Traveling with pets requires more planning than traveling alone, but done right it is entirely manageable — and for many pets, far less stressful than being left behind. Whether you are driving across the country or flying internationally, the key is preparation: the right equipment, the right documentation, and a realistic understanding of your pet's individual stress tolerance.
Car Travel
Car travel is the most accessible form of pet travel and, for most dogs, the least stressful. The primary safety concern is restraint — an unrestrained dog in a vehicle is a projectile in a collision and a distraction while driving. Options:
- Crash-tested harness: The Center for Pet Safety has tested and certified several harnesses that provide genuine crash protection. Look for the CPS certification, not just marketing claims — most pet harnesses on the market have not been crash-tested.
- Secured crate: A hard-sided crate secured to the vehicle (not just placed in the cargo area) provides good protection. The crate should be sized so the pet can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
- Barrier: A cargo barrier keeps pets in the back of SUVs and wagons but provides no crash protection — it prevents distraction but does not protect the pet in a collision.
For cats, a secure carrier is essential — a loose cat in a car is dangerous for both the cat and the driver. Place the carrier on the seat with a seatbelt through the handle, or in the footwell wedged securely.
Managing Motion Sickness
Motion sickness is common in dogs, particularly puppies. Signs include drooling, yawning, whining, and vomiting. Maropitant (Cerenia) is a prescription antiemetic that is highly effective for canine motion sickness — ask your vet for a prescription before a long trip. Ginger supplements have modest evidence for mild cases. Conditioning dogs to enjoy car travel through short positive trips from puppyhood prevents motion sickness in many cases.
Air Travel
Flying with pets is more complex and carries more risk than car travel. The options depend on your pet's size:
In-Cabin Travel
Small pets (typically under 8-10kg including carrier) can travel in the cabin on most airlines, stored under the seat in front of you. The carrier must fit under the seat — measure carefully before purchasing. Book early; most airlines limit the number of in-cabin pets per flight. Fees range from $95-$200 each way on US carriers.
Cargo Travel
Larger pets must travel as checked baggage or cargo. This is significantly more stressful and carries real risks — temperature extremes, rough handling, and the stress of being alone in the hold. The American Veterinary Medical Association advises against cargo travel for pets unless absolutely necessary. If you must fly a large dog, choose direct flights, avoid extreme weather seasons, and use an airline with a strong pet safety record.
Breed Restrictions
Brachycephalic breeds (bulldogs, pugs, French bulldogs, Persian cats) are banned from cargo travel on most airlines due to their elevated risk of respiratory distress. Many airlines also restrict them in cabin during hot weather. If you have a brachycephalic pet, research restrictions carefully before booking.
Documentation and Health Requirements
Domestic US travel typically requires only proof of current rabies vaccination. International travel requirements vary enormously by destination:
- Most countries require a health certificate issued by an accredited veterinarian within 10 days of travel
- Many countries require microchipping (ISO standard 15-digit chip)
- Some countries (UK, Australia, New Zealand, Japan) have strict quarantine requirements that can last weeks to months
- The EU requires an EU pet passport or equivalent documentation
Research your destination's requirements at least 3 months before travel — some documentation processes take weeks to complete.
Hotels and Accommodation
Pet-friendly accommodation has expanded significantly, but "pet-friendly" means different things at different properties. Always confirm: weight limits (many properties cap at 25-50 lbs), breed restrictions (some ban certain breeds), fees (pet fees of $25-$150 per night are common), and whether pets can be left unattended in rooms.
Keeping Pets Calm During Travel
Anxiety during travel is common, particularly for cats and dogs with limited travel experience. Strategies that help:
- Familiarize pets with their carrier weeks before travel — feed meals inside, add familiar bedding
- Use Adaptil (dogs) or Feliway (cats) pheromone sprays in the carrier 30 minutes before travel
- For significant anxiety, discuss anti-anxiety medication with your vet — trazodone, gabapentin, or alprazolam can make travel manageable for anxious pets
- Maintain normal feeding schedules where possible; avoid feeding immediately before travel to reduce nausea risk
- Bring familiar items — a worn t-shirt, familiar bedding — that carry your scent