Traveling With Pets: Tips for Safe & Smooth Travels
Whether you’re heading home for the holidays, or out on a new adventure, traveling with pets is becoming increasingly common. From planes to trains to automobiles, there’s a lot to consider and ensure that you’re packing not just for the destination, but the journey at hand as well. So we asked our friend Chubbs the Pug, a seasoned traveler with over 80 flights and countless road trips logged in 6.5 years, what he recommends. Read on for some of the most important “Dos and “Don’ts” for traveling with pets.
Chubbs the Pug is a seasoned traveler with years of experience.
Plan Your Trip
First, you need to choose your destination and overall travel goals. Will you be out hiking and adventuring in a tropical forest? Relaxing in a beachside cabana? Or taking in the snowy views from a mountain getaway? Whatever the plan, making sure your pet has what they need to be comfortable is a must.
Don’t forget to pack the essentials – and we don’t just mean food, water, and bowls. Favorite toys, yummy treats, a travel-sized pet blanket or bed, and any supplements or medications your pet may need should be among the first things packed. When it comes to food, if you’re looking to travel light, you can also call ahead to your destination and look for local retailers that carry your pet’s current food brand. Don’t assume they have it in stock, though. Call ahead and ask to pre-order for pickup upon arrival to ensure you have exactly what your pet needs on vacation. No one wants an upset tummy when traveling, including your dog!
Chubbs wants to remind you to pack your Curicyn Pet Care Kit
Prepare for the Weather
Do make sure to check the weather before you go. If you’re coming from a moderate climate in a suburban setting and traveling to a remote mountain getaway, your dog may need a jacket or boots to protect them from the elements. Similarly, a beach escape in a tropical climate may mean hot sand and pavement, requiring paw protection you may not need at home. A little research and planning ahead goes a long way in ensuring that your dog enjoys the trip as much as you do.
Expect the Unexpected
Chubbs always says, “a little preparedness goes a long way.” For first-time travelers, you’ll want to check in with your mode of travel and destination to determine any paperwork such as health certificates or proof of vaccinations needed in order to travel. Having an appointment with your vet for a wellness check prior to your trip is always a good idea. Sometimes animals may hide minor issues or symptoms from their owners that a vet can uncover and resolve before you head out on your adventure. While there, you should also talk to your vet to see if they feel your pet may benefit from any medications to assist with travel. After all, not everyone travels as well as Chubbs. This is especially true for nervous dogs, or even cats. While Chubbs says he prefers to travel solely with human companions, he has seen an increase in feline passengers these days and travel always goes more smoothly with a calm, relaxed cat or dog!
Do be prepared for cuts, scrapes, and minor issues while away. Packing a TSA-approved pet first-aid kit in your carry on is a great way to be ready for anything that may happen. A broken toenail, a cut paw pad, or even irritated eyes from pressurized airplane cabins can be easily addressed with the right kit on-hand. The sooner you are able to address issues such as these, the sooner your pet can go back to enjoy the journey and the destination!
When packing a first-aid kit, make sure that any liquids are 3.4oz or 100mL or less in size, and any scissors must be less than 4” long from the pivot point. Want to take the hassle out of tracking down the components? We’ve got you covered with our Curicyn Trial Kit for short easy trips where you just need a few essentials. For more comprehensive coverage, our Pet Care Kit has everything you need in almost any situation. We even include an emergency leash in case yours breaks!
Chubb says to always be prepared. He’s ready to take over the controls in case of emergency!
Kick Back, Relax, and Enjoy!
Wherever you are headed, it’s always great to be able to travel with your pet. Planning ahead and being prepared is the best way to ensure a safe and smooth journey for all. Once you get to your destination, be sure to kick back, relax, and enjoy! You wouldn’t want all that hard work and planning to go to waste, now would you? Take it from Chubbs the Pug, be prepared to travel smart, and have fun along the way! Do you travel with your pet? Tag us on social at @Curicyn and you and your pet may be featured in a future social post. We can’t wait to see where you and your pet travel together!
Chubbs says, “Surf’s up! Vacation mode in effect!”