Our Top Tips for Traveling with Pets

November 10, 2023

For many pet parents, bringing their furry friends is the only way to make a vacation better. After all, there’s no finer travel buddy than our beloved pets. And while there are places where pets are not so welcome, many pet-friendly travel destinations accept our loyal companions. There’s no reason to leave Fido at home when you’d both be happier if you were together on your travels.

Traveling with pets can be stressful, especially if it’s your first time bringing them along. So before you go on that trip, plan well so your pets can have a fun and relaxing vacation with the whole family. Here are a few tips to make your pet-friendly travel experience go smoother!

Plan a Pet-Friendly Route

Traveling by Car with Your Pet

All you need for a perfect road trip is good music and your beloved pet by your side. That’s why making the journey as safe and comfortable as possible is essential. Plot out some spots in advance, such as rest areas, parks, and gasoline stations, where your pet can get out, stretch, and play. Remember to take frequent breaks and allow enough time for them to eat, drink, and take care of their needs. If your pet gets anxious or tense on the road, be prepared with some calming chews to relax them for the journey ahead.

Always remember to clean up after your pets, and never leave them alone in a parked vehicle. Being alone in a parked car can be dangerous for pets as it can quickly get too hot, especially during summer.

Airplane Travel with Your Pet

Traveling in an airplane with your pet can be more complicated than going on a road trip. The first thing you need to do is follow the airline’s guidelines about traveling with pets. Their policies might include ensuring that your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations, acquiring health certificates, ensuring your pets are microchipped, and getting airline-approved pet carriers. If your pet needs to go in cargo, ensure they are in a well-ventilated, secure, and comfortable crate. Properly label your pet’s container and mark it with the word “live animal,” as well as your name, contact number, and destination information. If possible, book a direct flight to lessen your pet’s stress.

Pack Pet Essentials

Just like any other member of the family, you’ll need to pack a travel bag for your furry friend, too. It might not seem like they’ll need a lot of things at first, but they might end up with a bigger bag than you. Never mind if we forget to bring our toothbrush or headphones, but when it comes to our pets, we must ensure they have everything they need! 

First, it’s vital to bring enough pet food (and some extra, just in case) for the duration of the trip so you won’t have to switch their food to a different brand if it isn’t available at your destination. Traveling can be stressful enough for your pet, and switching to another food brand can increase anxiety and disrupt digestion. Bring enough fresh and clean water so your pet won’t get dehydrated during the trip. You might also need to bring their crate or travel carriers to keep them safe, whether in the car or airplane. Another thing to remember to bring is their updated vet records and microchip information, especially if you’re going to cross a state border. To keep them feeling safe, bring things that comfort them, such as their blanket, toys, and lots of treats.

Here’s an essential checklist for pet-friendly travel!

  • Pet food and treats
  • Fresh and clean water
  • Any medications
  • Updated ID tags and vaccination records
  • Food and water bowls
  • Collars and leashes
  • Crate or pet carrier
  • Pet bed or blankets
  • Toys (old and new)
  • Waste bags or litter box
  • Calming chews, multivitamins, and additional pet supplements

Do Your Research

Planning your trip around pet-friendly activities and places is a must when traveling with pets. This means checking if pets are allowed on every activity in your itinerary. You’ll want to look for dog-friendly cafes, restaurants, parks, beaches, and more. Most establishments often post pet rules on their websites, but it’s best to call ahead if the information is unclear. Last but not least, take note of vet clinics around the area and save their contact information so you’ll know where to go in an emergency. Do your research beforehand to avoid unexpected problems and ensure smooth, pet-friendly travel for the whole family!

Find Pet-Friendly Lodging

One of the most important things to do when traveling with pets is to find a pet-friendly vacation rental. When searching for accommodations, read the listing description and house rules carefully. Look for information about pet policies, pet fees, and other restrictions. Some accommodations do not allow pets at all, while some may have a limit for size, number of pets, or breed. Check reviews from previous guests who traveled with pets to get insight into their experience. Ensure the accommodation has pet-friendly amenities, including a fenced yard and plenty of green spaces.

Before booking your vacation rental, ensuring they can accommodate your whole family, including your beloved pet, is essential. Traveling with pets might seem like a lot of work, but all the preparation will be worth it when you see the smile on your pet’s face. After all, they want to spend quality time with their humans! The good news is that you can bring Fido anytime when you book your next vacation with Scenic Stays. 

Scenic Stays has pet-friendly accommodations your furry companion will love! Now, you can share your vacation experience along the Emerald Coast with your pets. Book a pet-friendly vacation rental with Scenic Stays today!

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