Planning a trip with your pet requires careful preparation, but the joy of sharing adventures with your furry companion makes the effort worthwhile. Whether you're flying or driving cross-country, this guide covers everything you need to know about traveling with pets.
Preparing Your Pet To Travel
Your pet's comfort and safety should be your top priority when planning any trip. Starting this process well in advance — ideally several weeks before departure — gives your pet time to adjust to travel-related changes and helps you address any unexpected challenges.
Familiarize Your Pet With New Environments
Pets thrive on routine, so introduce travel elements gradually to help reduce their anxiety. Start by taking short car rides to positive destinations, like parks. For air travel, acclimate your pet to their carrier weeks before departure. Place treats inside the carrier and practice short sessions with the door closed, gradually increasing duration. This preparation helps your pet associate their travel space with safety rather than stress. Consider bringing familiar blankets or toys that carry home scents to provide additional comfort during the journey.
Health Checks Before You Travel
Schedule a veterinary visit 3-4 weeks before departure. Your vet will:
- Ensure vaccinations are current
- Provide necessary health certificates (most airlines require certificates issued within 10 days of travel)
- Discuss whether mild sedatives might benefit anxious pets
- Address any health concerns that could complicate travel
For international travel, additional requirements often include rabies certificates and specific testing, which may need to be completed months in advance. Some destinations also require proof of treatments for parasites or specific health screenings that must be documented by your veterinarian.
Choose the Right Travel Carriers for Your Pet
The right carrier will keep your pet comfortable and meet transportation requirements. For air travel, carriers must:
- Allow your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably
- Feature secure, escape-proof doors
- Provide proper ventilation on at least three sides
- Include "Live Animal" labels and directional arrows
- Contain absorbent bedding and water containers
Premium carriers often feature mesh windows for visibility, padded interiors for comfort, and multiple entry points for easy access. When choosing an airline, research their specific pet policies, as requirements and fees vary significantly. For example, United requires specific carrier dimensions, and Delta Airlines has breed restrictions for certain flights.
Consider Microchipping or ID Tags for Safety
Even with careful planning, pets can become separated from their owners during travel. Make sure your pet wears a collar with ID tags displaying your name, phone number, and destination address. Microchipping provides permanent identification if collars are lost. Before traveling, verify that your microchip information is current in the manufacturer's database, especially if you've moved or changed phone numbers. Consider temporary tags with your accommodation information for the duration of your trip, giving good Samaritans plenty of ways to reunite you with your pet.
Managing Pet Anxiety While Traveling
Travel stress affects many pets, but several strategies can help keep them calm and comfortable throughout the journey. The key is recognizing your pet's specific anxiety triggers and addressing them proactively before they escalate into more serious problems during travel.
Maintain familiar feeding routines as much as possible during travel, though experts recommend feeding small portions several hours before departure to prevent motion sickness. Bring your pet's regular food rather than introducing new brands during travel. Portable food containers with airtight seals help preserve freshness while making mealtime on the road more convenient and less stressful for both of you.
Schedule regular exercise breaks during car travel — aim for stops every 2-3 hours where your pet can stretch, relieve themselves, and burn energy. Before flights, give your pet ample opportunity to exercise and use the bathroom. For anxious pets, natural calming products like pheromone sprays can create a sense of security without medication. Compression garments designed specifically for anxious pets can also provide comfort through gentle, constant pressure that mimics the security of being held.
Research Pet-Friendly Accommodations
Finding accommodations that truly welcome pets requires research beyond simply seeing "pet-friendly" in descriptions. When choosing an airline, compare their pet policies carefully:
- Delta Airlines permits small dogs and cats in the cabin for fees starting at $95, with specific carrier requirements
- United allows pets in cabins on most flights for $150, with additional restrictions for international travel
- Southwest welcomes pets in cabins for $125 but limits the number per flight, requiring early booking
- JetBlue's JetPaws program offers pet travel perks and accommodations for $125
For hotels, look beyond basic pet-friendly designations to find truly welcoming properties. Pet-friendly chains like Kimpton Hotels often provide beds, treats, and bowls at no extra charge, while others may impose significant fees or restrictions. Vacation rentals through sites like Airbnb and VRBO often provide more space and privacy for pets, with filters to search specifically for pet-friendly options. Look for accommodations with convenient outdoor spaces, minimal stairs for older pets, and proximity to veterinary services for peace of mind.
Create a Packing List for Your Pet's Travel Kit
A well-stocked pet travel kit includes:
- Food and treats (pack extra in case of delays)
- Collapsible bowls for food and water
- Medications with original labels and dosing instructions
- Health certificate and vaccination records
- Waste bags or a portable litter box
- Favorite toys and bedding with familiar scents
- First aid supplies, including bandages and antiseptic
- Grooming supplies for longer trips
- Recent photos of your pet (helpful if they become lost)
For longer journeys, consider special travel accessories like spill-proof water bowls, pet travel harnesses for car safety, and portable pens for hotel stays. Calming aids such as thunder shirts or pheromone diffusers can help anxious travelers, while cooling mats provide comfort in warmer climates. Preparing for common travel mishaps — from motion sickness to minor injuries — means you can quickly address problems without interrupting your adventure.
Find Pet-Friendly Destinations With CityPASS® Tickets
Many major attractions in North America welcome pets or offer convenient options for pet owners. CityPASS® tickets provide access to top attractions in cities with pet-friendly reputations like Seattle, San Francisco, and Chicago. While most indoor attractions don't permit pets (except service animals), many CityPASS® ticket destinations feature adjacent pet-friendly outdoor spaces. For example, Chicago's Navy Pier welcomes leashed pets in outdoor areas, and San Francisco's Golden Gate Park offers beautiful pet-friendly walking paths near CityPASS® attractions.
Make your next adventure memorable for both you and your pet by planning ahead with CityPASS® tickets. Visit CityPASS.com to start planning your next trip. With the right preparation, your pet can become your favorite travel companion, opening doors to new experiences and deepening your bond through shared adventures.