Travel
Travelling with pets can be wonderful — or stressful — depending on preparation. Here's how to make journeys safe and calm for everyone.
Car travel tips
- Always secure your pet — crash-tested crate, carrier or harness/seatbelt.
- Never let dogs ride with their head out the window; debris and wind cause injuries.
- Stop every 2–3 hours for water, toileting and stretching.
- Never leave a pet in a parked car — temperatures rise dangerously in minutes.
- Build up to long drives with short, positive trips first.
Air travel considerations
- Confirm airline pet policies, breed restrictions and crate dimensions.
- Snub-nosed breeds (bulldogs, Persians) are at higher risk in cargo holds.
- Visit your vet within 10 days for a health certificate.
- Skip sedation unless explicitly prescribed — it impairs breathing at altitude.
- Attach ID and contact details inside and outside the crate.
Travel checklist
- Food, treats and bottled water for the journey + 2 extra days
- Food and water bowls
- Leash, harness, poop bags / litter and tray
- Medications and a copy of medical records
- Vaccination certificates (especially rabies for cross-border travel)
- Updated ID tag and microchip registration
- A familiar blanket or toy to reduce stress
- First-aid kit
Emergency preparation
- Save a 24/7 vet number for your destination.
- Know the nearest animal hospital along your route.
- Carry a recent photo of your pet in case they are lost.
- For long trips, consider pet travel insurance.
A little planning turns travel from a worry into a happy memory you share together.