Between the long lines, inevitable weather delays, and general stress that accompanies the holidays, traveling anytime from November through early January can sometimes be about as fun as receiving coal in your stocking.
Add traveling with a beloved pet to the holiday mix and the stress has the potential to increase exponentially – for you and your pet.
“Everything is louder, busier, and less predictable for you and your pet,” says Lindsey Hall, owner of Lindsey Hall PR and a cat mom who has taken her adult cat to about 15 countries. “Your own stress level impacts your pet. Animals feed off our energy…If you’re rushed, anxious, and overloaded with bags, your pet will feel that.”
Despite these challenges, many pet parents intend to bring their beloved companions along when hitting the road (or taking to the skies) over the coming weeks.
A newly released holiday survey found that even with the potential issues, a majority of pet parents (54 percent), plan to travel with their pets this holiday season.
The same study, conducted by the pet advice app Kinship, found that very few pet owners are willing to brave air travel with their pets: 51 percent said they are traveling by car for the holidays, while only 3 percent are taking planes. (Sounds like pet parents have gotten the memo about the challenges of flying with furry friends.)
No matter which type of transport is involved, one in six pet parents admits to feeling extremely stressed while planning travel.
If holiday travel with a pet is in your future, read on for tips from experts to help manage the logistics of your journey (and hopefully ease some of that dreaded stress.)
Decide if your pet should travel, not just if they can
It’s understandable to want to bring a beloved pet on your holiday getaway. Prior to embarking on a journey however, it’s a good idea to find out whether your pet is really up for the trip.
“Before anything else, talk with your vet about your pet’s age, health and temperament,” says Hall. “Some senior pets or anxious animals may be better off staying with a sitter or at-home care rather than navigating travel chaos.”
Start planning as early as possible
Spontaneous holiday travel and and being a pet owner do not necessarily go hand-in-hand. Experts suggest that if you’re traveling with a pet for the holidays, it’s best to start preparing well ahead of time.
“As soon as you know you’ll be traveling for the holidays, you should start preparing. We typically suggest getting started weeks or even months in advance,” says Valerie Neyra, of WorldCare Pet Transport, a global pet relocation and animal shipping company.
Those preparations should include obtaining whatever paperwork or vaccinations may be necessary to travel with your pet. If you’re traveling internationally, for instance, it’s a good idea to ensure your pet has a valid health certificate (as most airlines require this), along with an up-to-date rabies vaccination.
“Many countries have specific entry requirements that you might not be aware of, including additional vaccines, blood tests, or health certificates,” says Terra Baykal of travel insurance provider World Nomads. “Some destinations require documentation issued within tight time frames or specific treatments administered by an accredited professional.”
Missing even one step of this process could mean getting held up at customs or, worse, being denied entry entirely, making it essential to research your destination’s pet import rules early and ensure your furry companion is fully prepared.
The good news? In many major cities there are veterinarians specializing in international pet travel that can guide you through the process, ensuring all health requirements and paperwork are handled correctly and on time, says Baykal.
Book the pet before you book yourself
If you intend to fly with a pet, know that airlines limit the number of animals allowed on board. Meaning: Before committing cash to a ticket for yourself, be sure your pet will be able to get on that flight also.
“I’ve learned this the hard way so many times. Check your flights before booking,” advises Hall. “Airlines cap how many animals can be in the cabin per flight. And that can fill up fast. Call or book online to add your pet as soon as you choose your route, then confirm you have a spot in the cabin.”
Select the simplest travel route possible
Again, flying with pets can be a challenging experience on many levels. To help minimize the potential for hiccups, try to book the most straightforward, shortest flight path.
“Prioritize non-stop flights whenever you can or tighter layovers, within reason,” suggests Hall.
Selecting earlier, morning departures can be a wise choice as well, as the first flight of the morning is less likely to get delayed.
Crate train your pet early
If your pet is flying and they haven’t already been crate trained, it’s crucial to do so in advance of the trip.
“Place the crate in a common space in your home and reward your pet with cuddles and treats when they enter or rest in the crate, so they begin to see it as a safe, comfortable space,” says Neyra.
It’s also a good idea to line the crate with cozy bedding and put some treats inside, turning it into a familiar and safe space.
Before traveling, set the stage for a smooth transition
Pet owners can help their cats or dogs feel more secure prior to travel by sticking to
their normal routine. That includes maintaining regular feeding times, enrichment, and play
sessions to provide a sense of normalcy amid the typical travel chaos.
“Travel can be stressful, even more so when you have a curious or
sensitive cat or dog to consider,” says Dr. Wailani Sung, MS, PhD, DVM, DACVB, a board-certified
veterinary behaviorist and senior director of animal admissions and
wellbeing at the animal rescue and adoption foundation Joybound People & Pets. “Whether you’re going across town or
traveling to another state, a little preparation can go a long way in
keeping your furry family members feeling safe and calm.”
On the day of travel itself, it’s a good idea to set up what Sung calls a “quiet room.” This should be a peaceful, closed-off room in your house that keeps your pet away from the hustle and
bustle of the travel preparations taking place and most importantly, prevents escape
attempts.
Pack a dedicated “pet go-bag”
Just like you pack yourself a carryon full of needed items, be sure
to have a similar bag for your pet with all of its essential must-haves.
“At minimum, I recommend extra food and treats in case of delays,
collapsible bowls and a water bottle, medications and copies of
prescriptions,” says Hall.
Additional items to pack include bags to pick up pet waste, a spare
leash, harness with ID tags, and a recent photo of the pet. You might
also want to bring a few puppy pads or a spare towel for pet accidents.
Travel with small pets in the airplane cabin
Circling back to flying with a pet, whenever possible, bring your pet into the cabin with you for the journey.
“My cat’s always with me in the cabin,” says Hall, who only selects airlines that provide this option. “If your pet is small enough, cabin travel in an airline-approved soft carrier under the seat is almost always safer and less stressful than cargo [travel.]”
Keep your pet secure in the car
Are you driving to your holiday destination? Always transport your pet in a secure
carrier or belted in pet seat in the backseat, advises Sung.
“Never let your pet roam
freely inside the vehicle, no matter how mellow they usually are, it’s
dangerous for both of you,” Sung explains.
Research pet-friendly lodging carefully
Making it to your intended destination safely is only part of the planning. You’ll also want to do plenty of advance research surrounding lodging options when traveling with a pet, particularly if you’re staying at a hotel.
“Prior to booking a reservation at a pet-friendly hotel or homestay, read the fine print,” says Julie Castle, CEO of Best Friends Animal Society, a national animal welfare organization. “Weight limits or breed restrictions can prohibit certain dogs [at a hotel] and extra fees can add up to a lot of extra cost in a short amount of time.”
Avoid these type of spiraling hotel costs by instead looking for low- or no-cost pet-friendly lodging options, advises Castle.
One more note on hotel stays with pets, some won’t let guests leave their pets in a room unattended. Or they may require a crate for the pet if their humans are out. Make sure you know what all the rules are before you arrive for your holiday stay.
“Pets provide great companionship, especially during stressful times like the holidays,” says Castle. “Sometimes it can be very challenging or cost-prohibitive to find a pet sitter or a boarding facility, so bringing your pet along makes more sense, especially if you can find pet-friendly accommodations that make travel comfortable for people and for pets.”
“The most important thing to remember when traveling with pets is to ensure not just their comfort, but their safety,” adds Castle. “By doing so, you’ll create a memorable holiday for both you and your pet.”
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