Plan Ahead
Planning is the key to traveling stress-free with your furry friend. Research pet-friendly hotels, attractions, and restaurants, then create a packing list of everything you’ll need for your trip. If you are away from home for an extended period, arrange for someone to check on or care for your pet while you’re gone–this can be as simple as asking a neighbor or friend if they’d like some extra cash by taking care of the lawn once in a while!
Choose the Right Mode of Transportation
When traveling with your furry friend, it’s essential to consider the mode of pet transportation you’ll use. While air travel has become more accommodating for pets in recent years, there are still some restrictions on what kind of animals can fly and how much space they need in their carrier.
- Cost: If money is no object and you want to go first-class, all the way, then book a private jet or helicopter! But if cost is a factor (and who isn’t watching their budget these days?), plenty of other options will get your pet from point A to point B just as safely and comfortably.
- Comfort: The last thing anyone wants after spending hours cooped up in an airplane cabin or car seat is an unhappy pet who has been traumatized by his journey into unfamiliar territory–and vice versa! You might want to consider taking public transportation instead so that both human companions can enjoy themselves while traveling together without having to worry about being separated from each other at any point during the trip; this also makes sense if one person has limited mobility issues due to injury or illness but still wants access.
Prepare Your Pet for the Trip
Before you and your pet head out on the road, ensuring they are prepared for their trip is essential.
- Make sure your pet has up-to-date vaccinations. The vaccine will help them stay healthy while traveling, which can be stressful without being sick!
- Bring along their favorite toys and treats: Your dog may not want to eat what you’re eating, so bring along some special treats just for them–and if they have a favorite toy or blanket (or two), remember those too!
- Plan for any special needs they may have: If your cat is used to sleeping in a particular spot every night at home but then gets put in another room during travel time because there aren’t enough beds available at the hotel where you’re staying overnight before heading.
