Adding a furry companion to your travel plans can introduce unique challenges to the experience. It doesn’t have to be that way though—you can be a savvy pet traveler and enjoy the ride with these helpful pet travel tips.
Traveling with a pet means there’s always a risk that your pet could be separated from you and become lost. Preparing for that possibility improves the chances your pet will be quickly reuniting with you. A lot of that preparation boils down to making your contact information available: A durable pet collar and ID tags with up-to-date contact info and a microchip with current contact info are indispensable for if the unexpected happens.
If you haven’t had your pet microchipped, consider doing it before traveling. A tiny computer chip roughly the size of a grain of rice is injected painlessly under your pet’s skin by your veterinarian. The chip has a unique number that can be searched on an owner database by a veterinarian in the event a lost pet is found. Also, be sure to register your pet's microchip and keep your current contact information current.
Another tip: Attach a label on your pet’s carrier with your contact information including your travel destination. Carry a recent photo of you with your pet or be sure to have one saved on your phone in case you need it to share or print.
Many dogs are given free range inside their owners’ cars. However, that can create a dangerous situation even in a low-speed collision.
Unrestrained pets can become a distraction for the driver, increasing the likelihood of a crash. In a survey sponsored by AAA and pet travel gear company Kurgo, 23% of pet owners said they had used their arms to restrain dogs while applying the brakes. Another 19% took one hand off the wheel to prevent pets from climbing onto the front seat, while 17% admitted to holding dogs in their laps during car rides.
Use a carrier or travel-specific restraining harness on your dog while inside the car. Choose a harness that fits properly and will help protect your pet in case of a collision. Importantly, don’t allow pets to sit in the front seat! An activated air bag can cause severe injury even at low speeds. Keep your pup’s head inside the car—when dogs ride with their head out the window, they can get debris in their eyes. Cats—who often don’t make good driving companions as it is—should always be in carriers.
Also never leave your pet unattended in a car. Even in the shade with windows left slightly open, cars can heat up in a very short time to life-threatening temperatures.
If you haven’t flown with pets before, then you may be unaware that pets boarding airplanes are often required to provide a current health certificate. In most cases, health certificates, which require up-to-date pet vaccinations, must be issued by a licensed veterinarian who examined the animal within 10 days of travel.
Airlines also have health and age regulations that you need to be aware of before booking a flight. Contact the airline for the most updated requirements well in advance—preferably as soon as you book your tickets.
If you and your pet are traveling for more than 10 days, you may need to have another health certificate issued. Make sure to contact the airline ahead of time for air travel guidelines so you can make arrangements, if necessary, to have your pet examined by a veterinarian at your destination.
The time at which you fly can affect the comfort of your pet’s flight. Really! If your pet is traveling in the cargo bay, it’s in their best interest to choose an early morning or late evening flights to avoid temperature extremes—hot or cold—that may affect your pet’s health.
Busy flights with lots of people and cargo can also make flying more difficult for pets. If traveling over the holidays, try leaving a day or two before or after the main rush. Always try to use direct flights whenever possible to avoid accidental transfers, delays or exposure to temperatures. Space for small pets in the cabin is limited, so book early.
Be prepared for the unexpected. Pets can get into accidents anywhere.
Before hitting the road, locate a 24-hour veterinary hospital at your destination and save the contact info on your phone for easy access. If you’re road tripping with pets to a national park or remote location, the closest veterinarian could be many miles away. However, you can get expert advice wherever and whenever you need it by downloading Nationwide VetHelpline®. This app offers Nationwide pet insurance members 24/7 access to veterinary telehealth from licensed veterinary experts.
Pets who are very young, very old, pregnant, sick, injured, prone to biting or excessive vocalizing should probably not travel. If in doubt, have a discussion with your pet's veterinary healthcare team.