Pet Travel Safety Tips: Securing Your Pet During Transit and Arrival

When deciding on pet travel, it is important to choose the safest and most comfortable mode of transportation for your furry friend. The first thing you must decide is whether your pet will be happier at home or by your side; if you’re sure pet travel is the best course of action, we’ve compiled a few tips to make your journey safe, comfortable, and stress-free. 

Here Are A Few Pet Travel Safety Tips to Ease Your Journey

Pet Travel by Car 

A road trip can give you some quality time to spend with your pet and is a comfortable method of travelling. Before making a big trip, take your pet out for smaller drives so they can get used to the environment of a vehicle and become comfortable travelling in it. 

Making sure your pet is secure inside a car is important too. A cat, for example, cannot be left unrestrained and must be in a crate or carrier. A free cat or dog inside can deviate your focus from the road, which can be dangerous.

Smaller dogs should also be carried in crates; if you have a larger dog, belt them in their seat and attach their leash to the belt or a secure location. Remember, the safest place for your pet to be when travelling in a car is inside their crate.  A pup with its head outside a window is adorable, but it can be dangerous as well.

Rest and Refreshment When Travelling by Road 

It is crucial to plan your rest and refreshment stops before setting off on your trip. Make sure to check whether the rest stop/hotel/staying accommodation is pet-friendly; calling the property is always advised to get up-to-date information. Make sure your pet is secure before opening any doors or windows or while stopping for bathroom breaks or fuel stops. Make sure to also carry some dry food with you, in case the accommodation does not have a pet-friendly option. 

Pet Travel by Air 

If your journey is over long distances, air travel is the preferred means of transportation. You’ll need to either make a booking and fulfil the requirements mandated by airlines or charter a pet travel service. As mentioned, pet transportation by air is preferred for its quick travel times across a country or continent. 

The longer the travel time, the longer a pet must stay inside its crate, so a shorter journey is beneficial to a pet and ensures its well-being in transit. The downsides of air travel are the cost and the preparation process; you cannot travel unless you comply with the regulations of the airlines. These regulations range from check-in and booking instructions to breed and size limitations for animals who are allowed to travel on board. 

Some airlines will only allow pets to travel in-cabin, while others will only permit pet travel through cargo. Make sure to check the rules of the airline you’re flying on and fulfil them to have a smooth journey.

You should check the following before departing for your journey: 

• Is your pet allowed in the cabin or cargo
• Is your pet required to carry any certifications or records
• Is the airline particular about the carrier your pet travels in 
• Are there any destination-specific requirements to fulfil 
  

As a general rule, you should have the following documents on hand if embarking on pet travel by air: 

• Fit to Fly/Fit to Travel Certificate: This is a document which is filled and signed by a vet after a checkup. Such a document certifies that your pet has passed a vet’s examination and is fit to travel. While you will not require it on a road journey, you will on a flight.  
• Vaccination Record: Your pet's vaccination record (sometimes also called their pet passport) is the other important document for domestic pet travel. Once again, while you may not need it on road travel, you will for air travel. 
• ID Proof: While not mentioned as an exact travel requirement, it goes without saying that you should have proof of identity on hand to produce it when asked for. This goes for both you and your pet; for yourself, documents like a driver’s license or any government ID should suffice, while for your pet, dog tags or the name on the collar should work in tandem with their microchip. We recommend you get your pet microchipped if you travel a lot, as it is the only permanent proof of ID your pet has and is a standard requirement for international pet travel. 

To conclude, road and rail travel are the two options for on-land pet transportation. Each has its respective pros and cons, but both offer a comfortable way of travelling with your pet over longer distances. In the end, the choice you make depends on you, your pet, and whichever mode better caters to your needs. Happy travels!