Ease Your Mind When Travelling With Pets: 10 Essential Tips You Need To Know

Travelling is a great way to explore new places and cultures, but the idea of leaving your furry friend at home can dampen the excitement. Many pet owners face several challenges whilst traveling to different places including managing pet supplies, food, water and waste disposal which can be logistically difficult to mitigate, especially on long strenuous journeys or in remote areas. Travelling with pets can also incur additional costs such as transportation fees and veterinary expenses for health certificates and vaccinations. That’s why be it traveling via flight or a road trip, it is essential to do prior research to keep your pets as comfortable as possible. Luckily, we’ve got you covered, with these essential 10 tips you can learn how to plan a stress-free and enjoyable trip for you and your pets.

Why are more people travelling with pets: 

Taking your pet on vacation can seem apprehensive, but it can also be a rewarding and enjoyable experience for you and your pet. Travelling with pets allows you to spend quality time with them and strengthens your bonds. Additionally, there are more accommodating pet services such as pet-friendly hotels and restaurants, making the travel journey much easier than it was before. With more people working remotely from home or having flexible working arrangements, there is more leeway to embark on a great voyage with your pet. Travelling with pets can reduce stress, promote physical activity and even enhance the overall well-being and mood of you and your furry friend.

Tips for travelling with your furry friend:

1. Plan Ahead: Preparation is key to a successful trip! Start by researching pet-friendly accommodations and check the pet policies for airlines or other transportation services to avoid any last-minute difficulties. Adding on, research pet-friendly dining options at your destination. Many cafes and eateries provide outside seating areas where pets are welcome to stay, with some even offering special menus for your pet. This way, you don’t have to forfeit spending time with your pet whilst immersing yourself in the local cuisine. 
2. Get a pet passport: Just like when entering or exiting immigration with a passport, all travelling pets need a passport to travel. A pet passport is an official document allowing your cat or dog to travel internationally with you. The passport contains veterinary health certificates, microchip identification, import license and permits. This ensures your pet is all cleared for travel. Check with your visiting country on any specific requirements your pet needs before entering the country. If your pet is not a dog or cat, you will need special permits depending on your visiting country. 
3. Try investing in Pet Insurance: Pet Insurance can be a valuable investment in your travel journey ensuring your pet’s health and well-being whilst offering peace of mind and financial coverage of any accidents that may happen on the trip. By carefully selecting your preferred coverage option and cost for your pet, you can travel safely knowing that the best possible care is available for your furry companion.
4. Veterinary Check-up: Before embarking on your journey, schedule an appointment with your local veterinarian to ensure your pet is in good health for the trip. Update vaccinations, get a health certificate if necessary and discuss any potential travel-related concerns with your vet. Your cat or dog needs to be microchipped with updated details as well.
5. Train your Pet for Travel: Before you start your trip, ensure that your pet has gotten used to the different aspects of travel. An example can be practising long car rides in preparation for an upcoming road trip or allowing them to familiarise themselves with their pet carrier to expose them to various environments and ensure that they are at ease throughout the journey. Furthermore, positive encouragement and reinforcement through treats or snacks can help them associate travel with a more positive and happier experience. 
6. Packing lists: By creating a packing list for your pet, you will be much more able to relax on your trip, knowing you have all your essentials. Such items on the list can include a collar with an ID tag with your contact information, a comfortable carrier for your pet, or even collapsible food bowls that are fantastic for saving space.
7. Maintain a routine: Try to maintain your pet’s regular feeding and exercise schedule as much as possible, this can help keep your furry friend calm and comfortable during the trip. 
8. Bring Familiar Food: While it might be tempting to pick up pet food along the way, it’s advised to stick to your pet’s regular diet to prevent digestive issues. Sudden changes in diet can cause discomfort or stress to your pet. 
9. Know the Local Pet Laws: Familiarise yourself with the local pet laws in your arrival country. Some places may have certain leash laws, quarantine requirements or vaccine requirements so by staying on top of it, you and your pet can have a stress-free trip. 
10. Use portable pet toilets: For longer trips, consider taking a portable pet toilet with you. These can be incredibly helpful for dogs and cats, allowing them to relieve themselves without waiting for a rest stop, this makes travel much more convenient because your journey time isn’t affected by constantly taking stops for your pet.

To conclude, travelling with your pets can be anxious for some owners but with proper preparations and managing expectations, you can be on the road with your furry friends on your next trip. Keep in mind your pet’s safety, supplies and official documents. Preparing your pet to travel far will need months of preparation but it will be rewarding knowing your pet is with you at the end of your journey. Happy travels!