Planning a Vacation? Tips for Deciding Whether Your Pet Should Stay or Go
When vacation time comes around, pet owners often face a common dilemma: should you bring your furry friend along or leave them behind? Traveling with pets requires preparation and careful planning, while leaving them at home needs thoughtful arrangements to ensure their comfort. Here's how you can make the best choice for your pet and set them up for a safe, happy experience.
Bringing Your Pet on Vacation: What to Consider
If you’ve decided to take your dog or cat on your travels, use these vet-approved tips to make the journey smoother:
Check Travel Requirements for Your Destination Before you hit the road (or the skies), research pet travel regulations. Some destinations have strict rules, such as quarantine periods, vaccination requirements, or the need for a pet passport. Confirm these details ahead of time to avoid last-minute issues or denied entry with your pet.
Pack a Complete Pet Travel Kit Ensure your pet's comfort with a well-prepared travel kit. Include essentials like:
Food, water, and bowls
Leash, collar, and ID tags
Toys, treats, and bedding
Litter box (for cats)
Any necessary medications
Familiar items like a blanket or shirt that carries your scent to help reduce anxiety.
Choose Pet-Friendly Transportation and Accommodation
Air Travel: Confirm that your airline allows pets and check their size and weight limits.
Car Travel: Secure your pet in a crate or harness for safety.
Accommodation: Book pet-friendly hotels or vacation rentals, and review any additional fees or restrictions for pets.
Stick to Your Pet’s Routine Try to maintain your pet’s usual schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime. Keeping familiar routines can help them adapt more easily to new surroundings and minimize stress.
Be Patient and Offer Reassurance New environments can be overwhelming for pets, causing them to behave differently or have accidents. Stay calm and provide lots of positive reinforcement. Show patience, praise, and affection—they’ll appreciate your support.
Leaving Your Pet at Home: How to Ensure Their Comfort
If traveling with your pet isn't feasible, you can still ensure they are well cared for at home:
Find a Trustworthy Pet Sitter or Boarding Facility Look for a reliable pet sitter or a reputable boarding facility. Ask for recommendations from friends, family, or your veterinarian. You can also find vetted pet sitters through online platforms. Meet with them beforehand to verify their experience and reviews.
Prepare Your Home for Your Pet’s Comfort Leave plenty of food, water, toys, and comfortable bedding for your pet. To provide additional comfort, leave behind clothing items with your scent. Also, ensure the home is safe by securing hazards like wires, cords, and chemicals. Leaving on some background noise, like music or TV, can help keep them calm.
Leave Detailed Care Instructions Provide comprehensive instructions for your pet sitter or boarding facility. Include:
Your contact information and your vet’s details
Your pet’s medical history, allergies, medications, and dietary needs
Your pet’s daily routine, preferences, and personality traits
A signed consent form for emergency veterinary care, if necessary
Stay Connected During Your Trip Request regular updates and photos from the pet sitter or boarding facility. You can also schedule video calls to check in on your pet, giving you peace of mind and helping your pet feel more connected to you.
Reunite with Love and Rewards After being apart, your pet will be thrilled to see you! Reconnect with cuddles and affection, and consider bringing a special treat or toy from your trip as a fun souvenir. It’s a great way to show them how much you missed them.
Final Thoughts
No matter your choice—taking your pet along or leaving them behind—a little preparation goes a long way in ensuring their comfort and well-being. Happy travels, and may your vacation be as enjoyable for your pet as it is for you!
By Julie Smith, DVM, DACVS, CCRT, MBA