Traveling with a pet, especially for the first time can be quite a daunting task for both your furry buddy and you. Some animals are born travelers and don’t mind the jet-set life. They make great travel partners, but there are others who are scared, intimidated and might kick up a fuss, be it flight travel or road journeys. So, here’s a guide for pet-friendly travel. Follow these simple tips and enjoy traveling with your four-legged companion.

1. Pre-travel
Pre-travel preparations before the journey are of the utmost importance and make it a pet-friendly travel trip.

• First, make sure that your pet is fit to travel. Get all the check-ups done and also get its vaccinations updated.
• Keep a first-aid box handy for your pet in case of any emergency. Also, keep his regular medicines with you.
• In case you are taking him/her by flight, ensure that you have him/her identification card in place, attached to his collar. Write his name along with your name, address, and phone numbers on it. Also, write the hotel/address you will be putting up at.
• It would be a good idea to get the RFID done in case your pet gets lost. If he/she is already microchipped, check that all the information given is accurate.
• Carry all your pet’s papers, including vaccination card, any medical document, and any state-specific documentation such as Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. In case you are traveling within Europe, it will be a good idea to get your pet their own EU Pet Passport.
• Get a large crate in which your pet can sit and lie down comfortably. It should be well-ventilated too. Introduce your pet to this contraption a few days before the travel so that he gets used to it. This will ensure pet-friendly travel.

2. During the journey
Depending on the kind of travel you are planning, the requirements for a pet vary. To make it a pet-friendly travel trip, the guidelines mentioned herein will be of great help.

• For road travel, ensure that the pet has enough space in the backseat to keep the carrier comfortably.
• Take regular breaks for the pet and yourself. Let him walk around on the leash and relieve himself.
• Give him food about four hours prior to travel so that he does not get motion sickness.
• Ensure that the backseat gets enough air conditioning too.
• Never keep the pet on your lap. It is dangerous for both the driver and the furball.
• During air travel, ensure that you take a nonstop flight whenever possible so that the number of hours is reduced.
• Be prepared for flight delays and carry enough food and water.
• Keep the pet engaged with some of his/her toys.
• If your pet is less than 20 pounds, some flights might allow him/her to travel in the cabin, but these need to be booked well in advance as there are limited seats.
• Give your pet some water or ice cube to during take-off. Swallowing or chewing can help pop the ears.
• In case your pet needs to travel cargo, invest in a sturdy metal crate that allows enough room for your pet to stand and turn around completely. It should have a waterproof bottom and adequate ventilation.

Keep these pet-friendly travel tips handy to help navigate through every phase of the journey. From planning and packing to traveling and feeding, this information will help make any journey with your pet an amazing experience.