Whether just for fun or for necessity, travel is a part of life. Maybe you love hitting the road for the annual summer camping trip or family vacation, or you always travel home for holidays or special events. Or maybe you just need to take a break and explore a new environment every now and again.
While boarding your dog at the vet’s office or getting a pet sitter for your cat are valid options, many people don’t like leaving their pets behind when it comes time to travel. It’s only natural to want Fido or Fluffy to join us in our adventures, but there’s a lot to know about how to travel with pets safely. From gathering the right documentation to take your pet on a plane, to using pet CBD to keep your cat or dog comfortable and relaxed during travel, here are our tips to ensure your trip goes smoothly and is enjoyed by everyone – furry family included!
Tips for Traveling with Canines and How CBD for Dogs Can Help
It’s commonly accepted that dogs love to go on adventures, but there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to traveling with your canine companion:
- Your dog might not like traveling
- It’s important to plan road trip stops for your pet
- Be sure your dog is crate-comfortable before using one
- Do your research about air travel with dogs
- Maintain a consistent routine with CBD for dogs
Don’t Assume Your Dog Is a Great Traveler
While we think of dogs as laid-back animals that are excited to go anywhere with us, all dogs are different. Some will much prefer to stay at home and take it easy. Don’t assume just because your dog is content driving to the park that they will be happy on a long car or plane ride. Different dogs will respond differently to travel, so do your research before planning a trip with your pet.
Plan Stops When Traveling Long Distance with Dogs in the Car
Your dog will need to get out to use the bathroom every few hours while traveling by car. It’s fine to let your dog use the potty whenever you stop for gas or to use the bathroom, but you should also monitor your pet for signs that they need to go (such as whining or pacing).
Your trip might go more smoothly if you plan out exactly where you’ll stop along the way for Fido to do his business. Bathroom breaks should also be an opportunity for your dog to walk around, sniff a little, and stretch their legs. If you can find a dog park on your route and allow them to really get some running and exercise done, they might be more relaxed for the remainder of the drive.
To Crate or Not to Crate While Traveling with Dogs?
Choosing whether or not to crate your dog for a road trip will be mostly up to you. Some dogs will be more comfortable riding in the backseat, while others will feel more secure if they are kept in a crate. Most airlines are going to require your dog to be in a crate or carrier while flying, so be sure to prepare your pet accordingly if you plan to fly with them.
If you choose to crate your dog for the trip and they aren’t familiar with being confined to one, you’ll need to do some careful and detailed crate training before your departure. Choosing a properly sized and shaped crate for your pet is also an important part of making sure they’re comfortable during travel.
What to Know About Air Travel with Dogs
Bringing your dog on a flight is a much more involved process than bringing your dog with you on a long road trip. Your dog will require a flight reservation, and the rules and requirements for pet travel vary among airline providers. Almost all animal welfare organizations advise against traveling with pets as cargo on a plane, so you should only consider airline travel if your dog is small enough to fit into a carrier at your feet on the plane. You’ll also need a certificate of health from your veterinarian that confirms that your dog has received all of their vaccines and is healthy enough to travel.
Another factor is expense: it often costs as much as $250 to travel with your dog. The rules about traveling with an emotional support dog are also variable and need to be confirmed before travel. Even if you have all of the right documentation for a service dog or emotional support animal, you should contact the airline ahead of time because there is always a risk that your check-in agent or flight attendant won’t be familiar with the rules.
No matter what, you want your dog to be calm and well-behaved on the plane. Consider replacing their regular daily dosage of CBD with a calming CBD for dogs tincture on the days surrounding travel. The added soothing support of melatonin and the herbal blend of valerian root, passion flower, lemon balm, and chamomile will make it more likely they can stay quiet and comfortable during the flight.
Keep Your Dog’s Routine Consistent During Travel with CBD for Dogs
The most crucial thing when traveling with your dog will be trying to keep their daily routine as consistent as possible – give them their meals at the same time each day, bring along familiar items like toys and their dog bed, and be sure they get their daily amount of CBD for dogs.
CBD for dogs supports your pet’s wellness by helping them maintain a sense of calm, manage stress signals, and feel physically comfortable and confident. CBD builds up in the body over time, so don’t wait until your trip to start using CBD. Get your dog on an established pet CBD routine that can be consistent while you travel, so they always experience the benefits of CBD – especially when travel hiccups make things a little more challenging for them.
Tips for Traveling with Felines and How CBD for Cats Can Help
Traveling with cats can be a greater challenge than traveling with dogs, but it’s certainly possible. Here’s what you need to know:
- Practice and preparation are key for a successful trip
- Ensure your cat is comfortable in a carrier
- Skip breakfast on travel days
- Give your cat a place to use the bathroom in the carrier
- Support your pet with CBD for cats if they’re nervous
Traveling with Cats Takes Practice
If the only time your cat has ever been on a trip was to visit the veterinarian, then the process of getting your cat ready for long-distance travel on a plane or in a car will be involved. You can’t just put your cat in the carrier and expect them to be comfortable and ready. They need to get used to spending time in a carrier. Your cat is going to need some training and time to get used to the experience of travel, and your first trip with them might not go smoothly the whole time. Be prepared to invest some energy and be patient.
Your Cat Needs to Be Comfortable in a Carrier
Whether you’re traveling with cats on a plane or in a car, the carrier is likely the place where they will be spending the most time. Road trips allow you some flexibility – a well-behaved cat can roam the car rather than staying in the carrier – but your cat will be required to stay in the carrier for an extended period of time if you take them on a plane.
One of the most important strategies for traveling with cats is creating positive associations with their travel carrier long before your departure date. Bring the carrier out and fill it with toys and comfort items. Place treats in the carrier to entice your cat to enter at first, then reward your cat with treats when they go into the carrier on their own. Give your cat lots of praise and pets when they are in and around the carrier so they associate it with good experiences. Once your cat seems comfortable in the carrier, close it up and walk around the house or the block with them inside of it. They need to be comfortable not only sitting still inside the carrier, but also being carried around in it.
Consider Skipping Breakfast on Travel Days
One quick way to disrupt your travel with cats is with a vomiting accident. Cleaning up cat puke isn’t something anyone wants to do on vacation, and it’s certainly not pleasant for your feline, either.
Many veterinarians recommend withholding food the morning of a travel day to prevent your cat from experiencing an upset stomach. Always offer plenty of water throughout your travel, whether you’re on a plane or in a car. Skipping one meal won’t hurt your cat – just don’t forget to give them dinner once you arrive at your destination.
Provide a Potty Place Within the Carrier
For cats, it’s best to line their carrier with a pee pad for them to use rather than removing them for a leash walk at rest stops. If you have space for it in the carrier and aren’t worried about it getting tossed around, you can also put a small litter pan in the carrier with your cat during travel. If your cat isn’t used to using the bathroom outside, they won’t start doing so when you go on a road trip. They’ll need to have access to a litter box.
Use CBD for Cats to Support a Nervous Kitty During Travel
There are many resources available that can help you soothe your cat if they’re feeling nervous. Your veterinarian might be able to prescribe a sedative to calm your kitty before the big journey. Some owners also use pheromone wipes, spray, or collars to help keep their cat calm during a trip. A thundershirt or weighted sweater can also help some cats keep calm – but be sure to keep a close eye on their temperature and make sure they don’t overheat.
Maintaining your cat’s CBD routine will also be an important part of preparing them for travel. CBD generates a variety of benefits in your cat’s body, especially as it accumulates over time and impacts their endocannabinoid system (ECS). To experience the most valuable benefits of CBD for cats, be sure to start your cat on a consistent CBD routine before your trip. Your pet’s CBD should be administered every day, either in a yummy treat or a CBD oil for cats, and that regimen should be consistent no matter where you travel to.
Helpful hint: Even if your cat is on a daily CBD wellness routine, consider switching to a calming CBD oil for cats formula for extra soothing during travel.
Other Tips for Successful Travel With Pets
While travel with dogs is different from travel with cats, there are a few tips that apply regardless of your animal’s species. Whenever you’re planning a travel with pets, remember to:
- Consult your veterinarian about travel plans
- Keep identification on your animal at all times
- Confirm pet-friendly accommodations before arrival
- Don’t forget papers and pet personal items
Consult Your Veterinarian About Travel Plans
Your veterinarian can give your pet the health check-ups they need before air travel and they can also help you prepare for any type of trip you want to take with your dog or cat. They might be able to provide sedatives or other medications that will help your pet cope with the stress of travel, or even sleep through it. Most of all, your veterinarian can tell you honestly if your pet is healthy enough to travel and whether traveling with your pet is a good idea or not.
Your Traveling Pet Needs Clear Identification
One of the most important things to remember when traveling with pets is that your cat or dog should always have proper identification on their body. Even if your pet is microchipped, a proper, well-fitted collar with updated contact information for you should also be on their collar or harness at all times. Your pet getting lost or running away while traveling to an unfamiliar place is not only more likely, but it’s also more risky because they might not be able to get back home safely. The environment is unfamiliar to them, so the best way to protect them from getting lost is with identification. Collars can fall off or be removed, but any stray animal that is picked up will be scanned for a microchip, making it the best way to keep your pet properly identified and safe. Just be sure the chip is properly registered and your contact information is current.
Keep all of your pet’s items in one place, as you would for your own items during travel. Pack a small bag with hard copies of identification and vaccination papers, toys, pet CBD treats, leash, pet food, poop bags, litter, and any other items your dog or cat might need for the trip.
Confirm That Your Pet Is Welcome at Your Destination
Always confirm with your final destination that your pet is welcome. Many hotels, AirBnBs, vacation rentals, and even your family’s homes might not be open to having a cat or dog as a guest. Still other accommodations will require a deposit or forewarning or specific paperwork if you are arriving with an animal. There are a variety of chain hotels in the US that are pet-friendly, but always confirm that your dog or cat will be able to join you at the place you plan to stay.
Pack Your Pet’s Papers and Personal Items
Don’t forget to bring along your pet’s immunization records just in case. While it’s unlikely you’ll have to show them to anyone on a road trip, they might be required for plane travel. Some hotels will also ask for proof of your pet’s shots. You should also keep your veterinarian’s name, address, and phone number on hand in case there is an emergency and they need to be contacted.
Also, don’t try to save space by buying pet items such as blankets, toys, food, and treats when you arrive at your destination. Instead, pack all of your pet’s familiar items so you don’t risk having to change your cat or dog's diet or routine when you get to your destination. Having to eat a new food or being separated from their favorite toy might ruin your pet’s travel experience and also make it harder on you because they are unsettled.
Traveling with Your Pets Won’t Always Be Possible, But Pet CBD Can Help
While it’s a bummer to leave your pet behind, traveling with pets will not always be the best choice. Your animal loves being with you, but if traveling by car or plane stresses them out, you’re better off finding a great pet sitter or boarding facility where you can leave them during your trip. If you see your pet getting nervous about travel, don’t hesitate to consider another option.
But with the added help of pet CBD, it’s possible that your beloved furry family member can join in all the fun. Use CBD for dogs and CBD for cats to ensure that your pet can tap into their well of chill and enjoy the experience of traveling rather than feeling stressed or worried.