holiday travels and your pet

The holidays are almost here, and many of us are currently figuring out our travel plans. And some of those plans include traveling with our furry adventure partners. If traveling with your pet is new to you, we’ve got some helpful tips to make the experience as pain-free and full of joy as possible.

Hitting the road

Many pet owners enjoy driving with their pet because it allows for potty breaks, fewer interactions with strangers, and taking your sweet time. However, road trips come with their own set of rules. It’s important that you prepare appropriately so both you and your pet are safe and happy.

Make sure you have your pet’s tags, vaccination paperwork, food and water (and their respective bowls), medication, leash/harness, poop bags or litter box, crate, and toys or their favorite blanket. If you’re crossing any borders, state or national, you’ll want to have the correct health certificate and other required paperwork.

Though your doggo probably enjoys sticking its head out the window and feeling the cool breeze on its face, we don’t recommend letting your pup do this. Also, keep your pet buckled in the back seat in a carrier or harness. Keeping them confined also keeps everyone else safe — an excited pup jumping into the driver’s seat isn’t good for anyone. Your pets are precious cargo just like any other being in the vehicle.

Flying the friendly skies

If you choose to fly with your pet, you need specific forms in order to do so. Whether your pet is a service animal or not, or traveling in the cabin or in cargo, it’s a good idea to contact your airline before purchasing the ticket to see which forms are needed. You should also discuss with your veterinarian how your pet will do on the plane. Your vet can prescribe medications that help ease stress, but in reality, some pets aren’t well suited for flying.

Taking the train

Yes, certain domestic pets are allowed on America’s passenger railroad carrier for a certain amount of time. Head over to Amtrak’s pet travel page to see their latest rules, but as of this writing, “dogs and cats up to 20 pounds (combined weight of pet and carrier) are welcome on trips up to seven hours on most routes.” In other words, not every train route will allow your furry friend to ride the rails.

Riding the bus

At this time, the largest intercity bus service, Greyhound, does not allow non-service animals on their buses. Visit their Customers with Disabilities page to learn more. As for smaller bus systems in your area, it all depends. Some transit systems allow pets and some don’t. It’s important to check your local transit’s website or give them a call to get the scoop.

We can help

If you need your pet’s proof of vaccinations, health certificates, or any other forms to travel, we can help! Book an appointment with your local Banfield team as soon as possible. Getting this paperwork started way in advance can help alleviate some of the last-minute stress that inevitably occurs with travel.