Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Pets: Road Trips, Flights & International Travel

Traveling with pets can be an unforgettable adventure, but it does take some preparation. Whether you’re planning a road trip with your dog, flying internationally with your cat, or booking a pet-friendly Airbnb, making sure your furry friend is safe and comfortable is key. With the right planning, you’ll both enjoy the journey without stress.

This guide covers everything you need to know about traveling with pets, from identification and paperwork to packing lists, vet visits, transportation tips, and pet-friendly accommodations.

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Identification & Paperwork for Pet Travel

Before hitting the road (or the skies), make sure your pet has the proper identification and documentation.

Microchipping: A permanent way to identify your pet if they get lost. Always keep your contact information updated. This is a guaranteed way to make sure they can be identified.

Collars & Tags: Include your pet’s name, your name, and phone number. Consider sewing ID info into the collar since tags can fall off.

GPS Tracker: Devices that attach to a collar and sync with your phone can provide peace of mind. Just note they may not work in remote areas without cell service. I wish they had these years ago, I’m a bit of a worrier when it comes to my pets and this would have made me feel more secure about not losing my pet when on a trip.

Paperwork: Carry vaccination records, local license tags, and vet documentation. If you’re flying or traveling internationally, research specific requirements like health certificates or quarantine rules in advance.

Vet Consultation Before Traveling

Schedule a vet appointment before your trip to ensure your pet is healthy and travel-ready.

Wellness Check: Make sure your pet is fit for travel. You don’t to get to your destination and your pet be sick. That would be miserable for both of you.

Medications: Stock up on prescriptions and ask about calming options for nervous pets.

Preventatives: Discuss flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, especially if you’ll be outdoors.

International Travel: Ask about additional vaccines or documentation needed for overseas trips.

Emergency Care: Get recommendations for vets at your destination. You should have a list of vets and emergency clinics where you’ll be staying so if you do need to take your pet, you won’t waste time trying to find one. You may want to consider getting pet insurance, so you don’t have to shell out a lot of money in an emergency. There a quite a few companies that offer pet insurance now.

What to Pack for Pet Travel

Just like you need a travel bag, your pet does too! Pack these essentials:

Restraint system: Crate, carrier, or safety harness for car rides. I mentioned this earlier, but these can also be used where you will be staying.

Food & Water: Stick to their regular food to avoid stomach upset. Bring portable bowls and extra bottled water. I learned from my vet that because different cities/towns have different water systems, your pet can get an upset stomach if the water is a lot different than the water at home. That’s why bottled water is better for your pet and you too!

Leash & Harness: Use sturdy leashes for dogs; cats should have a breakaway collar. Breakaway collars are better for cats because they tend to twist and may get caught on something. Be sure your leash and collar are the proper size for your dog.

Bedding & Blankets: Bring your pet’s bedding and favorite blanket. Not only will this keep them comfortable, but having something familiar will help them feel safe.

First Aid Kit: Include bandages, gauze, and any prescribed medications. There are first aid kits made especially for pets, I like this one because it is recommended by vets. If you don’t feel like you need everything that come in this kit, you can always put one together yourself. Just be sure to keep everything in a waterproof container.

Toys & Comfort Items: As mentioned, if you bring familiar items, like favorite toys, it will help your pet feel less anxiety. You will also need to keep your pet exercised so these will come in handy.

Waste Supplies: Poop bags for dogs; litter and pan for cats.

Life Vest: If you’re planning boating or doing any water activities with your pet, a life vest is a must.

Safe Travel Options for Pets

Traveling by Car

Use a crate, booster seat, or harness, never let pets roam freely. If traveling by car, you’ll need to use the harness for larger dogs unless you have a big cargo area in the back. Letting them roam free in the car can cause you to get distracted, always choose the safest option. Put their blanket with them in the crate or on the seat so they have something familiar in the car as you travel.

Keep them in the back seat for safety. The same applies here. You don’t want them to distract you.

Plan pit stops every 2–3 hours for bathroom breaks and exercise. Just like we need to stretch and hit a bathroom, so do our pets. Make sure they have time to walk a bit and stretch out.

Use spill-proof bowls for food and water. These are not only great for the trip itself, but also where you are staying so they don’t make a mess there.

Flying with Pets

Check airline rules for pet travel early. Be prepared with proper paperwork, correct size pet carrier, a way to keep your pet hydrated, etc.

Use an airline-approved carrier with room to stand and turn around. Large dogs normally have to ride in the cargo area, so you may want to consider if it is worth it for the dog. Unless it is a service animal.

Add soft bedding and a water source inside the crate. Keeping them comfortable will help reduce stress.

International Pet Travel

Research import rules for your destination. Some countries require your pet to be quarantined for a few days upon arrival. Other countries require vaccines other than ones where you live.

Gather all required documentation-Be sure to have all health certificates, vaccination records, permits and any other documentation required.

Confirm airline requirements, be sure to check not only the airline you are flying on, but requirements to fly home.

Finding Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Not all “pet-friendly” places have the same policies, so always confirm in advance. We’ve looked at places before that used to take pets and no longer do. Always call to verify.

Websites to check: BringFido.com or PetsWelcome.com, both of these can help with locating places that accept pets and their restrictions.

Restrictions: Some rentals allow dogs but not cats or have weight/size limits. Just be sure to research before you book a place.

Best rooms: Request a ground-floor room for easier outdoor access. This also saves the pet having to do stairs or an elevator which may frighten them

No leaving pets alone: Many hotels and rentals don’t allow unattended pets, plan ahead by finding a local pet sitter through sites like Rover.com.

Activities & Local Rules

Fun Time: Plan activities that both you and your pet can enjoy. If you like to hike or take walks, this is a great activity for you and your pet.

Dining: Look for restaurants with pet-friendly patios. If you can’t find a restaurant that is pet-friendly, then get takeout and maybe find a park where you can eat. You can also take it back to where you’re staying.

Parks & Trails: Always check pet policies before heading to national/state parks, beaches and anywhere that you want to go.

Local Rules: Some cities restrict where pets can walk, so research leash laws and regulations.

Final Thoughts on Traveling with Pets

Traveling with your pet can be one of the most rewarding experiences, as long as you plan ahead. From paperwork and packing lists to accommodations and safety, preparation ensures that your furry friend is comfortable and secure every step of the way. Just be aware that sometimes, it’s better not to take your pet with you. Always choose what is best for your pet. With these pet travel tips, you’ll be ready to create memories together while keeping tails wagging and whiskers twitching.

We love to share information and tips with you that we learn along the way to help make planning you vacation a little easier. We hope to inspire you to find your adventures, have fun and make memories.