Traveling is a wonderful and fulfilling way to spend your time, and bringing your pet along can make it extra special. However, traveling with pets can get a little complicated. You’ll need to do some careful planning and a little extra preparation.
This guide to traveling with pets will help you double-check to make sure you’ve thought of everything.
Six Things You Need to Do Before You Travel with Your Pet
1: Make sure your pet is healthy enough to join you.
Some pets might not be able to handle travel, for a variety of reasons. Things like the change in pressure during a flight, long rides in a cramped car, or the stress of new places can be difficult for some animals. Checking with your veterinarian that your pet is healthy enough for travel can help prevent emergencies. They can also provide solutions for anxious pets.
2: Save a little extra for your trip.
Traveling can be expensive in general, and traveling with your pet adds some additional costs. Airlines and trains will often add fees for bringing your pet with you. Hotels might also have pet service charges. Pets also require their own things, which can mean extra baggage fees as well.
3: Research your destination.
Some towns—like our community in Gilbert, Arizona—are relatively pet-friendly. We have plenty of restaurants that allow pets on the patio, and trails that allow pets on and off leash. However, some other places might not be as pet-friendly as we are. Research will help you decide if your destination will be welcoming or make your trip miserable for your pet.
4: Check, then triple-check your reservations.
Airlines, trains, hotels, and restaurants all have different rules and regulations. Checking these regulations is important. You need to know in advance what documentation you’ll need, if your pet must be in a carrier, and which rules you need to follow.
It is important to note that airlines and hotels are able to change these rules at any time. This means that reservations made a year ahead might have changed by the time you travel. For example, your airline might need different documentation at your time of travel than when you created the reservation.
5: Make several copies of all important documents.
When you travel, it is important to carry documentation of your pet’s vaccinations, medications, and other health-related information. We also recommend keeping a copy of their chip number and pet licence (if your county requires one). Multiple copies may be necessary if an airline or hotel needs to keep a copy for their records.
6: Pack with intention and be prepared for emergencies.
Make sure to pack everything your pet might need during the trip. This can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and help prevent emergencies when you’re far from home. Find the closest emergency veterinarians and the nearest places to buy your pet’s food or medical supplies. This way, if something unforeseen happens, you’ll be prepared.
What to Pack for Your Pet When You Travel
Documentation
- Pet ID tags and microchip information.
- Vaccination records (especially rabies vaccinations).
- Medication lists and medical care instructions.
Medications
- Pack enough of any important medications for the number of days you are gone, plus three extra days. (This is to ensure that if there are travel delays or accidents, you have enough.)
- Bring a pet first aid kit, as well, so you’re prepared for any situation or any emergency.
Food and Water
- Pack enough of their daily kibble or canned food for three days. Bring extra if your pet is on a special diet or their brand of food is hard to find.
- Don’t forget the treats!
- Bottled water, just in case there are no drinking fountains available.
Extra Odds and Ends
- Poop bags, of course.
- Extra leashes and harnesses.
- A favorite toy and a blanket for comfort.
- Sweaters for cold days, or life jackets for water adventures.
What About International Travel?
Traveling with your pet internationally (or to Hawaii) is a little more complicated than traveling domestically. That is because different countries have different guidelines on what is allowed, how long pets need to be quarantined, and other specifications. Traveling internationally with a pet might only be worth it if you are leaving for months at a time, or moving to another country permanently.
Expert Veterinary Care in Gilbert, Arizona
Knowing your pets are healthy enough for travel is one of the best ways to enjoy a vacation with your furry family members. Here at East Valley Animal Hospital, we offer the best in preventive care. Whether you need pet vaccinations, recommendations for treating anxious pets, or a general health appraisal, our highly trained veterinarians are here to help. Contact us today to make an appointment!
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/29/25). Photo by Patrick Rosenkranz on Unsplash