Whether it is a weekend road trip or a cross-country flight, safe pet travel comes down to good restraint, preparation and keeping your pet calm and comfortable.
By car
- Restrain your pet. An unrestrained pet can distract the driver and become a projectile in a crash. Use a secured carrier or a crash-tested harness attached to the seat belt. The Center for Pet Safety publishes crash-test results for some harnesses and carriers.
- Back seat only: airbags can kill a pet in the front seat.
- No heads out of windows: debris can injure eyes.
- Stop every two to three hours for a leashed walk and water.
- Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. Temperatures inside can become dangerous within minutes, even on mild days.
Choosing a carrier
- Big enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down.
- Well ventilated, secure latches, easy to clean.
- Hard-sided carriers are sturdier for cars and cargo.
- Soft-sided carriers are lighter and fit under airline seats for small pets.
- Leave the carrier out at home with a blanket and treats, so your pet sees it as a safe place rather than a sign of the vet.
By plane
- Check the airline’s rules well in advance: fees, carrier dimensions, number of pets per cabin, breed bans and temperature embargoes.
- In-cabin travel is usually allowed for small dogs and cats in a carrier under the seat.
- Cargo travel carries more risk. Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs and Persian cats have higher breathing risks, and many airlines refuse them in cargo.
- Health certificate: many airlines and states require one from a vet within a set number of days before travel. International travel can require microchips, rabies vaccines and blood tests months ahead. Check USDA APHIS guidance for your destination.
- Sedation is generally not recommended for flying because it can affect breathing and balance. Talk to your vet about anxiety options.
Travel accessories worth having
- Collapsible bowls and a water bottle
- Leash, harness and ID tags with your cell number
- Waste bags, paper towels and enzymatic cleaner
- A familiar blanket or toy
- Medications, a pet first-aid kit and a copy of vaccination records
- A seat cover or hammock for dogs in the car
- For long trips, a portable litter box for cats
Motion sickness and stress
Feed a light meal a few hours before the trip, take short practice drives, and keep the car cool and calm. Some pets do better with a vet-prescribed anti-nausea or anti-anxiety medication. Do not give human medications, see can you give a dog Tylenol.
At your destination
Keep routines, check the area for hazards, and never let your pet off-leash in an unfamiliar place. For vacation planning, see how to plan a pet-friendly vacation. If your pet slips away, see what to do when a pet goes missing.
