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5 Essential Tips for Traveling with a Pet

It’s that time of year again! Traveling during the holidays is famously stressful and bringing a pet on the road comes with its own set of challenges. With enough preparation and familiarity with your pet’s needs, however, the trip should be smooth sailing/flying/driving. Explore the top five unbeatable tips that will make any hurdle with your furry travel companion manageable. From checking in with the vet to making sure your pet is in the right head space to travel, these steps will make sure you’re both in great shape.

1. Plan a Pre-trip Vet Check-up

2. Buy a Safe, Comfortable Pet Carrier

3. Ease Your Pet into Traveling

4. Pack a Travel Kit

5. Check In with Your Pet While Traveling

Keep reading to learn more about how to put these tips into action and have a stress-free holiday trip with your pet.

1. Plan a Pre-trip Vet Check-up



2. Buy a Safe, Comfortable Pet Carrier

It’s best to buy a pet carrier suited to your pet’s size far in advance of your travel date so that they can get familiar with going in and out of it. If you are flying, be sure that the carrier is airline-approved. If you are driving, buckling up the carrier with your pet inside is the safest option. They should have enough room to stand up, turn around and lie down. The carrier should also have adequate ventilation and a waterproof bottom, though lining it with pads in case of a bathroom mishap would be wise.


3. Ease Your Pet Into Traveling

4. Pack a Travel Kit

Your own belongings may be your first priority, but you should also have a bag full of your pet’s travel essentials for easy access during the trip. As you check off your packing list, make sure that your pet has a collar with up-to-date contact information, a trusty leash, favorite toys, travel bowls, blankets, puppy pads/disposable litter box, waste bags, medications, pet first aid kit, and proof of vaccination. Plenty of water, treats, and travel-safe food are, of course, non-negotiable. Portland Pet Food Company has many options for nutritious, portable food for both dogs and cats. Full of premium, fresh ingredients, these come in convenient pouches that are perfect for on-the-go meals.