Common Pet Travel Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Are you looking to take your pet on a trip with you? That's a great idea—until you realize how fast things can go wrong. Pet travel mistakes aren't unheard of. In fact, they happen a lot more often than you think and can result in stress, delays, and even potential risks to your pet's well-being. Lucky for you, avoiding the most common pitfalls is 100% possible. Provided you prepare for the trip in advance, that is. That being said, we'll show you how you can do so perfectly, all so you can make your next adventure enjoyable for both you and your furry friend!
Pet travel requirements 101
There’s a lot more to traveling with your pet than simply packing their food and favorite toys. Without proper planning, things can quickly become overwhelming, leading to unexpected issues that could affect your and your pet’s well-being. One such issue is stress colitis, a condition where stress triggers inflammation in the colon, causing diarrhea, lethargy, and discomfort. Some of the causes of stress colitis include changes in the environment, disruptions in routine, and anxiety triggered by travel itself. Seeing as 53% of travelers don't leave for vacation without their pets, it's important to take precautions to minimize stress and health risks.
Keeping that in mind, here's what you should research and take care of before hitting the road—or boarding a flight—with your fur ball.
- Travel regulations. Every airline, train, and accommodation has different policies regarding pet travel. Failing to check these could result in denied boarding, unexpected fees, or having to leave your pet behind. The latter, we are sure, is the last thing you want.
- Health requirements. Some destinations require specific vaccinations, health certificates, or even quarantine periods. Therefore, it’s crucial you check what’s needed well in advance to avoid last-minute surprises.
- Pet identification. A collar and tag are not enough. Rather, have your pet microchipped. Also, make sure all your contact details are current in case they get lost during the trip.
- Comfort essentials. Unfamiliar surroundings can be stressful for pets. That said, have their favorite blanket, toy, or a familiar item, preferably one that smells like you, on hand to comfort them en route.
- Emergency contacts. Research nearby vets at your destination and compile their contact information in case of a medical emergency.
Pet travel mistakes [+tips to avoid them]
Pet travel mistakes can happen despite your best intentions. Most mistakes don't cause major problems. But some can escalate to the point of affecting your travel plans and your pet's comfort and safety, thereby causing stress. The kind of stress that you can luckily prevent by planning ahead. Below, we’ll walk you through the most common mistakes pet owners make and, more importantly, how you can avoid them.
Not researching pet travel regulations
Every travel method—whether by plane, train, or automobile—has different pet policies, as we mentioned. Unfortunately, many pet owners assume that rules are universal, only to find out too late that their pet doesn’t meet travel requirements. Some airlines, for example, have breed restrictions, weight limits, or strict pet carrier specifications that must be met.
How to avoid it: Always—and we mean always—check the travel regulations specific to your mode of transport and destination. This may include looking up airline policies, train guidelines, pet-friendly accommodations, etc. This way, you can be certain everything is in order before departure.
Choosing the wrong travel carrier
A poorly chosen carrier can make travel uncomfortable, not to mention unsafe for your fluff ball. Common mistakes include selecting a carrier that's:
- Too small
- Lacks proper ventilation
- Not airline-approved
How to avoid it: Invest in a high-quality, well-ventilated carrier that allows your pet to sit, stand, and turn comfortably. It’s also a good idea to get them used to the carrier before the trip by letting them spend short periods inside with positive reinforcement.
Skipping a vet check-up
No matter how well your pet seems, that doesn't mean they're 100% ok to travel. Even if everything's good with their health, they could be missing required travel documents. Ones that only vets can provide. Thus, skipping a vet visit before a trip is an absolute no-no.
How to avoid it: If possible, schedule an appointment with your pet's vet several months before the trip, or at the very least, weeks. This is the perfect time to update vaccinations, discuss anxiety management, and obtain any necessary health certificates required for the journey.
Feeding too close to departure
Feeding your furball right before travel might seem like a good idea. Wrong! Doing so can lead to motion sickness, discomfort, and unnecessary travel accidents.
How to avoid it: Feed your pet a light meal at least 3 to 4 hours before the trip. This should give them enough time to digest their food, minimizing the risks of travel-related digestive issues.
Failing to plan rest stops
Pets, much like children, can only stay put for long. So, if you're traveling by car, it's wise to plan for a rest stop every once in a while. Failure to do so can cause discomfort, restlessness, and potentially even accidents inside the vehicle.
How to avoid it: Stop for rest every 2 to 3 hours to allow your pet to stretch, hydrate, and relieve themselves. Choose pet-friendly rest areas, if possible.
Ready for a paw-some adventure?
Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience—if you plan it right, that is. By avoiding the common pet travel mistakes we talked about, you’ll ensure a smoother journey, fewer surprises, and a happier pet.
So, remember to:
- Research travel regulations ahead of time.
- Choose an adequate carrier.
- Schedule a visit with the vet.
- Plan meals and rest stops carefully to avoid discomfort.
At the end of the day, your pet relies on you to make travel as enjoyable as possible. A little extra effort now will go a long way in creating some paws-itive memories for the both of you.
