How To Safely Travel With Your Pets During the Holidays

Traveling with pets during the holidays can be stressful, but it’s often better than leaving them at home. Many people don’t realize that pets get very anxious when their owners leave, so taking them with you is an excellent idea. Check out these tips on how to safely travel with your pets during the holidays.

Know the Pet Policy

Both airplanes and hotels generally have special rules regarding the number of pets they’re willing to take on. This makes it imperative that you make your bookings as early as possible. If you’re flying, we also recommend buying the seat next to you for some extra space between you and the other passengers.

Make Sure Your Pet Has ID

Keeping your pet’s identification paperwork on hand helps make travel much smoother, but it doesn’t stop with paperwork. Your pet should be wearing an ID, too, ideally in the form of a microchip and collar. Carry a photo with you so you can show a security officer what kind of pet to look for if you are separated from your pet.

Acclimate Your Pet to the Carrier

Traveling makes many people nervous, and it’s even worse for animals sometimes. One thing you can do to help is making sure your pet is familiar with their carrier before the big day. Let them sleep and even eat their food inside it so they get their smell on the material. This will help them feel safe there while traveling.

Never Leave Your Pet Alone

The number one rule of traveling with your pet during the holidays is to never leave them alone, even for a second. Pets are notorious escape artists and tend to run away in crowded places like airports and bus terminals. And while it’s terrible to think about, someone could also steal your pet if you’re not with them. So wherever you go, make sure your pet goes too.

If you’re traveling and need a vet hospital in Palmdale, CA, visit us at the Animal Medical Center of the Antelope Valley. We pride ourselves on providing care every day of the week, so we’re always there to help you.