Travelling with Your Pet: What You Need to Know Before You Go
If you have ever looked at your pet while packing for a holiday and thought, “I cannot leave you behind,” then you already understand why travelling with pets has become so popular. It is fun, chaotic at times, and oddly comforting to have your furry companion with you. But, as I learned the first time I tried travelling with a very excitable dog, you cannot simply throw everything into a bag and hope for the best.
Below is what genuinely helps when planning a holiday with pets, whether you are travelling with dogs, travelling with cats, or packing for a smaller creature with a big personality.
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Holiday Prep for Pet Owners
I used to think pets would magically enjoy travelling because it meant “adventure”. Not always true. Some animals love the car; others start shaking the moment you shut the door. If you are not sure how your pet will react, try a couple of short trips first. It tells you a lot.
Do a bit of digging before you go. Look at local rules, airline requirements, ferry restrictions and anything else that might catch you off guard. I once nearly boarded a ferry before noticing pets were only allowed on the outside deck, in winter, which I had absolutely not planned for. Lesson learned: check everything early.
Travel Essentials Your Pet Will Actually Need
People tend to overpack for pets. I used to take half the house because “they might need it”. They rarely did. The basics usually cover it:
A strong carrier or harness that gives you peace of mind
Food your pet already knows, plus a tiny bit extra
Bowls, ideally something that does not roll around in the car
One familiar blanket or a toy — the smell of home does wonders
Cleaning wipes, poo bags and something to deal with minor messes
A lead and a collar with proper identification
Copies of vet records, just in case someone asks for them
The trick is to keep it practical instead of turning your car into a mobile pet shop.
Keeping Your Pet Calm and Safe During the Journey
One of my cats once managed to escape a carrier mid-journey. I still do not know how. Ever since then, I have been extra careful about secure carriers and proper latches.
Whether you are driving or taking public transport, make sure your pet is safely contained. Breaks during long journeys matter more than most people realise. A short walk, a drink and even a quick sniff around a quiet corner can reset your pet’s mood entirely.
If you have an anxious animal, bring something that smells like home. It sounds small, but it really does help.
Choosing the Right Pet-Friendly Accommodation
Pet friendly travel is lovely when the place you stay at genuinely welcomes animals, and not just in the “we tolerate them if we must” kind of way.
Check the details:
Are pets allowed everywhere or only in certain rooms?
Is there a size or breed limit?
Are there extra charges? (These vary wildly.)
Can you easily walk your pet nearby?
Reviews from other travellers are gold. People do not hold back when a place claims to be pet friendly but actually is not.
Health Checks, Vaccinations and Microchip Rules
A quick vet visit before travelling can save you a lot of stress. Make sure vaccinations are up to date and microchip details are correct. Some countries are quite strict, and even a small mistake can derail the entire trip.
Rules about microchips, rabies shots and tapeworm treatments change more often than you would expect. Check early so you are not scrambling at the last minute.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Travelling with Pets
I have made nearly all of these mistakes myself at some point, so consider this a friendly warning:
Leaving pet paperwork until the week before travelling
Forgetting medication (then panicking halfway through the trip)
Assuming every “pet friendly” place uses the same rules
Giving pets a full meal right before leaving — a big no
Not stopping enough for toilet breaks or leg stretches
Most of these are easy to avoid once you know they exist.
Travelling with your pet is not always perfect. Sometimes it is messy, occasionally stressful, and you will probably question your decisions at least once along the way. But it is also incredibly rewarding. There is something lovely about watching your pet explore a new place for the first time or settle beside you after a long day of discovering somewhere new.
With a little preparation and a bit of patience, your trip can be memorable for all the right reasons. Safe travels to you and your furry sidekick.
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