Are you planning to travel with your pet during the holiday season? Do you want to learn some important pet safety tips to keep your furry friend safe while you’re on the road together? If so, you’re not alone!

In this article, we’ll walk you through some of the most important steps you can take to protect your pet during your travels. Read through this information to get a basic idea of how to begin, and don’t forget to look up specific information related to your hotels, flights, or other travel needs along the way.

Traveling with pets doesn't have to be stressful. Read on to help keep your pet calm and safe during your holiday travels. Remember, VEG is open 24 hours a day in case of pet emergency.

6 Pet Safety Tips for Traveling with Your Pet During the Holidays

Pet owners commonly choose to bring their pets with them when they travel during the holidays, whether that be to visit family members, friends or simply going on vacation. If you do decide to travel with your pet, it’s important to know what to do to help ensure your trip is as safe and relaxing as possible for him.

Below are 6 holiday travel pet safety tips pet parents should keep in mind when planning their trips:

Use an Appropriate Pet Travel Carrier

First and foremost, make sure you have an appropriate, safe carrier for your pet. It should be well-ventilated and large enough for them, but not so large that they will jostle around inside it. A general rule of thumb is that your pet should be able to stand and turn around comfortably within the carrier.

Pet carriers for airplane travel

Pet carriers for the airlines will need to meet different requirements than those for car travel. Take your time and do your research to figure out which features your carrier needs for the safety of your pet.

Take Practice Trips with Your Pet

Your pet might not be experienced with traveling. If this is the case, you may need to take some practice trips to see how your pet will behave before you plan a longer trip. If you can afford to do so, try spending the night in a hotel with your pet close to your home. This way, you can judge how he will behave in this type of environment.

If staying in a hotel for a night is not an option, take some longer car trips with your pet to see how he does during lengthier travel. A day trip to a different dog park, beach, or state park in your area might be a good solution.

The feel and scent of their own bed will help calm and comfort pets during vacation.

Bring Your Pet’s Bed on Trips

If your pet has a bed that he sleeps on at home, or even if they just have a favorite blanket or pillow, be sure to bring it along for the trip. This bed will smell like your pet and will remind them of the comforts of home, which can make them much calmer during your travels together.

Be sure your pet has access to this bed any time when they aren’t confined to their crate. Some pets may also prefer to have the bed in the crate or carrier with them; however, others may soil the bed while traveling, so it may be best to avoid this unless you know for sure your pet will not go to the bathroom on their bed.

Give Your Pet Their Own Space When Traveling

Your pet most likely has a space that he can call his own in your home. However, when you’re on the road with them, they won’t have access to this space anymore, and this may stress them out. Another important holiday travel pet safety tip is to provide your pet with a small, comfortable place they know is safe and secure for naps and just getting away from it all.

Some pets are perfectly comfortable in their carriers (with the door open) for this purpose. Others may need a secure crate or a small corner of the room that can be theirs, even temporarily.

Change as Little as Possible if Traveling with Pet

If your pet is used to their routine at home, then it’s important to keep that up as much as possible. If your pet is able to engage in their normal routine, it won’t feel as strange that they are not in their normal environment.

Some ways you can keep your pet’s routine the same include taking them to go to the bathroom at the same times as you would at home, feeding them the same food on the same schedule, and having plenty of playtime and enrichment time with them as well. It’s also important to limit their contact with strangers until they settle down somewhat on the trip.

New, unexpected surroundings can cause anxiety. Be patient and follow our tips to help your pet have a happy and safe trip!

Vacationing with Your Pet? Be Patient With Them

One of the most important holiday travel pet safety tips to keep in mind is to be patient. Understand that your pet is going to be nervous during these travels. Even if they’re a seasoned pro at traveling with you, there may be times when they are more nervous than they would be at home, and this is perfectly normal.

Be patient with your pet as well as with yourself during this time. Traveling and the holidays can be stressful for everyone, but your pet will be looking to you for guidance.

ID TAGS AND GPS TRACKER FOR PETS

Bonus Tip! Get an ID Tag for Your Dog and All Pets and Use a GPS Tracking System for Pets

Stay connected for their safety and your peace of mind:

Put an ID Tag on Your Pet

A little ID tag can go a long way in protecting your pet if they get lost. A simple collar around their neck lets everyone know that they have a family waiting for them at home. You’ll want to include some key information on the tag to make it easier for your pet to be found.

Data to include on your pet's ID tag:

• Your pet’s name

• Your name and phone number

• Your street address

Keep Your Pet's Microchip Up to Date

Unlike collars which can sometimes slip off, microchips stay with your pet for life. That’s why, if present, it’s important to keep the information on it up to date. Whether you’ve adopted/rehomed a new pet or you’ve moved into a new home or changed your number – it just takes a few minutes to do and it can make all the difference in getting your pet back to you.

Track Your Pet With a GPS

For some extra peace of mind, a GPS tracker is the most effective way to know your dog’s or cat’s live location at any time. Most trackers sync with your phone and notify you if your pet wanders away from home, no matter how far you may be. 

With a GPS tracker you can also learn about your pet’s daily routine; from your cat’s exercise and sleep patterns right down to how frequently your dog barks. Some trackers also provide reports on areas that may be dangerous to your pet based on reviews by other pet parents in the neighborhood  – this way, you can keep an eye out and help your furry friend avoid risks such as poisonous plants or active traffic.

Whether hitting the beach or hiking in the mountains, think about microchipping beforehand.

VEG EMERGENCY VET HOSPITAL IS OPEN 24/7 TO HELP YOUR PET

If your pet becomes very anxious or carsick on long car rides, it might be a good idea to speak to your vet for a mild sedative, anti-anxiety medication, or anti-nausea medication for the trip. Your primary care vet can give you more information specific to your pet’s needs.

It's also a good idea to know the who and where the closest emergency vet is during your travels as well as when you’re at your destination.

With locations all over the country, our team at VEG is here for you and your pet whenever you need us, day or night. All of our locations are open 24 hours, on holidays too, so you never have to wait to get your pet the help they need.