Pet-Friendly Travel Options: Your Complete Guide

We love travelling. Whether it’s taking off somewhere far, far away for a month or simply sneaking away for a long weekend, travel unlocks all kinds of adventures. And we don’t only travel for pleasure and we aren’t always travelling alone. Sometimes we’re boarding a plane or taking a long road trip because we’re moving or taking a gap year, and that means our furry friends are coming along with us. 

But travel can be taxing, tiring, and generally stressful and that’s without a dog, cat, or iguana in tow! So let’s make it simple. We’ve scoured the web, asked our experienced friends, and even travelled with pets ourselves to put together this comprehensive guide to your pet-friendly travel options!

Booking accommodation with a pet

So whether your trip is for business or pleasure, it will most likely include a stay overnight in a hotel, motel or lodge. But are you allowed to bring your pet? And if you are, what are the exact circumstances or conditions you’ll need to abide by?

Luckily more and more places are starting to accommodate pets but depending on where you’re travelling the rules will all be different. Not everyone defines “pet-friendly” under the same conditions! So here’s a list of questions we suggest asking your accommodation providers before you book:

• What type of rooms are available to pet owners?
  The rooms that allow pets are typically on the main floor with easy access to the outdoors. If you were planning to book a fancier room, they may not be able to welcome your dog or cat. 
• What types, sizes, and amounts of pets are allowed?
  Accommodations that allow dogs may not necessarily allow other pets, including cats. Others permit pets under a certain size and may restrict the number of pets per room.
• Are their special rules or restrictions that apply to pets?
  Your hotel might request that pets stay off the furniture and out of certain common areas like beaches or outdoor dining areas. Many will not permit pets to be left unattended in rooms, even for short periods of time. 
• Are there any services available for pets?
  Plan to sightsee but would prefer to leave your friend at the hotel for a couple of hours? You can ask if your accommodation offers any pet-sitting services or knows of trustworthy local animal daycares. You can also ask if they have a list of nearby dog parks, or if they’re able to provide a water bowl and food.

How to fly with your pet 

According to the Air Transport Association, over 500,000 animals are shipped via the air every year. While nearly all of these experiences go off without a hitch, there’s an undeniable truth that air travel can be tough on your pet. Which airline you choose can make a difference in how easy the journey is, so bookmark this story for later before reading on.

Here are 8 steps for flying with your pet:

1. Limit the use of sedatives.
   Contrary to what you might be tempted to do, the veterinarians we spoke to advised against the use of sedatives and tranquillizers. If your pet is kept in the plane’s hold, these types of medications can make it feel even colder to your furry friends and put them at risk of suffering dangerous drops in temperatures. 
2. Get a health certificate from your veterinarian (that includes vaccinations).
   This health certificate needs to meet the specific requirements of your destination, as well as your airline. Usually, these certificates should only be obtained no more than 10 days before the flight to ensure the information is valid and up to date. 
3. Enquire about quarantines.
   If you’re taking an international flight, check in advance if your pet will need to be quarantined upon arrival. This can also change depending on their breed so be sure to thoroughly check in advance as quarantine times can be significant. 
4. Pick the right crate (and include food/water).
   Use a portable kennel that meets your airline’s requirements and is well-reviewed by other travellers. 
5. Book a nonstop flight.
   Nonstop flights are simply easier and ensure fewer things can go wrong (think delays and unexpected rerouting).
6. Feed your animal 4 hours before boarding
   Keep your pet happy, healthy and full by making sure they’re well-fed and hydrated fours before take-off to ensure they have time to go to the bathroom. 
7. Notify the airline you’ll be flying with your pet. When booking your flight, let your airline know you will be travelling with your pet and take note of the airline’s policies and requirements for travelling with your pet. Two weeks before your flight, check with your airline again to make sure you’ve done everything you need to.
8. Put a detailed collar on your pet (and their crate). Have your pet wear a collar that includes relevant identifying information with your address, and a friend’s address and phone number (in case of emergency), and a rabies tag if one is required. 

While some people may question why you’re bringing your pet along with you on your relaxing holiday or gap year, many pet owners know that travelling with pets, when done right and responsibly, only strengthens the bond between the two of you – and makes your trip even better. Remember to understand your pet’s limits, though: if you notice that flying makes them especially anxious, or they have any medical issues that arise from or are worsened by travel, consider limiting how far you take them. Otherwise, get ready for the trip of a lifetime – both yours and your pet’s!