to stop by occasionally when our Aussie Lana was younger. Over the next couple years Lana stayed with Mary and her family for a couple weekends when we went on vacation. When we moved to our new house in Manassas, Lana stayed with Sam, who lives in Manassas, overnight for moving day, and did great. Right before the pandemic, we adopted our second Aussie, Goose, and Mary recommended a fantastic trainer for him.We now have weekly walks for the dogs, and they love all of their walkers! Trevor, Paul, Hazel, Sofie, and probably a couple others have helped Goose get used to more people, and have helped my husband and me when our schedules are crazy.Paw Pals is our go-to for any help with our dogs, so I highly recommend them!
Alexandra Hill
Alexandra Hill
22:43 23 May 21
I was a nervous mommy to leave my cats with a sitter service for the first time. Paw Pals went above and beyond to care for my cats and ease a nervous mommy. I already made a reservation to use them again!
Cindy Welgoss
Cindy Welgoss
13:12 27 Nov 20
We have been using Paw Pals for several years, and through a variety of pets that we have loved. Mary and her team have always been *exceptional* in every way. They are professional, courteous, and truly love our fur family! Mary herself is an organized and stellar administrator of her pet care business, keeping detailed records of our pet’s needs, scheduled pet visits, payments, and balance due easy to keep track of as the pet owner. The pet caretaking team is reliable and trustworthy. When our dogs see any of their Paw Pal friends, they get SO excited to see them! Follow up comments are left via text to keep the pet owner informed of the visit and how the pets are faring. Paw Pals has allowed our family the peace of mind to leave our pets at home, for work, weekend getaways and longer times away when necessary, where they are the most comfortable and familiar. We are grateful to Mary and her team for giving us the ability to enjoy pet ownership without feeling tied down. The responsibility of having pets comes with the need to keep them safe and comfortable at all times, and Mary and her team affords us this when our family has to be away.
Dr Tammy Cashion
Dr Tammy Cashion
21:11 12 Mar 19
We have used Paw pals pet sitting on multiple occasions for our bunnies while we are away. Many pet sitters are not interested in small pets however; Mary and her team, are amazing and we trust her implicitly! We are very happy with the outstanding service we have received from her team including texts and photos of our pets when we are out of town. They always go the extra mile and we highly recommend them!
Kristin Conrad
Kristin Conrad
16:00 16 Nov 19
We are so grateful we found Mary and her team at Paw Pals. They are exceptionally responsive, amazingly organized and detail-oriented.We have such peace of mind when we travel knowing our home and pets are so well cared for. Paw Pals is the best pet sitting service we’ve used, and we’re so happy we found them.
Katie Russell
Katie Russell
15:01 17 May 20
Paw Pals is fantastic! I have had a great experience with Mary! Compassionate, professional, responsive, and prompt! Thank you!
Phillip Evans
Phillip Evans
14:38 11 Jul 20
When we adopted our new dog in January, Paw Pals agreed to walk her and give her some outside time so she wasn't in the crate all day. She loved her dog walker and you could see her excitement every time the walker showed up. We moved out of the area but would recommend Paw Pals to anyone needing someone to care for their pets.
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