top of page
Search

Pet Travel Safety: From Car Trips to Flights

By Taquera Woodson, Social Media Intern and Deniza Marcinkevica, Manager Business Development, Skytails.com


Traveling with pets can be a joyful adventure, but it also comes with responsibilities. Whether it’s a short car ride to the vet or a cross-country flight, ensuring your pet’s safety and comfort is important. It can come with challenges, that’s why it’s important to prepare and plan before traveling with your pet. Every pet has unique needs that must be considered before traveling in the car or traveling by plane. 


ree

Keeping Your Pet Safe for Travel Includes:


  1. Preparing Your Pet for Travel

Before any journey, preparation is key. Start by:

  • Health Check: Schedule a vet visits to ensure your pet is healthy for travel. Update vaccinations, get any necessary medications, and discuss anxiety management if your pet gets stressed. 

  • ID and Microchip: Make sure your pet wears a collar with ID tags and has a registered microchip. Travel mishaps can happen, and proper identification is important.

  • Acclimation: For pets new to travel practice short trips in the car to reduce anxiety.


  1. Car Travel Safety

Car trips are common, but many pet owners underestimate the risks. Safety tips include:

  • Use a Carrier or Harness: Secure your pet in a crash-tested carrier or a pet seatbelt harness. Loose pets in cars can become projectiles in sudden stops.

  • Avoid the Front Seat: Airbags can injure pets. Keep them in the back seat for maximum safety.

  • Temperature Control: Never leave pets alone in a parked car. Temperatures can soar or drop quickly. 

  • Frequent Breaks: On long trips, offer water and bathroom breaks every 2-3 hours. Stretching helps prevent stiffness and anxiety.


  1. Flying With Pets

Air travel introduces different challenges, but preparation makes the journey smoother.

  • Airline Policies: Check your airline’s pet policies, including carrier size requirements, fees, and whether your pet can fly in cabin or must be in cargo. 

  • Comfortable Carrier: Choose a well-ventilated, sturdy carrier that allows your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.

  • Identification: Ensure tags, microchips, and travel documents are up to date.

  • Calm and Familiar Items: Include a favorite blanket or toy in the carrier. This helps reduce stress.

  • Direct Flights: Minimize layovers and connections to reduce stress and the risk of mishandling.


  1. Travel Essentials for Pets

Packing the right items can make travel safer and less stressful

  • Food and water in spill-proof containers

  • Medications, if required

  • Portable litter box for cats or potty pads for small dogs

  • First-aid kit for pets

  • Leash, collar, and harness


Signs of Travel Stress

  1. Panting or drooling

  2. Trembling or pacing

  3. Excessive vocalization

  4. Refusing food or water


Final Thoughts

Traveling with pets can be a great experience for you and your pet. It’s important to keep safety in mind. From securing them in the car to choosing the right airline carrier, each step matters. With the proper preparation, your adventures together can be safe, enjoyable, and stress free. When your pet feels secure, you both enjoy the trip so much more.


SkyTails Connection

The holidays are a wonderful time for travel, family, and new adventures and your pets deserve to be part of the fun, too. But between vet checkups, grooming, vaccinations, boarding, or emergency care, travel season can come with extra costs. With a SkyTails saving account, you can plan ahead for your pet’s needs, from pre-trip vet visits, and unexpected emergencies you will ensure your pet is all set and ready to travel for the holidays.

 
 
 

Comments

bottom of page