While traveling has been a bit challenging this year, many of us are more than ready for a much-needed getaway to enjoy the great outdoors or hit the open road. Or maybe you’re even going to visit family or stay with friends for the holidays.
No matter your destination, if you plan to travel with pets, you may want to consider some of the helpful pet travel tips below. Following these simple steps will go a long way to make traveling with your furry family members easier for everyone.
How to Make Travel with Pets Easier
Let’s face it – not every dog loves to go along for the ride, and cats typically really (really!) hate to travel. But if you prepare ahead of time and follow some very important pet travel tips, you can make the trip a little smoother for everyone involved.
Talk to Your Veterinarian Before Traveling with Pets
Veterinarians know our pets best, so it’s important to talk to them when making plans, especially if this is the first time you’re traveling with pets. Besides making sure Fluffy or Fido is up to date on vaccinations and is healthy enough to travel, you can discuss any special dietary or medication needs to ensure a safe, worry-free trip. And be sure to check to see if a CVI (Certification of Veterinary Inspection) or other documentation (such as vaccine records and tags) is required to travel with pets.
Bring Everything You Need to Travel with Pets
Pets may find traveling stressful enough, so having their regular supplies and favorite items with them will go a long way toward making them more comfortable. Bring water, a first-aid kit, and their familiar food, bowls, medication, litter, treats, carriers, leashes, bedding, and toys. Cats, especially, are creatures of habit, and switching litter or food can cause stomach and litter box issues.
Take Extra Care While Traveling with Pets in the Car
Packing everything your dog or cat needs is only the first step in preparing for a road trip with pets. It’s also important to choose a pet-friendly route and plan ahead for regular walk and bathroom breaks. While in the car, keep smaller pets in their carrier and make sure to leash dogs (and cats!) before opening doors. And, of course, never leave your pet alone in a closed vehicle or for long periods of time, even with the windows cracked.
Do Your Homework if Planning Train or Airline Pet Travel
Every carrier has different rules, restrictions, and requirements for traveling with animals. Be sure to talk to a live person to verify the safest way to bring your pet on a plane or train. Unless you can comfortably fit them in a carrier under the seat in front of you, consider leaving them at home. This is especially important if flying with a large dog, as most animal-welfare organizations strongly advise against transporting pets as cargo.
Identification Is Key When Traveling with Pets
Even if your cat or dog wears a collar with your current contact information, make sure your pet is microchipped as well. Doing so will add an extra sense of security when traveling with your dog or cat. Collars can be lost or removed; however, any pet that is found and taken to a shelter or veterinarian will immediately be scanned for a microchip. Just be sure to keep the chip registration current with a mobile number so you can always be reached, which is even more important when traveling with pets.
Make Sure They’re Welcome Before Traveling with Pets
Whether staying in a hotel, Airbnb, or with friends or family, always check first to make sure pets are welcome. Hotels and other rentals may have restrictions or special requirements. If you plan to stay with someone, ask ahead of time if they’re okay with you bringing your four-legged family member. And because pets will be naturally curious in a new location, they will need constant supervision and attention. That’s why it’s a good idea to only travel with pets if you can devote plenty of time to them.
If anyone in the household has allergies or if there are small children, it may be best to leave your pet at home with a trusted friend, pet sitter, or at a boarding facility. They’ll be happier, and you’ll be able to enjoy your time away knowing they are comfortable at home.
Can CBD Oil Help When Traveling with Pets?
Even with these helpful pet travel tips and careful planning, your furry friends might still be overwhelmed as you make your way over the river and through the woods. Even the most chill or friendly cat or dog can get anxious or stressed after being confined in a car or carrier and introduced to new faces and places.
If your pet needs a little extra TLC when traveling, consider a veterinarian-formulated CBD oil tincture, treat, or soft chew to help them handle the ride. CBD for pets can complement their everyday wellness routine and manage signs of common daily stress. Even when you’re not traveling with your pets, both cats and dogs can enjoy the many benefits of CBD. And if they’re not using it already, it’s easy to start them on CBD.
If you’re concerned about how safe CBD is for your pet, you can learn more here and find answers to many common questions about CBD oil and pets.
CBD Oil Products for Calming While Traveling with Pets
If your canine companion isn’t a fan of planes, trains, or automobiles and could use some extra comfort and care, consider a calming-specific CBD product. Paw CBD Calming Oil Tinctures or Paw CBD Calming Soft Chews include soothing ingredients like chamomile and passion flower, plus valerian root, melatonin, or L-tryptophan to promote calm. The oil tincture comes in a fruity blueberry flavor and is easy to give directly, drizzle over food, or add to homemade CBD pet treats. The soft chews are convenient and portable when you’re on the go, making them the perfect companion for traveling with dogs.
Happy Trails!
While this list of helpful pet travel tips is by no means exhaustive, hopefully, it will make for happy trails (and tails!) for everyone. Whether you’re roaming near or far as you travel with pets, keeping them safe and calm will make the trip a little more enjoyable for everyone.
Bonus Tip! Two legs or four, everyone can use a little calm in their life while traveling or to help make the holiday season merry and bright. Visit cbdMD.com to learn more and explore the full lineup of pet and people CBD products, including bundles that are perfect for gift-giving (or spoiling you and your furry friends)!