I love to take summer vacations with my pets. It’s a thrill to pack the car and drive to an idyllic campground in Colorado or head west to explore the off-leash dog beaches of Southern California or north to Wisconsin to splash around in refreshing lakes – checking out dog parks and pet-friendly accommodations along the way.
I’ve found a little preparation goes a long way toward making road trips as fun and stress-free as possible. In fact, planning is the key to summer travel with pets, according to veterinarian Dr. Natalie Marks.
“Many of us like to have the entire family be part of vacation plans,” she says. “We just need to take some special precautions to make sure we’re planning appropriately for the needs of our furry family members on the trip.”
Start at the Veterinarian
Dr. Marks suggests scheduling an appointment with your Fear Free veterinarian to discuss your travel plans. Make sure you have copies of your pet’s vaccination records or titer results. You may need them if you will be boarding pets or having them groomed during the trip. Keep in mind that some vaccinations, such as the one for canine influenza, require an initial injection and a booster several weeks later, so factor that into your schedule. Before traveling, check vaccination, parasite prevention, and health certificate requirements for your destination, lodging, airline, or boarding facility, especially if crossing state lines.
If your dog or cat seems stressed in the car or has experienced motion sickness, drooling, trembling, vomiting, or significant fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS) during travel, ask your veterinarian about ways to help make travel more comfortable. Behavior support, anti-nausea medications, calming aids, or situational medications may help. If you’re considering using an over-the-counter supplement for anxiety or motion sickness, mention that, too.
Dr. Marks advises stocking up on medications, such as insulin doses for pets with diabetes. If your dog or cat has a chronic illness, bring medical records as well as shot records.
If your pet isn’t already microchipped, it’s time to do so. Just as important, make sure your microchip registration includes up-to-date phone numbers and email addresses.
Your pet should also wear an ID tag with your phone number as well as an email address in case you enter an area without cell reception.
Prepping at Home
If you’ll be traveling with a cat, help them get used to their carrier before your vacation.
“If I can emphasize one thing to cat parents around the country, it’s to leave the cat carrier out every single day of the year. Make it part of your furniture, keep the carrier door open, feed your cat in that carrier, use treats in that carrier,” Dr. Marks says. “Make it a comfortable, safe zone for your cat. That will ease a lot of fear, anxiety, and stress for car travel of any kind.”
Cats and dogs can also benefit from calming pheromones, chemical compounds that dogs and cats release for other members of their species that have positive associations, such as when dogs are nursing from their mothers. Species-appropriate pheromone sprays applied to bedding, carriers, or travel areas before the trip may help create a more familiar and calming environment for some pets.
On the Road
When you’re ready to go, keep these travel tips from Dr. Marks in mind:
- Secure your pet safely during travel. Cats and small dogs are often safest in a secured carrier. Larger dogs may travel comfortably using an appropriately fitted seat belt restraint, travel harness, or secured travel setup.
- Allow fresh air safely. Cracking a window may help some pets feel more comfortable and enjoy new smells during the ride, but use caution with open windows. Avoid allowing pets to hang their heads outside the vehicle, as debris, eye injuries, or other safety risks can occur.
- Play calming music. Some studies suggest certain types of music may help pets relax during travel, but every pet is different. Try different calming sounds or music at home before your trip to see what helps your pet feel most comfortable.
- Take frequent rest stops. Let your pet get out of the carrier for a walk, a sip of water and a treat, and some attention from you. Many cats feel safest remaining in their carrier during travel. If your cat is comfortable and secure inside the vehicle, offer treats or enrichment in a way that prioritizes safety. Make sure your dog’s leash is attached and you have it firmly in hand before opening the vehicle door.
- Pack travel essentials. Bring collapsible water and food bowls and keep a cooler with water handy (this is also useful for certain medications). Don’t forget an extra dog leash and a litter box. A first aid kit is a good idea, too.
- Watch for signs of fear, anxiety, and stress (FAS). Signs may include a crouched position, tucked tail, raised hackles, pinned ears, or a wide-eyed look. “Dogs will pant and might have a very wide, swollen tongue when they’re anxious or hot, and cats tend to freeze and get very, very quiet,” Dr. Marks says.
- Keep your veterinary team’s contact information accessible. Have it handy in case issues crop up during your trip.
Finally, never leave a dog or cat alone in a car.
“Never, ever. Ever. Ever. I don’t know how many more times I can say it … ever. Ever. Ever. Please don’t,” Dr. Marks says. “If you need to have a stop, make sure that it’s an outdoor café, or pack a lunch and sit at a rest area with your pet. Do something where you can include them in the plans.”
And, of course: have fun!
This article was reviewed/edited by board-certified veterinary behaviorist Dr. Kenneth Martin and/or veterinary technician specialist in behavior Debbie Martin, LVT.
