
Roads and Runways: A Complete Travel Checklist for Cats and Dogs
Share
Travel with animals is logistics wearing a leash. Preparation turns motion into mercy.
Identification & Documents
-
Microchip & tag with current phone/email.
-
Vet paperwork: vaccinations, prescriptions, and fit-to-fly notes if required.
Car Travel
-
Crash-tested carrier or harness anchored to seat belt.
-
Light meal 3–4 hours before departure; frequent water stops.
-
Shade the car; never leave pets unattended—minutes become emergencies.
Air Travel
-
Airline-approved carrier with absorbent liner and familiar cloth.
-
Book direct flights; avoid extreme temperatures.
-
Confirm breed restrictions; some snub-nosed breeds face higher risk.
Packing List
-
Food and collapsible bowls (plus 1–2 extra days).
-
Meds, litter or waste bags, enzyme cleaner.
-
Leash, spare tags, small first-aid kit, calming chews if recommended by your vet.
-
Comforts from home: toy, blanket, perch pad.
Settling In
-
Create a quiet room on arrival: water, bed, litter, closed door.
-
Keep routines—feeding times, brief walks, familiar play.
The kindest itinerary is predictable: steady water, cool shade, and carriers that feel like rooms, not cages.