Spontaneous road trips are milestones you should do at some point. But as long as you’re traveling with a pet, the last-minute vacations will have to wait. Your pet’s safety relies on how well you plan for them.
The good news is that the world has become increasingly pet-friendly. You’ll find plenty of places willing to accept you and your furry family member — as long as it’s a dog. Getting restaurants, stores, and hotels to let you in with your cat, lizard, snake, or bird is a bit more difficult. Still, the pet acceptance movement is gradually expanding, so there’s hope!
That’s part of why you must research before taking your pet with you on your travels, but there are other concerns to remember. Before you head out with an animal, be sure you’ve planned for these important factors.
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1. Your Transportation Method Has Rules
Unless you’re driving your personal vehicle, you’ll need to abide by the rules of your mode of transportation. Planes, trains, buses, ships, and rideshares/cabs have unique requirements. You can assume they will all expect your pet to be leashed at a minimum and, most likely, in a travel carrier.
Here are the general rules for popular transportation types:
- Greyhound buses do not allow pets at all, except for service animals with proper documentation.
- Amtrak trains allow small cats and dogs in a carrier for a fee. Rates vary by route, and you’ll need to complete the pet check-in and paperwork.
- You can fly with pets domestically, but some airlines are more pet-friendly than others. Read the pet travel policy before booking your specific flight.
- Cats and dogs can fly internationally. But where they’re housed on the plane depends on the airline and the destination country’s rules.
- Pets can be passengers in rideshares and taxis if you book your ride specifically through the pet-friendly category. Not all drivers want pets in their vehicles.
Beyond the basic “yes” or “no,” you’ll also need to handle the requirements for your chosen mode of transport. Chances are, you’ll have some hefty fees, and your pet will need proof of updated vaccines. There may be size and weight requirements, as well.
2. You’ll Need a Place to Stay
Lodging is a must-have part of every overnight trip, especially when you’ll be gone for a while. It’s challenging to find comfortable, pet-friendly accommodations within your budget at the last minute.
Many hotels and Airbnb don’t accept cats, lizards, snakes, and animals that have “peculiar living habits” or “difficulty adapting to new environments.” Due to insurance requirements, you’ll see breed and weight restrictions in some places. Contact the hotel directly for their pet policy to avoid surprises at check-in.
Even when you find something willing to accept your pet, you’ll need to plan for any special needs. If your pup has difficulty climbing stairs, skip the second floor and higher places if there’s no elevator. Look for places that have nearby fenced-in areas for exercise or pathways for longer walks.
3. Pack for Contingencies
Food, water, treats, and toys are easy to throw together at the last minute. But what happens if your pet gets sick while traveling with you?
Leave yourself enough time between now and your trip to visit the vet. Find out if your pet is up-to-date on the necessary vaccines that your transportation and accommodations required.
While there, ask about any possible over-the-counter medications you can buy if your pet gets a stomach ache, diarrhea, constipation, or a cold. Check your stash of flea, heartworm, and other prescription meds and stock up.
Accidents and illnesses happen. By giving yourself time to visit a vet your pet already knows and is comfortable with, you can avoid all but the most serious emergency vets (and the expenses that go with them) while you’re on the road.
Conclusion
Your pet loves to go anywhere that you go and will miss you while you’re gone. Vacations and business trips aren’t the same without having them to snuggle with!
As long as you give yourself some time to prepare for these important considerations, you can happily load up your pet and head to your next destination, knowing they’re in the best hands — yours.