Pet lovers know that the comfort and safety of their furry friend is paramount, whether they’re at home or on the go. Unfortunately, until your budget is padded enough to enjoy a private jet, traveling with your four-legged BFF can be a little bit of a traumatic experience for the two of you. From being separated during flights to cramped quarters, a lengthy trip can cause even the calmest pets and their parents to have some serious anxiety. If you’re looking to make your next trip as stress-free on you and your pet as possible, try out these tips:
Bring plenty of water: The combination of recycled air and altitude can be seriously dehydrating for both humans and their furry counterparts, but unlike the former, the latter doesn’t usually have the benefit of a cart of drinks being offered to them every few hours. To make your pet comfortable during your trip, make sure you’re providing plenty of water; you may be able to leave them a bowl if they’re in the belly of the plane, or you can give them some sips from a cup or bottle if they’re sitting with you. The same goes for car rides — either put a non-skid water dish in the back seat from which they can take some sips if they get thirsty or make sure you stop every few hours so they can have a drink.
Give your pet somewhere comfortable to sleep: Airplanes aren’t exactly known for being the comfiest places in the world for humans, but that doesn’t mean Fido has to know the struggle of trying to nap in coach. Instead of a bare crate or spot on the floor, bring along a little bed for your pet to nap on while you’re in transit. If you don’t have a ton of space in your carry-on, inflatable cushions work nicely, as well.
Prepare in advance for accidents: The rush to clean up a pet-related accident from your seat on a plane or the front seat of a car can make even the calmest pet parent start to stress. Instead of waiting for the virtually inevitable to happen, prepare in advance by bringing some puppy pads to lay in your pet’s crate, carrier, or the back seat of your car. While you can try to reduce the risk of accidents by giving your pet a walk before and after the flight, it’s better to come prepared than cross your fingers.
Make this strange place feel like home: New places – particularly if they’re traveling somewhere they can’t see you — can be stressful for a pet, but a few items from home can help. Make sure your pet gets to snuggle with his or her favorite toy while you’re traveling and give them something that smells like you, like a favorite sweatshirt, that they can sniff when they’re feeling anxious.
Keep snacks handy: If you get the munchies during travel, odds are your pet does, too. Help keep them calm while maintaining your own sanity by keeping some treats handy for your pet; just a few treats can turn a bumpy ride into smooth sailing.
Whether you’re flying around the world or just driving home for the holidays, it’s easy to make traveling with your pet a stress-free affair. Some treats, some toys, and a little preparation for the messier side of pet ownership can make even a cramped seat feel like first class.
