For many of us, holidays don’t feel complete without our pets. Whether it’s a road trip to the hills, a beachside escape, or heading back home to family, leaving your furry companion behind often feels harder than the travel itself. And the good news is, you don’t have to!
Travelling with pets can be a beautiful experience if you prepare well. But it can also become stressful for both you and your pet if things are rushed or overlooked. From sudden motion sickness to missing documents or unfamiliar food causing tummy upsets, small mistakes can turn a joyful trip into an anxious one.
This guide is written from one pet parent to another to help you pack smarter, prep better, and plan travel that feels safe, calm, and comfortable for your pet.
Before You Go: Preparation Is Everything
1. Check Your Pet’s Health First
Before planning dates and bookings, make sure your pet is fit to travel.
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Schedule a vet visit 7–10 days before the trip
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Ensure vaccinations are up to date
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Ask for deworming or flea protection if required
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Discuss motion sickness, anxiety, or travel stress if your pet has shown signs earlier
If you’re travelling long-distance or to a different climate, your vet may also suggest supplements or mild calming aids.
2. Know the Travel Rules
Each mode of transport has its own pet guidelines.
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Car travel: Safest and most flexible for pets
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Train travel: Requires prior booking, health certificates, and crate rules
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Flights: Airline-specific rules, weight limits, crate requirements, and documentation
Always double-check official policies a few days before departure. Rules change more often than we realise.
3. Choose Pet-Friendly Stays
Not all “pet-friendly” accommodations are truly comfortable for pets.
Before booking:
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Ask if pets are allowed inside rooms or only in common areas
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Check if there are additional charges or size restrictions
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Look for nearby walking areas or green spaces
A calm environment matters more to your pet than fancy interiors.
Packing for Your Pet: Don’t Leave This to the Last Minute
Packing for your pet deserves as much thought as packing for yourself, sometimes more.
Travel Essentials Checklist
Food & Feeding
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Enough regular food for the entire trip (plus extra)
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Portable food containers
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Travel bowls for food and water
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Treats for comfort and training
Avoid switching food during travel; it’s one of the biggest causes of digestive trouble.
Health & Safety
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Vaccination records and health certificates
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Prescribed medicines and supplements
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Basic first-aid kit (antiseptic spray, cotton, bandage, thermometer)
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Tick and flea control products
Comfort Items
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Your pet’s regular bed or blanket
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Favourite toy or chew
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A worn piece of your clothing (helps reduce anxiety)
Travel Gear
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Crate or carrier (well-ventilated and familiar)
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Seat belt harness for car travel
Familiar smells and routines help pets feel grounded in new places.
Planning the Journey: Keep It Pet-Centric
If you’re driving, plan the journey around your pet, not just the destination.
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Take breaks every 2–3 hours
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Offer water regularly
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Avoid feeding right before travel to prevent nausea
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Never leave your pet alone in a parked car
Use a harness or crate to keep your pet secure. Free movement inside the car is risky for both you and your pet.
Train & Air Travel: Extra Planning Required
For longer journeys:
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Get your pet accustomed to the crate weeks in advance
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Label the crate with your contact details
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Avoid sedatives unless advised by a vet
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Choose travel timings that reduce waiting or temperature stress
Patience and calm energy from you make a huge difference.
Helping Your Pet Stay Calm While Travelling
Travel disrupts routines, and pets feel that deeply.
Here’s what helps:
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Stick to familiar feeding times
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Use calming sprays or supplements if recommended
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Keep your own energy relaxed, pets mirror stress
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Speak gently and reassuringly
If your pet shows signs of anxiety like panting, whining, or restlessness, stop and give them time to settle.
Once You Reach: Settling Into a New Space
The destination might be exciting for you, but it’s unfamiliar territory for your pet.
First Things to Do
- Set up their bed and belongings immediately
- Offer water and let them explore slowly
- Keep them leashed initially in new environments
- Maintain regular meal and walk schedules
Avoid overwhelming your pet with too many people or activities on the first day.
Safety Tips Every Pet Parent Should Remember
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Always keep your pet’s ID tag updated
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Save the contact number of a local vet at your destination
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Carry recent photos of your pet (useful in emergencies)
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Be mindful of weather conditions hot roads, cold floors, or humidity can affect paws and breathing
If travelling to hills or beaches, protect paws from rough terrain and salt exposure.
Conclusion
Travelling together strengthens your bond. Your pet gets to experience new sights, smells, and moments with you, instead of waiting anxiously at home. The key lies in respecting their comfort, understanding their limits, and planning with care.
With the right preparation, they become stories you’ll remember for years: tail wags, curious sniffs, and quiet moments of companionship in unfamiliar places. Plan that holiday and visit your nearest Zigly Pet Care center for any help. You can also shop for essentials for the trip at zigly.com
