The Ultimate Guide to Traveling with Pets

More and more people travel with their furry friends because it’s a joyful, unique experience for both animals and owners, but traveling with pets requires planning and care. From vaccine and medical requirements to pet policies and travel fees that vary by destination and transportation method, this guide covers what you need to know to travel confidently with your puppy, cat or travel-veteran dog. Once you know the basics, let Citi Travel^® help you book and save on animal-friendly lodgings so you and your pet can enjoy your next trip to the max.

1. Understand rules and restrictions when you travel with pets

Every trip is different, and rules regarding pets can change when you’re driving, flying or using public transportation. Researching rules and regulations for domestic and international travel can help you avoid complications along with the tips below.

What to know before traveling with your pet

Travel rules for pets aren’t uniform, so confirm any pet health and vaccine requirements that your destination may have. Required rabies shots, health certificates, registrations and other medical documents can also vary depending on your mode of transportation and for both domestic and international destinations. Certain states and countries, like Japan and Australia, may also require cats, dogs, birds or other pets to quarantine for hours or days upon arrival.

If you plan to fly, these tips can help streamline your trip:

• Check your airline’s rules before booking since protocols for pet ages, snub-nosed dog breeds and number of pets can vary
• Find out beforehand if you can take your pet in the cabin where they’re often safest
• If possible, book a direct flight to minimize your pet’s movement
• On the day of your flight, be prepared to potentially remove your pet from their carrier while going through security
• After flying, check your animal for any signs of discomfort or abnormal behavior. If you’re traveling with dogs, they’ll appreciate a short walk upon arrival to get any joint swelling under control.
• Feeding your pet a bit less food and water than normal may also help avoid bloating or rapid eating

If you plan to travel by train, keep these potential restrictions in mind:

• A carrier may be required
• Cats or dogs over 20 pounds may not be allowed to travel, especially overnight
• Pets that aren’t cats or dogs may be prohibited entirely

Get a check-up at the vet

A routine vet check-up before your trip is a good idea, especially if you’re traveling with pets for the first time. You can also get professional recommendations for keeping your pet as comfortable as possible during the trip.

Here are some other reasons to make a vet appointment:

• To make sure vaccinations are current
• To address any travel anxiety that your puppy or pet may have and possible medications they may require
• To obtain an accredited pet health form or veterinary inspection form from a vet with a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) accreditation
• To gather any other medical records or air travel acclimation certificates for flying

2. Pick the right crate or carrier when traveling with your pet

Whether you’re road tripping, flying or taking the train, invest in a carrier or crate for puppies, kittens or small cats and dogs that can also be anchored with a seat belt. Safety travel restraints or secured barriers for dogs and cats are another option, but confining your pet to a carrier is often the safest approach, especially if you’re in a car.

These tips can help you find and prepare the right carrier:

• If flying, make sure your airline approves whatever product you choose
• Get an idea of your pet’s dimensions and pick a crate large enough for them to stand up, turn and lie down without touching the top or sides of the crate
• Choose a sturdy carrier with handles or grips if possible
• Ensure the bottom of the carrier is leakproof or lined with an absorbent layer
• Always opt for ventilated carriers with airflow
• Choose crates or carriers you can clearly label with an address, phone numbers and “Live animal” or “This side up” signs
• Line the crate with padding or place your pet’s favorite toy inside to keep them extra comfy

3. Pack a first aid kit when traveling with pets

In addition to packing your pet’s prescription or preferred food and clean drinking water, packing a first aid travel kit can make a big difference. If you have quick access to the treats, toys and medications your pet needs, you can help them have a blast while they travel.

Check if you have these must-haves packed for your trip:

• Collars, leashes, muzzles or harnesses
• Treats and chew toys to keep younger or anxious pets calm
• Puppy pads if applicable
• Wipes and gloves for cleanup
• Plastic bags for disposing of waste
• Prescription medications
• Eye droppers or tools to administer meds
• Gauze rolls for injuries
• Adhesive tape for applying and securing bandages
• Tweezers
• A digital thermometer
• Saline solution to clean wounds
• A copy of medical records and vaccinations
• A copy of ID tags
• Important contacts for medical care
• Any pet insurance information you may need for an unplanned vet visit at your destination

4. Plan for breaks

Since pets should stretch, exercise and relieve themselves every 2–3 hours, planning breaks during your trip is important, especially when traveling with puppies that aren’t fully potty trained.

• If you’re flying, be sure to walk your dog before you board and know where the pet relief areas are in the airport. You can use the puppy pads and cleaning supplies in your travel kit to pick up after your pet.
• If you’re driving, walk, play with and feed your pet at rest stops or towns along the way.
• Remember to always keep your dog on a leash if you’re letting them stretch their legs in public during your road trip.

5. Use Citi Travel to find pet-friendly hotels and rentals

You can book pet-friendly accommodations for your next trip with Citi Travel, a tool that helps you find hotels and resorts that cater to you and your pet’s needs.

• Apply any applicable lodging filters when searching online to find the right fit
• Customize your perfect trip and book with Citi Travel or through the Citi Mobile App^® if you’re an eligible Citi^® cardmember
• Earn ThankYou^® Points when you use a Citi card to pay for some or all of your booking

Whether you need a dog-friendly hotel or resorts that welcome cats, Citi Travel can help you plan.

Do your research and enjoy the journey

Having your pet alongside you while you travel can be a huge comfort for you and your animal. Your pet may be nervous or become easily overstimulated, but you don’t have to feel that way while traveling. Making a vet visit before the trip, packing recommended medications for your pet and bringing familiar bedding and calming toys can help make the journey smoother.

Rather than worry about creating the perfect trip, give yourself and your animal all the necessary time to prepare, settle in and recover after a long flight or car ride. When you stay patient and adaptable, you create space for everyone to enjoy the adventure. When you’re ready to start planning, book pet-friendly hotels through Citi Travel and set yourself and your pet up for a more relaxing trip.

Disclosure: This article is for educational purposes. It is not intended to provide legal, investment, or financial advice and is not a substitute for professional advice. It does not indicate the availability of any Citi product or service. For advice about your specific circumstances, you should consult a qualified professional.

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