The holiday season is finally here! If you’re going on holiday and taking your pets along with you, there are many things to consider to ensure a stress-free and comfortable journey for both you and your pet.
Below we have our top tips on travelling with your pet, as well as some product recommendations to help you plan and prepare for your trip.
1. How to prepare before the trip
Prepare your pets for a long car trip by taking them on short trips before your vacation. This will help them get used to being in the car and they may even find a spot in the car they feel most comfortable in.
If you are flying, contact your airline way ahead of time to find out what the rules and regulations are. These rules and regulations are always changing so make sure you are up to date.
If you need a crate or carrier, make sure it is big enough for your pet to stand up and turn around in, but not too big that it could topple over. It’s a good idea to get your pet used to the carrier before the trip so that the experience is not too overwhelming for them.
Last, but not least, make sure you get the right accessories to keep them comfortable, safe and secure during the trip. Consider the WagWorld Car Seat Hammock, the Road Runner Pet Carrier or Viaggo Airline carrier.
2. Create a comfortable space for your pet
For car trips, you’ll need to create a dedicated space in your car for your pet.
For dogs, a car seat hammock or comfortable cushion type bed, along with their favourite blanket, is ideal.
For cats, you will most likely have them in a crate or carrier so make sure you have a comfortable blanket inside the crate. If you are road-tripping, make sure the crate or carrier is set up securely and won’t bounce around or slide around in your car.
3. Keep them entertained during the trip
We highly recommedn havign some interactive toys and tasty treats on hand.
For dogs, toys like teethers/ chew toys, treat-stuffing toys or treat hiders are great because it keeps them occupied for a while, prevents boredom and uses up some of their energy.
Some treats and chews will help with this too, like Ostrich or beef sinews or a boredom buster.
For cats, who will most likely be in a crate or carrier, smaller toys would be best, as cats like to pounce and move around when they play and there won’t be much space for that.
4. Make regular stops during long car rides
If you are travelling by car, be sure to stop frequently for toilet breaks; and so that your dog can move about, stretch their legs and get some food and water. For those more anxious pets, this may also help relieve some of their anxiety.
Also, don’t forget to pack some biodegradable dog waste bags and a handy waste bag holder, for those toilet breaks. They are small and easy to keep in your car so that you are always prepared.
5. Easy on-the-go feeding and drinking
Try and stick to their usual feeding schedule if possible. For feeding and drinking on the go, we recommend the Olly & Max Travel Best Friends Water Bottle which has a detachable cup that can be used for either water or food. Another option is the Olly & Max On-the-go water bottle that has a leaf attachment that flips back to hold the water for your pet to drink from. For food, any of the Olly & Max Decorative bowls are a good option as they are a 2-in-1 bowl consisting of a steel bowl inside a melamine bowl – one for water and one for food. These are easy to pack in with your luggage.
6. Consider stress-relieving remedies
For particularly anxious pets, there is a wide range of calming products available for dogs and cats, such as the Calmeze range for dogs & cats.
If you haven’t used any stress relieving products before, speak to your vet so that you know what to take and when to take it.
7. Find out where to buy pet food
You might pack some of your dog or cats food to take with, but if not (perhaps your car is already too full), or if you forget, check where your closest Absolute Pets store is or shop online and we’ll deliver.
Let us help
Remember, we are here to help. Visit your local Absolute Pets store or get in touch with us online, or on Facebook for whatever you need for your next trip with your pet.
Wishing you all safe travels, wherever you may be and wherever you may go!