Taking your pets with you on vacation just makes the travel experience so much more fun! Not only do you and your pet get to explore new places together, but it also strengthens your bond and allows you to spend the quality time that our usually busy lives may deprive us of.

However, just like traveling with kids, it’s important to ensure that you’re prepared and have everything you need to keep your dog safe and happy during your trip.

Whether you’re planning a road trip or taking a plane to your destination, here are some helpful dog travel safety tips that will keep you and your pet one step ahead of a potential disaster.

5 Important Dog Travel Safety Tips

1. Make Sure Your Dog Has Proper Identification or is Microchipped

When you’re traveling, there is always the chance that you and your pet could become separated. Even a usually level-headed dog can suddenly run or wander off when scared or placed in unfamiliar surroundings.

While the chances of this happening are slim if you are attentive to your dog, it’s still important to be prepared for the “what if.” After all, losing a dog is like losing a family member!

Before you leave for your trip, be sure your pet has all of your updated information on their ID tag. This includes their name and your phone number. If your dog doesn’t have a collar and tag, get one! It’s definitely worth it to have that extra peace of mind.

Getting your pup microchipped is also a great way to identify him/her should they get lost! Most vet offices and shelters are able to scan the microchip when your pet is found so they can contact you and get your fur baby home.

Having at least one form of identification for your pet is a must, but I always recommend having both an ID tag and microchip. That way, just in case your dog’s collar falls off during all of the commotion, there is still a way for rescuers to know that the dog belongs to you!

2. Get Your Pet Vaccinated

This is also very important! Not only does getting your dog vaccinated ensure your pet’s health, but it also protects other people and animals around them.

Before you embark on your next trip, make sure your pet is up-to-date on all of their vaccines and preventions, especially for rabies, Lyme, and heartworm. You never know what could happen during your vacation, but God forbid that your dog contracts harmful (and possibly fatal) diseases if they’re bitten by a rabid animal, tick, mosquito, etc.

Here is a quick overview of core vaccines that your four-legged friend should have:

• Canine Distemper: Prevents a fatal respiratory system virus that is highly contagious to unvaccinated dogs.
• Parvovirus: Prevents a life-threatening virus that causes severe gastrointestinal problems.
• Canine Type 2 Adenovirus: Prevents a virus that causes kennel cough.
• Rabies: A severe zoonotic disease that is untreatable and always fatal.

Your vet may also recommend other non-core vaccines for extra protection, such as canine influenza and bordetella. If you have any questions about vaccines, call your vet and ask for their professional opinion.

3. Have Vet Numbers and Information For Each Location You are Visiting

In case of an emergency, it’s good to know the phone number and location of a vet office in the destination you are visiting. Before leaving for a trip, I always do a bit of research and find a veterinarian that I can easily reach should Lady get hurt or sick.

On that note, don’t forget to bring your dog’s current vet records with you. Having this information will make it easier for the new vet to know your pup’s past medical history or find answers to questions you may not know the answers to.

4. Prep a Pet-Friendly Travel Kit

Having your dog’s essentials on hand is crucial towards pet safety while traveling. When you’re on the go, double check that you’ve packed things such as your pup’s food, a portable bowl, their leash, waste bags, and bottled water.

Bringing things like their favorite pillow, toy, or blanket also will make them feel more comfortable in a new place since its something they’re familiar with.

Also, I recommend having a pet first-aid kit with you while traveling. It should include must-have medical supplies such as antiseptic wipes, gauze pads, first-aid tape, and adhesive bandages. Something as simple as the RC Pet Products Pocket First-Aid Kit will do. See below for details!

If you need help staying organized while packing for your pet, my complimentary Doggie Packing Checklist can help! This is the same checklist that I use when I’m preparing for a trip with Lady, and it has helped dozens of other pet parents ensure they have everything they need when traveling for their own dogs.

5. Have a Pet Seat Belt or Car Seat

When traveling by car, your dog should be just as safe and secure as any other passenger. An unrestrained dog can be a major distraction while driving, and should you get into an accident, your pup could be seriously hurt or even killed.

To ensure pet safety while traveling in a vehicle, you should definitely have a dog seat belt or car seat. The one you choose depends on a variety of factors, including your dog’s size and how much they move around while in the vehicle.

Since Lady is a small dog and feels more at ease when she is in a secure and cozy spot, I use the PetSafe Jumbo Deluxe Pet Safety Seat. It’s a booster seat that buckles her in and allows her to gaze out the window while we’re driving. If you have a larger dog, a simple vehicle seatbelt harness will do!

6. Prepare Your Pup For Flight

Lady and I travel by car to most places we visit. However, in the times I have flown with her, this is what I’ve learned from my own personal experiences.

I’ve never been comfortable with the idea of dogs riding in the cargo hold of a plane. This can be very traumatic for your pet, and some airlines don’t exactly give your pets the attention they need. However, I understand that sometimes taking a plane to your destination is unavoidable. If you absolutely must fly, I recommend finding an airline that allows pets on board.

There are several airlines that allow small dogs and cats to ride with you in the cabin as long as their carrier can fit underneath the seat in front of you. Airlines such as JetBlue and WestJet are great examples. Be prepared to spend a fairly hefty pet fee, though.

When choosing a carrier for your pet, make sure you find one that is small yet comfortable since they’ll have to stay in there for a while. The Sleeko Luxury Pet Carrier is a great option since its airline approved, provides plenty of ventilation, and is easy to carry.

If you have a larger dog and the airline won’t allow you to bring your pet onboard, it will be up to your own discretion whether they ride in the cargo hold or you leave them at home with a sitter. You know your dog better than anybody else, so you’ll be able to make the best decision for them. 

Also, be sure you talk to your vet before you travel to ensure your dog is healthy for flight and get recommendations for any medications they may need. If you’re looking for an all-natural calming supplement to keep your pup relaxed during the duration of your flight, I definitely recommend Only Natural Pet’s Just Relax Calming Soft Chews.  

These bacon flavored treats are blended with holistic herbs and high-quality ingredients that naturally allow your pet to decompress and relax in highly stressful situations. I use these during long road trips with Lady and they work great!

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Now you’re ready to travel! Wherever you and your dog decide to go, be sure to stay attentive to your pet, and above all, enjoy yourselves.

If you need some ideas and inspiration for your next trip, don’t forget to check out our recommendations for dog-friendly destinations in America! Let us know all about your trip in the comments and we look forward to hearing from you.