Whether by plane, train or automobile, if you’re planning to travel with your furry, four-legged friend, be sure to prepare appropriately.
We love our pets, and sometimes we want to—or need to—take them with us on our travels. No matter where you’re going or how you’re getting there, it’s important to know what to do ahead of your trip and how to help your pet adapt to the situation.
There are many factors that can impact traveling with pets, including the type of animal, mode of transportation, ultimate destination and time of year. It’s also important to consider your availability on your trip. If you can’t spend quality time with your pet, it might be best to make arrangements to keep it at home.
Check out these tips for traveling with your pet to make it the best experience for both of you.
Travel by car
Is a road trip with your furry pal in your future? Plenty of dogs and cats accompany their families on car rides or road trips. If yours haven’t, or if this trip will be much longer than usual, take time to prepare your pal for the journey.
Most cats prefer home life. If you don’t have to travel with your feline, they would do better staying home.
Some dogs love the car—but some do not. If your dog is not accustomed to extensive car travel, plan some extra time to acclimate them. Try sitting in a parked car together first, then take a few short trips.
When you think your pup is ready for a road trip, remember to follow some basic safety tips. It might seem fun to have your furry copilot flapping his tongue out the window, but that can present problems for you and your pooch.
Some basic car safety tips include:
Don’t let your dog or cat roam around in the car. They can distract the driver and get into mischief. Instead, keep them safely in the back seat in a crate that is securely anchored. Many states require pets to be restrained while traveling in a car, but keep in mind that the type of restraint is important. Some dogs do well with a restraint or seatbelt, but this is less likely to keep them safe in a crash.
- Don’t leave your pet in the car alone. Even on what seems like a pleasant day, the car will heat up very quickly. Travel with another person to ensure that your dog can safely stay in a cool car if you need to take a pitstop. In many states, it is illegal to leave a pet inside a parked car alone.
- Avoid letting your pet hang their head out the window. Similarly, don’t crate them in the back of a pickup truck. Your pet could get injured by debris that flies by the window or become sick from the cold air.
- Exercise your pet before the trip. Buffer your travel plans with time to play or walk beforehand. If your pet is happy and tired, they will be calmer for the trip.
Travel by airplane
Whether for work, pleasure or relocation, there are times our pets become little jet setters. If you haven’t flown with your pet before, be sure to do your research! The rules, regulations and restrictions vary by airline.
Some airlines allow small pets to travel in the cabin; others require all pets to stay in the cargo hold located under the plane. Large animals might be better suited to travel separately as an air cargo shipment. Regardless of where they are situated, get them used to their shipping kennel beforehand, and be sure it is big enough to move around comfortably.
If you are traveling internationally, schedule a vet visit before you fly. You’ll want to be sure that your pet is healthy enough to travel by airplane. The vet can also guide you through the requirements for the country you plan to visit as well as requirements upon returning to the U.S. According to the CDC, you might be required to show:
- Blood tests
- Vaccinations
- Microchip for identification
- Permits
- Health certificates
Also talk with your vet about the best time to feed your pet before boarding a plane. The Humane Society suggests the last meal should be 4 to 6 hours before your flight, with only water from that point on.
When planning your trip, it’s important to note that some airlines do not allow pets to travel during the hottest months of the year. It’s also a good idea to plan a direct flight, or one with few layovers. For more information on flying with your pet, check the U.S. Department of Agriculture pet travel website.
Travel by boat or train
Similar to airlines, different cruise ships and trains have different rules for traveling with your pets. Be sure to check the rules and requirements for the specific ship or train you plan to book. And as with international flights, there are special requirements for your pets to enter a different country and return to the U.S.
Pet-friendly hotels
About half of U.S. hotels allow pets to stay in rooms—but it comes at a price. Typically, pet-friendly hotels charge more per night or add pet fees. Since COVID-19, hotels have added new rules about staying with your pet. Some limit pet size or number of pets per room. Many hotels also will not allow pets in a room unattended, even if crated.
Contrastingly, there are hotels that have increased the services they provide to pet owners, such as the option to walk your pet for you.
Plan ahead
Traveling with a pet comes down to planning ahead. By following these tips, checking with your vet and reviewing policies before you go, you and your pet can have a positive, worry-free travel experience.
At IHG Army Hotels®, pets are always welcome— check out our full list of over 70 pet-friendly properties across 40 U.S. Army posts. Please let a reservation agent know ahead of time if you’re traveling with a pet and be sure to read our Pet Policy for information on deposits, breed restrictions and more. We hope to see you soon!
