Pet Travel 101
A Complete Guide to Traveling Safely with Your Pet
Traveling with your pet can be an exciting experience, but it also requires careful preparation to ensure their safety, comfort, and health. Whether you are planning a road trip, flying across the country, or traveling internationally, this guide will help you prepare with confidence.
Before You Travel: Preparation Is Key
Schedule a Pre-Travel Veterinary Visit
We recommend scheduling a wellness exam 2–4 weeks before travel, especially if your pet:
- Is flying
- Has never traveled before
- Has underlying medical conditions
- Requires a health certificate
During this visit, your veterinarian can:
- Ensure vaccinations are up to date
- Discuss motion sickness or anxiety
- Review parasite prevention
- Determine if a health certificate is required
Identification and Medical Records
Before traveling, make sure your pet has:
- A collar with current ID tags
- A registered microchip with updated contact information
- Copies of vaccination and medical records
Tip: Keep digital copies of important documents on your phone as a backup.
Road Travel with Pets
Car Safety Matters
- Crash-tested harnesses
- Secured travel crates or carriers
- Seat-belted carriers whenever possible
Never allow pets to ride in truck beds or on laps.
Keeping Your Pet Comfortable
- Plan rest stops every 2–3 hours
- Offer water frequently
- Avoid feeding right before departure
- Bring familiar bedding or toys
- Never leave pets unattended in a parked vehicle
Flying with Pets
- Confirm airline pet policies early
- Use airline-approved carriers
- Clearly label carriers with contact information
- Avoid travel during extreme temperatures
Sedation is not routinely recommended unless advised by your veterinarian.
Health Certificates
Travel Within the United States
We do perform health certificates for domestic travel within the United States.
- Airline travel
- Certain states or destinations
- Boarding facilities
Please contact us ahead of time to schedule a certificate appointment, as timing requirements vary.
International Travel
International pet travel involves strict, country-specific requirements that must be followed carefully.
For all international travel, we strongly recommend starting with the official USDA APHIS website.
- Country entry requirements
- Rabies and vaccination rules
- Blood titer testing
- Microchip requirements
- Certificate endorsement timelines
Important: We do not complete international health certificates.
Pet Travel Packing Checklist
- Food and treats
- Collapsible bowls
- Medications and preventatives
- Medical records and certificates
- Leash, harness, or carrier
- Waste bags or litter supplies
- Familiar blanket or toy
- Calming aids (if recommended)
Final Thoughts
Traveling with your pet can be a rewarding experience when done safely and thoughtfully. If you are planning an upcoming trip and have questions about your pet’s health, travel requirements, or domestic health certificates, our team is always happy to help.
Planning early is the key to smooth travel for both you and your pet.