Travelling 101: Everything you need to know about travelling with pets

Travel is a great way to explore and experience new things like food, places, cultures, sights and so much more! Travelling also allows you to bond better with loved ones may they be your friends, family, partner and even your pet!

Yes! You heard that right. Travelling with pets is now a thing you can do whether you’re going hiking, visiting a new city or even a new country. But the thing about pet travel is that they’re not the same as your typical human travels, no.

With pets, there are certain things you need to consider such as necessary requirements and documents, certain essentials for your fur baby’s day-to-day and so much more. To help you out, below is everything you need to know about pet travel.

Is travelling with pets allowed?

Although there are tons of travelling transportation open to pets, there are still some that don’t allow it or require certain requirements. So before booking anything, consider doing your research if your pet is allowed in certain airlines, establishments and so on. Here are some common guidelines we have on travelling with pets:

Airlines & pets

Most airlines are pet-friendly but have certain policies and requirements that are needed to see if your pet is allowed or not. These policies include the size, weight, carrier and breed. Also if your pet needs to be transported in the cargo hold or if they can fly in the cabin. There are frequently fewer pet seats available in the cabin, so it's crucial to verify with the airline and make reservations in advance.

Buses & pets

Numerous bus companies offer pet-travelling regulations, which might change depending on the route and the size of your pet. While larger animals may need to ride in the cargo area, some buses allow tiny pets to travel in carriers.

Trains & pets

While some railway services let pets on board, others may have limitations or demand that they travel in pet-friendly regions. It is important to check with the particular train operator because the regulations differ based on the train service and the nation.

Hotels and accommodations & pets

Numerous lodging establishments welcome pets, however, they may have restrictions on the size and breed of pets allowed and may impose an extra pet cost. An ideal accommodation for pets is serviced apartments since they have more floor space for your pet to wander around and most are pet-friendly.

International travels & pets

Taking a pet on a foreign trip may need to meet extra standards, such as those related to immunisations, health certifications, and quarantine laws. It's important to learn and abide by the particular criteria of the country you're headed to because every country has its own laws.

What are pet travelling essentials to consider?

Before your trip make sure to have everything your fur baby needs during the trip such as certain documents, day-to-day essentials and so on. To help you pack everything you need, below is a list to consider:

Pet carrier - Select a robust, adequately sized crate that is well-ventilated. If you're flying, make sure it complies with the aviation or transportation rules.

Collar and leash - Even if your pet may be leash trained, still consider bringing one with you since some establishments require it.

ID tags and microchip - Make sure your pet is wearing an ID collar with a contact information tag on it. Also, if your pet has gone missing, having a microchip might add an extra layer of identification and protection.

Health and vaccination card - Particularly if you're crossing borders or staying in pet-friendly lodgings, have a copy of your pet's medical documents and immunization records on hand.

Food and water - Bring suitable pet food for the whole journey, a portable water dish, and a lot of drinkable water to keep your pet hydrated.

Comfort items - Travelling can be scary for pets so consider having a comfort item along may it be a blanket, a toy or even a bed.

Potty essentials - Consider bringing pet diapers, waste bags and cleaning supplies. Some establishments are strict when it comes to pets and waste. So be sure to clean up after your pet.

Pet insurance - This is to ensure your pet’s safety when travelling. Make sure to carry the insurance documents with you during your trip.

Treats - Treats are a fantastic way to encourage good behaviour and offer consolation when travelling.

Medication and a first aid kit - Make sure you have adequate medication for the entire journey if your pet needs it. Bring a first aid package specifically for animals that contains tweezers, antiseptic wipes, gauze, bandages, and other basic items.