The Best Tips for Keeping Pets Calm While Traveling
Traveling with pets can be a fun adventure. But it can also be a little stressful for everyone involved. Whether you need to calm your pet for a road trip or a flight, ensuring your dog or cat stays calm and comfortable will make the journey smoother. The good news is that with a little planning, travel can be a stress-free experience. Continue reading to discover the best tips for keeping pets calm while traveling so that your four-legged family member can stay relaxed and happy while on the move.
Before You Go
Before embarking on any trip, make sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and any flea, tick, and heartworm treatments. If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, it’s a good idea to get one and register it before traveling.
If your pet is microchipped, get it checked by your veterinarian to make sure the chip hasn't migrated and your contact information is up-to-date. You could also pop into a pet store with a veterinarian's office, and they can check it. That way, if your pet gets lost without a collar or leash, or you get in an accident and he gets away from the vehicle, the microchip will help ensure your pet gets home safe and sound.
Start with Shorter Trips
Just like people, pets need time to get used to new situations and places, so keeping your pets calm on road trips is all about preparation. Shorter practice trips are a great way to not only allow your cat or dog to get used to the experience but also allow you to see how they do, adjust your setup with their carrier/harness/restraint, and build positive associations with treats and praise.
When possible, make the destination on these trial runs a happy place for your pet, whether that’s a favorite trail for a fun walk, a pet store to get a new treat or toy, or meeting up with her furry best friend for a play date. If your dog or cat doesn’t experience motion sickness, giving her a toy or tasty treat to enjoy in the car can be another way to build a positive association. Putting in this effort ahead of time will help your pet to be calmer when it’s time for your actual trip.
If your cat or dog is really stressed and the trip is unavoidable, you may want to try a vest that wraps around and swaddles your pet and offers calming pressure. Another non-drug option is a pheromone calming collar. These collars release synthetic pheromones that mimic naturally produced hormones to help reduce stress in dogs and cats. Last but not least, your veterinarian may be able to prescribe medication if your pet needs extra support.
Keep Your Pet Comfortable — and Safe
Traveling by Car with Your Pet
When traveling by car, keeping your pet secure is important for your safety and for his. You don’t need the distraction while driving, and if anything happens, your beloved pet can become a dangerous projectile. Keeping your pet restrained can also help him settle into his space and relax for the trip ahead.
The K&H Bucket Booster Pet Seat is a great option for keeping small and medium-sized pets safe, especially those that like to look out the window as the world whizzes by. The pet seat gives them a boost but has sturdy foam to keep them safe and controlled — and it’s compatible with any vehicle with a seatbelt.
The lightweight K&H Coolin’ Pet Pad will help your pet stay cool in the backseat — simply pop it into their pet seat and go! The pad uses water instead of non-toxic gels, and it will not turn hard or deteriorate, making it perfect for use in the car and at home when the temperatures rise. (It's also nice for older pets that enjoy the coolness to soothe sore joints.)
The K&H Buckle n' Go Pet Seat also offers bucket-style containment but with mesh sides for additional airflow and a clear view for your pet, even when lying down. This seat has no pet weight limit, but it may not fit in vehicles with a non-standard proprietary belt lock.
If you’re traveling with a cat or an easily distractible pup, you may want something fully enclosed, but still gives them multiple viewing angles. Better than a regular hard-sided crate that has limited visibility and can be uncomfortable, the K&H Travel Safety Carrier includes a washable pad on the bottom and durable mesh panels on the sides. The carrier comes in three sizes for pets up to 40 pounds and folds flat for easy storage when you aren’t using it, making it one of our most convenient ways to contain a pet in the car.
Traveling by Plane with Your Pet
When it comes to flying, many airlines have restrictions on the size of pet that is allowed to fly in the cabin (aside from service animals), and requirements for pet carriers to ensure the comfort and safety of your pet. If you have a larger dog, they may need to fly in the cargo area, but many cats and small dogs will be able to fly in the cabin.
Before flying, give your pet time to explore their crate at home before you travel, rewarding her with treats. Make sure your dog goes to the bathroom when you get to the airport, and consider giving your dog a chew in the kennel to keep busy during the flight, as chewing may be relaxing for dogs.
Stick to Your Pet’s Routine and Give Them Breaks
Keeping to your pet’s routine when possible will give your cat or dog some familiarity and consistency in their new surroundings. This includes walking, feeding, sleeping, and playtimes. When on a road trip, rest areas are a great place for both you and your pet to stretch your legs and move around a little bit. Encourage your pet to drink water to stay hydrated, too. Plane rides are trickier to manage their routine, but make sure your pet has a potty break before you go into the airport and as soon as you can when he's off the plane.
The Best Tips for Keeping Pets Calm While Traveling
Whether you need to calm your pet on a road trip or ensure smooth sailing on a plane, knowing how to travel with pets and how to prepare can help her — and you — stay relaxed for the long haul. Remember to take it slow and go on practice runs when possible, stick to her regular routine as much as you can, keep her occupied with her favorite treats or toys, and, most importantly, choose the best products to keep her safe and secure.