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AARP Smart Guide to Traveling With Pets

33 tips on how to take your dog or cat along on your next great adventure

a passport with paw prints in different colors
AARP (Getty Images; Shutterstock, 2)

Taking pets on vacation has never been more popular, according to a 2024 survey by the American Pet Products Association. No matter the method of travel — car or plane — significantly more dog and cat owners were taking their furry friends with them on three or more trips per year, compared to data from 2022.

Want to take Rover or Fluffy on your next out-of-town adventure? Here’s your guide.

WHERE TO START

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1. Book a vet visit

Ahead of your trip, make sure your pet is healthy and able to withstand travel, says Ken Pawlowski, a veterinarian at Insight Veterinary Wellness Center in El Dorado Hills, Calif. For instance, a pet with heart problems may not feel great at high altitudes in the mountains or on airplane flights, “so [pet owners] need to have a discussion and make a plan for that,” Pawlowski says. Talk with your vet to determine if other medications, such as anti-anxiety pills, would be helpful. Pawlowski also recommends that you “make sure, if they’re on any type of chronic medication, that you have a reasonable supply or a plan of how to acquire that.”

2. Have medical records on hand

Life is unpredictable, so have your pet’s medical records with you in case it needs veterinary care while away, says Jessa Paschke, a behaviorist with Mars Petcare’s Pet Parent Partners team. This documentation should include proof of vaccinations and copies of any records that pertain to an existing condition. You also may need to get a veterinary health certificate, which confirms that the animal meets the health requirements for the state or country you are traveling to. Refer to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service website for state or international requirements.

3. Pack more than you need

Your pet’s travel kit should include the everyday essentials: bowls, food, treats, medications, waste disposal bags and a leash, Paschke says. While sometimes less is more when traveling, this is not the case with pets, according to Pawlowski. You need to be prepared in case of weather or traffic delays. “Travel can unfortunately be extended by days or longer sometimes, so make sure you have plenty of whatever they need — and that would go double for any medications they’re on,” he says. Speaking of packing, consider special rolling suitcases designed specifically for animal travel. They include collapsible food bowls, placemats, several zippered compartments, lined food carriers, zip-off treat pouches and a food scoop; you can find them at major pet-supply retailers.

4. Bring along the comforts of home

The more familiar pet items you bring, the more at ease and secure your pet will feel on vacation. If you can, take a bed or blanket that they’re used to, Pawlowski says. Pack a few favorite toys and treats as well.

5. For cats, there’s no place like home

Speaking of recognizable items, Pawlowski says one thing is especially important for feline friends: a similar litter box and the exact same kitty litter. “Dogs are bonded to people. But cats are bonded to areas and places,” he explains. “If you have a totally different litter box and the litter has a different scent to it, and they’re stressed out, they may not want to use that.”

6. Check the weather

Animals from warm-weather climates that are going someplace cold may need a sweater or jacket. This is especially true for small animals with thin coats of fur or hair. Make sure your pet gets used to wearing it before leaving home. “Don’t just take it with you and assume that they’re going to be OK,” Pawlowski says. “Some dogs aren’t used to doing it, and the first time you put it on they’re gonna flop over on their side and think they’re dying.”

7. Consider microchipping

“No matter where you’re headed or how you plan to get there, make sure your pet is microchipped for identification and wears a collar and tag imprinted with your name, cellphone number and any relevant contact information,” says Pamela Reid of the ASPCA Behavioral Sciences Team. Roughly the size of a grain of rice, a pet microchip is a radio transponder with its own unique number that is injected under the loose skin between a pet’s shoulder blades. When scanned by a vet or shelter, it provides identifying and ownership contact information to a computer. The procedure to implant a microchip costs about $25 to $60, according to GoodRx. ​

8. Bring out the carrier a few days ahead

Because leaving home can stress out some cats, make sure you use a carrier to which they’re acclimated, Pawlowski says. “The best thing for a cat is to leave the carrier out for a couple of days in advance with the door open. Cats fall for this every time.” Much like the irresistible empty cardboard box, he says, “They’re going to go sit in there. Then the morning of the trip, when they’re in there, just shut the door.” Also, make sure the carrier has a towel or bed inside with their scent on it.

AIR TRAVEL

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9. Know what’s allowed

Research the airline’s pet policy, and when you book your ticket, be sure to indicate you are bringing a pet. Cats and small dogs can be brought with you into the passenger cabin, in a carrier. Size limits vary by airline. For instance, American Airlines limits pet weight to 20 pounds, including the carrier. Other airlines may simply indicate that the carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, so be sure to look up the allowable dimensions for your particular airline. A pet in a carrier will count as a carry-on item, and you should prepare for an additional fee of at least $100 each way, according to tripadvisor.com. Some airlines limit the number of animals that can be on a flight, so it’s best to book early.

10. Look into cargo rules

If your dog is too large for a carry-on carrier, it will need to be booked into cargo, but be aware that not all airlines offer this service. Pets traveling in cargo are placed in a temperature-controlled area separate from the luggage, and their kennels are secured to stay in place. Some airlines — including American, Delta and United — have strict restrictions on who can book a pet into cargo: U.S. military active-duty personnel, for example, or U.S. State Department Foreign Service officials traveling on official business. In addition, airlines may restrict pet cargo travel if temperatures in the departure, arrival or layover city get too hot or cold. This is a situation you want to avoid if you can. While putting an animal in the cargo hold “is not ideal,” Pawlowski says, “some owners may not have a choice.” ​

11. Food and water prior

Celebrity hairstylist Chaz Dean, founder of WEN hair-care products and WEN Pets, has traveled coast to coast with his four Labrador retrievers for more than a decade. He feeds his dogs two to three hours before leaving and encourages a lot of water consumption up until about an hour before they leave for the airport. “Then we make notes — we have to make sure, because there’s four of them — that they all pee and poo, because you don’t want that happening on the plane,” says Dean.

12. Exercise your pet

Providing them with lots of exercise — from the day before travel up until right before — can help them relax during your trip. Play a game of fetch. Go for a long walk. “A tired dog is a good dog”: That saying exists for a reason.

13. Have an airport plan

If your trip has a layover and your pet is traveling with you, make sure it has access to water. Find pet-relief areas on the airport map and let your dog do its business. “If it’s a cat, that’s going to be a little more challenging,” Pawlowski says. “I really don’t recommend taking a cat out of a carrier during travel.” If your pet is in cargo, it may not get water on the trip; federal regulations require that animals are offered water only once every 12 hours.

14. How to prepare for TSA

Pets are considered carry-ons and will be treated as such at the TSA checkpoint, per the TSA website. Be prepared to take your animal out of its carrier and carry it with you through the metal detector while the carrier undergoes inspection. Travelers can request a private room for inspection in the event that their pet is skittish. Pawlowski recommends this option for cats.

CAR TRAVEL

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15. Prevent stomach issues

Give your pet a light meal three to four hours before leaving, and to prevent potential carsickness, don’t feed them in the car. “Pack plenty of water,” Reid advises. “And always opt for bottled water, because drinking water from an area they aren’t used to could result in stomach discomfort.” Should your pet be prone to motion sickness, look into Cerenia, a prescription medication available through veterinarians.

16. Restrain safely

Even in the car, keep your pet safe and contained in a well-ventilated crate or carrier, says Reid. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around. Secure the crate so it won’t slide or shift in case of an abrupt stop. If the pet can’t be crated, it should be leashed — and possibly harnessed to a seat belt with a special animal car harness you can buy at a pet store or through an online retailer. “I just cringe when I see people that are driving and they’ve got a little dog just running around, sitting on their lap and looking out the window, and then running across the dashboard and jumping in the back seat,” says Pawlowski. “The dog’s going to get injured or distract the driver, who is then going to slam on the brakes, and the dog will get thrown into the windshield or something.”

17. Keep things tidy, cozy and odor-free

When Dean travels by car between filming his QVC segments in Pennsylvania to working in his salon in New York, he uses a blanket or sheet to cover car seats in the event of shedding, wet paws and the like. His dogs are also all harnessed and seat-belted in the cargo area of the SUV. Dean often brings pillows to make the ride more comfortable for them, and always ensures they’re freshly groomed. Fitted seat covers are available for cars and trucks, and some come with barriers to keep pets from barging into the front seat. You can find them at major pet-supply retailers.

18. Keep them inside the car

While it’s common to see dogs with their heads out the window, ears flapping in the breeze, that isn’t safe, Reid says. “Dogs could be injured by flying objects, and abrupt stops or turns can cause major injury or worse. They can also accidentally stand on the window button, causing it to open all the way or shut.”

RV TRAVEL

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19. Space to roam

In a motor home, it’s OK for pets to have more freedom than in a car, so you may not need to use a crate or other restraint. “If the dog is used to traveling in an RV, they’re probably comfortable just meandering around, and they have areas where they go and look out the window,” Pawlowski says. “It’s probably going to be more comfortable than being confined.” Cats should be OK with freedom as well, provided they’re kept out of the driver’s area. “Make sure they’re not coming up and being able to distract you, or get up into your lap, or get under your feet where you’re trying to step on pedals.”

TRAIN TRAVEL

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20. Research and prepare

Pets aren’t allowed on all trains, so check in advance. Amtrak allows one small dog or cat with a total weight limit of 20 pounds, including the carrier. There’s also a time limit of seven hours of travel, including route transfer times. You’ll need to fill out an online pet release and agreement ahead of time, and your pet must be fully vaccinated and at least 8 months old.

21. Get on track

Amtrak requires that your pet be able to sit up and lie down without touching the sides of the carrier, which can be no longer than 19 inches long, 14 inches wide and 10.5 inches high. Arrive at least 45 minutes early to check in so that an agent can verify your paperwork. If a station is unstaffed, the train conductor will do this. Your pet must remain in the carrier at the station and on the train.

22. Please remain seated

Once on board, you can’t leave your animal unattended under the seat or take it to the dining car, so bring some munchies for yourself and your pet. Some trains have a quiet car that is pet-friendly; that’s an ideal place to keep your pet calm. Other trains will seat you in a regular coach section, so traveling during non-peak times is the optimum choice for more peaceful conditions and fewer distractions.

AT YOUR DESTINATION

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23. Find a pet-friendly vacation rental

Finding a pet-friendly hotel is easy, thanks to online resources. Sites like BringFido, PetsWelcome and TripAdvisor can help you suss out accommodations. They detail information such as weight and breed limits, pet fees, on-site pet relief areas, limits to how many pets can stay and more. If you want a whole house, AirBnB and VRBO have pet-friendly options, usually with a surcharge.

24. Understand house rules

When booking, look for exercise and bathroom options. Many pet-friendly hotels have a small yard or pet relief area, but city hotels may have slimmer access. “You’re going to have to take them out and walk them,” Pawlowski says, so finding hotels with nearby walking areas, or even a small park, will make life easier.

25. Prevent escapes

When returning to your hotel or house, be mindful of loose pets at the door — especially cats, who can be skittish when away from home, Pawlowski says. “A cat would be a little challenging” at a house rental, he says. “There’s potentially a lot of area to roam, a lot of places to hide, a lot of places to sneak out.” Pawlowski also follows this rule for cats, for their safety and out of respect for any neighbors: “I would never let a cat outside when I’m traveling.”

26. Help to soothe

Cats can benefit from diffusers or sprays that release a calming, feel-good pheromone, Pawlowski says, adding that a similar collar exists for dogs. You have likely seen advertisements for CBD products as a calming agent. Veterinarians hesitate to recommend CBD because reputable scientific studies have yet to be conducted on its effectiveness and harm. You can always get anti-anxiety medications from your vet ahead of time, Pawlowski says.

RV OR CAMPSITE

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27. Campground caution

When you visit a campsite, there’s potential for lots of interaction with other dogs. According to Kampgrounds of America (KOA), 58 percent of campers 50 and older bring their pets on trips. And 62 percent of those folks look for campgrounds with pet-friendly amenities such as dog parks and pet-wash stations. But beware of the potential for illness. “If you are going into a mobile-home park and there are a lot of pets, you have a high potential to pick something up,” Pawlowski says. “Things can be pretty condensed there.” Ticks are much more common in that kind of environment, too, he says. So ensure your pet is up-to-date on all vaccinations as well as flea, tick and heartworm-prevention medication.

28. Provide room to roam

Having extra space is key when choosing a campsite. You want your dog to be able to explore while on its leash or tether. A larger site, or one that backs up to a field or meadow, offers fewer distractions. And a campground with walking trails means you can easily exercise your pooch without having to drive your mobile home somewhere else.

29. Look for extras

Some campgrounds have extra dog amenities like splash pads and fountains, and even sell pet merch in gift stores. Still others offer updated dog parks and agility courses. Some 80 KOA campgrounds offer RV sites with “paw pens,” These feature fenced-in patio areas up to 50 square feet, and  provide waste-bag dispensers and shady areas.

OUT AND ABOUT

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30. Build up to being social

Some pet travel websites that list accommodations can also guide you to pet-friendly restaurants. But make sure your dog is up to the task. “Don’t force your pet into an environment or situation they haven’t been in before without having experimented first,” warns Pawlowski. To prepare, “take them out for short periods of time. Don’t plan on a two-hour dinner the first time.” Start by taking them to a coffeehouse, going inside to order and sitting outside, and make sure they’re going to lie there and not jump around, pull on the leash or bark at people. “If your dog can’t handle it, it’s going to be stressful for you, and you’re not going to have a good time,” says Pawlowski. “The people around you aren’t having a good time, but mostly that dog is not having a good time.”

31. For tourist attractions, use good judgment

Just because pets are allowed at your tourist destination doesn’t necessarily mean they should tag along. Make sure your dog is properly socialized to be in a potentially crowded atmosphere.

32. Educate yourself on national parks

Most national parks allow pets, but a handful don’t, so check ahead of time on the National Park Service website. When pets are allowed, requirements include keeping it on a leash, bagging up waste, knowing where in the park it can and cannot go, and respecting wildlife.

33. Don’t lose sight

You’ve been as careful as possible, taking all the precautions. But your dog or cat gets loose in a new environment. Hopefully your pet has been microchipped, making it easy to track. If not, you should travel with a pet tracker that attaches to its collar, Paschke says. A pet tracker uses GPS to locate your pet’s location, which can be viewed through a phone app. Should your pet slip out of its collar, the American Kennel Club offers these tips: Make sure you have a photo. Talk to people in the area, and consider making flyers. Utilize social media resources. And stay in touch with local shelters and animal rescue groups. ​

   

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