Tips For Traveling With a Cat or Dog During the Holidays: Stress-Free Tips for Carriers, Cars & Airports

Key Takeaways

• Read the airline rules before your flight. Most airlines have rules about things like the type of carriers to use and even how many pets are allowed on the flight.
• Pack food and water bowls, a leash and harness, toys, and a comfortable carrier, such as Katziela’s airline-compliant carriers for your travels.
• One of our biggest tips for traveling with a cat: Make sure to visit your veterinarian to get a health certificate that proves your pet is safe to fly and that they’re up-to-date with their vaccinations.
• Be sure to update your pet’s microchip info and book pet-friendly accommodations for your holiday travel. 
• Take practice drives and plan for breaks if you’ll be traveling a long distance with your dog or cat.

The holidays are upon us! For many of us, the season means loads of travel to see family and friends. 

With the crowds, lines, and flight delays, holiday travel is stressful enough. But it’s a whole other story when you’re traveling with your pet. Follow Katziela’s tips for traveling with a dog or cat to enjoy a relaxed and stress-free holiday season with your number one travel companion!

Get a Comfortable Pet Carrier

Your pet carrier is one of your important travel items! This essential is what will keep your pet safe and comfortable while traveling. They also prevent them from getting lost in big, unfamiliar spaces.

Make sure to look for airline-compliant pet carriers to ensure you meet your airline’s requirements. Our pet carrier with wheels and other soft pet carriers at Katziela are great options. With soft mesh sides, our carriers fit right under the seat in front of you! 

They’re also very travel-friendly, thanks to features like:

• A cushioned bed and interior for your pet’s comfort
• Mesh windows for breathability 
• A telescopic handle for easy maneuvering
• Removable wheels so your carrier fits under the seat
• Built-in safety leashes

Update Your Pet’s Microchip Info

Another one of our top tips for traveling with a cat or dog during the holidays: Update your microchip! Microchips are only effective if your information is current. Make sure your phone number and address are updated before holiday travel in case your furry friend tries to make their great escape.

Flying? Read Your Airline’s Rules

Another flight tip is to read the airline’s rules for traveling with a cat or dog. Many airlines have rules about the size and type of carriers allowed in the cabin area. Some airlines may even have restrictions on certain breeds!

Other reasons to check airline policies:

• Flights may limit the number of pets on the flight.
• You may need a health certificate from your veterinarian.
• Some destinations require mandatory quarantine.
• Many international destinations and airlines, including United Airlines, require a rabies vaccine at least 28 days before traveling.

Pack Their Essentials

We can’t talk about tips for traveling with a pet without talking about packing! It’s necessary to ensure your fur baby’s comfort and well-being during travel.

What do I need for my dog or cat for flying or driving? Consider packing these travel pet accessories:

• Food and water bowls
• Food and treats for your trip
• Comfort items, like their favorite toy, travel dog bed, or a blanket
• Waste bags and disposable or washable pee pads
• Portable litter box
• Leash and harness
• Back seat cover for dogs (a comfort and safety must-have when traveling long distances with a dog!)

Visit the Vet

This is a crucial tip for traveling with a cat or dog during the holidays! Many destinations and airlines require a health certificate that says your fur baby has all of their vaccinations. So, book that check-up! 

If you have a nervous flier, your vet can give you suggestions to manage their travel-related issues, like motion sickness or anxiety.

Practice Car Rides

If your dog isn’t used to traveling long distances in a car or train, practice! Begin with small trips around the block to get them comfortable with being in the car. You can shower them with treats and pets for good behavior. This will also help them associate car trips with positive moments and not just those scary vet visits.

You can increase the time and distance as they start to get more comfortable!

Plan For Road Trip Breaks

Have a long car trip ahead? Our tip for traveling with a cat or dog is to plan to stop and take breaks every 2 to 3 hours. This will give your pet time to stretch their legs, drink some water, and relieve themselves.

Book Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Whether it’s a hotel, B&B, or your great-aunt’s house, make sure your accommodations are pet-friendly before your holiday travels. 

We’d take it a step further at Katziela and suggest reading the fine print. Even pet-friendly hotels can have health requirements and size and breed restrictions.

Follow Our Tips for Traveling With a Pet

At Katziela, we have everything your cat or dog needs to stay safe and comfortable while traveling long distances, including airline-compliant carriers, pee pads, and more. Shop now to prepare!

FAQs

What do I need for my dog to fly?

You’ll need a health certificate from your vet and an airline-compliant carrier to fly with your dog. This means that it’s ventilated, can fit under the seat in front of you, and that your dog can sit and lie down comfortably.

What are the new rules for flying with pets?

Pets must fit comfortably in an airline-compliant carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Soft pet carriers are recommended by most airlines because they’re more flexible for under the seat.

Do you have any tips for keeping my cat calm while traveling?

You need to create a comfortable environment to keep your pet calm. This starts with their pet carrier. Make sure it’s roomy enough for them to sit and lie down in! You can also keep them calm with a blanket from home.