The holidays are a time for family, fun, and — for thousands of Americans — travel. If your plans include bringing your dog along for the trip, a little preparation can make all the difference. Whether you're flying across the country, hopping on a train, or taking a road trip to visit loved ones and celebrate the holidays, understanding what to expect and how to prepare your dog for the trip will go a long way in keeping your dog safe and helping you and the furry members of your family have a happy holiday season.
To Master Holiday Dog Travel, Don't Forget to:
Plan for the Type & Length of Travel
When making your travel plans this holiday season, be sure to make a firm decision on how you'll be traveling early on; there are different considerations that will need to be made if you're traveling by car, plane, or train, and the more time you have to properly plan and prepare, the better.
- Air Travel: Pet owners should check airline-specific policies well in advance, as requirements for carrier size, health certificates, and breed restrictions can vary. Small pets may be allowed in the cabin, while larger ones must travel in cargo, which can be stressful and requires extra safety precautions. Air travel is typically used for longer trips and may involve layovers and flight transfers, so be sure to factor those travel aspects into your plans.
- Train Travel: Most train services, like Amtrak, allow only small pets on select routes and require them to remain in a secure, ventilated carrier throughout the journey. Owners should book early since space is limited, and ensure their pet can stay calm and quiet for the duration of the trip.
- Car Travel: Pets should be properly restrained in a crate or with a seat-belt harness to keep them safe and prevent driver distraction. Frequent breaks for water, bathroom needs, and stretching are essential, especially on long drives. For more tips on making your road trip as safe as possible – whether it's just a few blocks or across the country – check out our guide to dog car safety.
There may be some other forms of transportation you may need to utilize during your trip, like ferries, buses, or subways, so be sure to check on requirements and restrictions for those too!
Consider Your Dog's Temperament & Preferences
Considering your individual dog's unique personality, temperament, preferences, and needs are all essential in making your holiday dog travel successful and as stress-free as possible.
For many pet owners, their dogs are a true part of the family, and they can't imagine not including their dog in their holiday celebrations, but in some cases, it's for the best. Some dogs, such as those who are anxious, aggressive, or reactive, may not be fit to travel, and it can actually be safer for them to be left at home at a boarding facility or with a trusted dog sitter. For some other dogs, travel is a breeze. It's up to you, as their owner, to decide what is best for them and how much travel they are capable of.
If your dog has never traveled before, it can't hurt to give them a test run or a little practice. If you're planning on traveling by car this holiday season, try taking them on a longer car trip to make sure they can tolerate being in the car for an extended period of time and don't experience any complications like motion sickness. Even giving them a test-run on a drive of an hour or more can make a big difference in helping you both feel confident for a longer travel day. The same can be done on trains – if your dog meets their requirements. Consider taking a short day trip to the next town over before taking a lengthy train ride to make sure your dog is okay with traveling.
While practicing for trains and cars is pretty straightforward, prepping for air travel is not. However, that doesn't mean there aren't things you and your dog can practice before actually heading to the airport. You and your dog can practice getting in and out of their kennel or carrier, sitting quietly in public spaces, and utilizing public bathroom spots.
Remember: Travel can be stressful for even the most relaxed or well-behaved dogs, so if this is your dog's first time traveling, be sure to check in on them frequently and gauge how they're feeling. Be ready to offer some extra support and exercise some patience with them!
Pack the Right Gear
A Good Carrier
If you're driving, then you don't need to worry about kennel size restrictions – just go with whatever fits best in your vehicle – but if you're flying or traveling by other means, then there may be strict size requirements you'll need to abide by. When in doubt, contact the
Airline restrictions are known to change frequently and can vary depending on which airline you're flying, as well as what type of plane, so be sure to reach out and find out exactly what the requirements are for your flight. And don't forget about TSA! Some pets may need to be removed from their carrier in security checkpoints, so be sure you're familiar with the carrier you choose to bring and make sure it's easy to get your dog in and out of to avoid any stress or delays.
While many train transportation companies have begun allowing pets to travel with their owners, their restrictions and requirements can be just as strict as those of major airlines. Amtrak, for example, allows only small dogs that do not exceed a weight of 20 pounds when in their carrier. They can only be brought on trips up to seven hours, as well, which may limit options for some pet owners who need to travel a further distance or make use of multiple routes.
Travel Bowls and Food, Treats, and Water
Don't forget to pack the snacks! Depending on how long your trip is, your dog may need breaks for food or water along the way. Be sure to bring the right supplies, like food bowls or water bottles, and have them packed in a location that is easily accessible at a rest stop or hotel. Collapsible travel bowls are perfect for long trips, and can save some space for extra necessities – or treats, we won't judge.
If you're flying, be sure that everything you bring for your dog to eat can be brought through TSA checkpoints. You won't be able to bring any liquids like water or broth additives for food through security checkpoints, so plan ahead to get your dog some water before or after your flight and shop for any liquid food additives at your destination, or go without them for the duration of your trip.
Favorite Blankets or Toys
If you have room, bringing a favorite item like a blanket or toy can help your dog feel more secure and at ease. These items will likely have familiar smells that can help keep your dog calm and ease any of their anxieties caused by the hustle and bustle of road trips or air travel. Just be sure to keep an eye on these items throughout your trip so they don't get lost or left behind.
Plan Ahead for a Pet-Friendly Trip
Pet-Friendly Accommodations
While hotels, restaurants, and other businesses have come a long way in being more pet-friendly, don't assume that everywhere you stop along your trip will offer pet-friendly accommodations. Before booking a hotel or vacation rental, double-check that they allow pets, and inquire if there are any rules about certain sizes or breeds.
Even if you're staying at a friend or family member's home for the holidays, it can't hurt to make sure their place is pet-friendly too. Consider if where you're staying has a safe place for your dog to go potty and stretch their legs, if anyone in the home has allergies to dogs, and if there are younger children or older adults that could be injured by an overly active pup; these can all help you determine if a dog-friendly hotel or rental may be a better option!
Health Records
Whether you're going out of state or taking your pup on international travels, accurate and up-to-date health records are a must. For domestic travel, these records can be incredibly useful in case of an emergency, like sudden illness or proof of vaccination. For international travel with a dog, there are certain laws in place that will require you to not only have your pet's health records, but also health certificates signed off on by your family veterinarian. The exact requirements will vary by country, so be sure to get your dog's paperwork started well in advance of your travel plans.
Local Emergency Vet Numbers
If there is an emergency while you're traveling, you'll save time and a little bit of sanity if you program your emergency vet's numbers into your phone AND those of a local emergency veterinarian. Hopefully, you won't need either, but if you do, then you'll have them on speed dial.
Update ID Tag and Microchip Information
While no owner wants to think about their dog escaping or getting lost on a vacation or trip, it's a reality that should be planned for. Be sure to have your dog wearing their collar with clear and accessible ID tags on it. The ID tags should have a way for someone to contact you in the event that they find your lost dog. In addition to a collar and ID tags, make sure your dog is microchipped before you leave on your trip! If their collar gets lost or damaged, microchips are a great backup to help identify your dog and get them back to you quicker.
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