Traveling with Pets in 2025: Vet-Approved Tips for Safe, Stress-Free Adventures 🧳🐾

By Dr Duncan Houston BVSc, Ask A Vet Blog
Published: July 7, 2025

Planning a vacation or big move with your pet? Whether you’re heading out by plane or car, traveling with dogs and cats requires special planning to keep them safe, comfortable, and compliant with travel regulations. 🐶🐱✈️🚗

This 2025 vet-approved guide covers everything you need to know—packing lists, anxiety prep, health documentation, safety tips, and airline rules. 🧳🩺

📋 General Travel Tips for Pets

• 🔎 Visit USDA Pet Travel site to check health and entry requirements by state or country
• 💉 Work with your vet on a timeline for vaccinations, rabies titers, and health certificates
• 🪪 Ensure your pet has an ISO-compatible microchip and visible ID tags
• 🏨 If staying in hotels, use crates when away and leave background noise (like a soft radio)
• 🐾 Consult your vet if your pet has travel anxiety or motion sickness—do NOT sedate without medical approval

✈️ Flying with Pets

• 🛫 Book nonstop flights when possible to reduce stress and risk
• 📁 Carry printed vet records, ID, leash, food, and meds in your carry-on
• 🧳 Choose airlines wisely—policies vary for in-cabin, cargo, and manifest travel
• 🐾 Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds may be banned from cargo travel
• 👶 Minimum travel age: 8–10 weeks (or 15–16 weeks for international trips)

👜 Kennel Guidelines (Air Travel)

• 📏 Must fit under the seat for in-cabin travel
• 🌬️ Must be well-ventilated and large enough for the pet to stand, sit, lie down, and turn
• 🚫 Soft-sided or wire kennels are NOT permitted in cargo
• 🍽️ Food and water bowls must be attached and spill-proof

🧠 Start kennel training early so your pet is fully comfortable before departure!

🚘 Driving with Pets

• 📋 Carry a current health certificate (required when crossing state lines)
• 🪢 Use crash-tested travel kennels or secure harnesses—avoid front seat due to airbag risk
• 🚫 Never leave pets in parked cars, even with cracked windows
• 🛑 Stop every few hours for bathroom and water breaks

🚗 Packing List for Road Trips

• 💊 Medications
• 🥣 Food and water with collapsible bowls
• 💩 Waste bags or litter box (plus liners & scoops)
• 🧽 Cleaning supplies and extra towels
• 🪪 Backup ID and microchip info

🐕 Managing Travel Stress & Safety

• 📦 Familiar blankets or toys can offer comfort
• 🧘 Consider calming pheromones, compression gear, or vet-prescribed meds (but no sedatives unless advised)
• 🎵 Play soft music to reduce anxiety in vehicles or hotel rooms

📱 Ask A Vet Can Help

Need help planning travel paperwork or choosing anxiety tools for your pet? We’re here for it all—routes, registries, rest stops, and remedies.

📲 Download the Ask A Vet app to get expert advice from licensed veterinarians, wherever your journey takes you. 🧳🐾

✅ Travel Prep Checklist for Pets

• ✔ Confirm entry requirements with USDA or local health office
• ✔ Get vet-approved health certificates & vaccines
• ✔ Use a crash-safe kennel or harness restraint
• ✔ Prepare pet’s travel kit (food, water, meds, ID)
• ✔ Acclimate your pet to travel well in advance

With thoughtful prep and a calm plan, traveling with your pet can be a safe and joyful adventure. 🐕🧳🐾

Visit AskAVet.com or download the Ask A Vet app today for personalized travel support and documentation help. 📱✈️