🐾 Traveling with Pets – A 2025 Vet Safety Guide by Dr Duncan Houston

Whether you're planning a cross-country move or a weekend getaway, traveling with pets requires careful planning. From paperwork to packing and pet anxiety, Dr Duncan Houston shares expert advice to help ensure a smooth, safe, and stress-free journey for your furry companions. 🧳🐶🐱

📋 General Pet Travel Tips

• 🌎 Check destination regulations: Visit the USDA Pet Travel website for up-to-date requirements for your destination.
• 💉 Plan health paperwork with your vet: Schedule vaccinations, health checks, rabies titers (if needed), and certificates.
• 🆔 Ensure ID is up to date: Tags, microchip info, and kennel markings are often required.
• 🏨 Hotel stays: Use a crate and keep a radio on to reduce anxiety. Limit time away from your pet.
• 💊 For anxious travelers: Consult your vet about anti-nausea or calming support—avoid sedation (especially for air travel).

✈️ Flying with Pets

• 🛫 Types of pet air travel: In-cabin, checked cargo, or manifest cargo (unaccompanied flight).
• 👜 In-cabin: Allowed for small pets that fit under the seat. Each airline has different rules.
• 📅 Age restrictions: Pets must be at least 8–10 weeks old (15–16 weeks for international).
• 🚫 Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds may be banned from cargo travel.
• 📄 Carry essential documents: Vet records, ID, leash, food, medications, and certificates.
• 📦 Use an airline-approved kennel: Check size, ventilation, and safety rules via the IATA pet travel page.
• 🔄 Acclimate your pet to their carrier: Begin weeks before the flight for comfort.
• 🔁 Choose non-stop flights to minimize stress and mishandling.

🚗 Driving with Pets

• 📄 Carry a health certificate: Required when crossing state lines.
• 🪢 Use car-safe restraints: A kennel on the floor or secured in the rear is safest. Avoid the front seat.
• 📏 Restraint options: Crates, harnesses, car seats, and pet barriers.
• ❌ Never leave pets in a parked vehicle, even with windows cracked.
• 🧳 Pack a travel kit: Food, water, bowls, leash, meds, waste bags, litter box, and cleaning supplies.
• ⏱️ Plan breaks: Offer water and potty stops every few hours.
• 🍽️ Feed light before travel: Small meals reduce risk of nausea.

🧠 Safety First: Final Tips

• 💬 Always ask your vet before travel—especially for pets with medical conditions.
• 📍 Know where emergency veterinary clinics are at your destination.
• 📲 Keep copies of digital and paper health records with you at all times.

✅ Final Thoughts from Dr Duncan Houston

Whether by air or land, a successful pet travel experience is all about preparation and planning. By following these tips, you can help your dog or cat stay comfortable, safe, and stress-free—so the journey is just as enjoyable as the destination. 🐾🌍

📲 Questions About Traveling with Pets?

Download the Ask A Vet app and get expert answers from veterinary professionals like Dr Duncan Houston—anytime, anywhere, even on the road. 🚗📱