Traveling with Pets: Helpful Tips for Taking Trips

By Cami Cacciatore, Paw CBD

Let's face it – not every dog loves car rides, and cats typically really (really) hate to travel. But if you plan ahead and follow this list of helpful tips, hopefully, it will make for safe, happy trails (and tails) for everyone!

1. Talk to Your Veterinarian
Veterinarians know your pets best, so talk to them when making plans, especially if this is the first time you're traveling with pets. Besides ensuring vaccinations are current, and your pet is healthy enough to travel, you can discuss any medication or special dietary needs to ensure a safe, worry-free trip. And be sure to check if a Certification of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) or other documents such as vaccine records are required.

2. Make Sure They're Welcome
Whether you plan to stay with someone you know or in a hotel or Airbnb, always make sure pets are welcome. Hotels and rentals often have restrictions or special requirements. If visiting friends or family, make sure no one has allergies and always ask if they're okay with you bringing your pets. Sometimes it may be best to leave them at home with a trusted friend or sitter where they'll be happier, so you can enjoy your trip without worry.

3. Do Your Homework
Every airline carrier has different requirements and restrictions. Be sure to talk to a live person to verify the safest way to bring your pet on a plane (or train). Unless you can fit them comfortably in a carrier under the seat, consider leaving them at home. This is especially important with large dogs, as most animal-welfare organizations advise against transporting pets as cargo.

4. Bring Everything Your Pet Needs
Pets may find traveling stressful enough, so having their familiar supplies and favorite things will help keep them comfortable. Bring water and a first-aid kit, along with their usual carriers, leashes, food, treats, bowls, bedding, medication, litter, treats and toys. Cats, especially, can be creatures of routine, and switching food or litter can cause stomach and litter box issues.

5. Take Care When Traveling in the Car
Packing the essentials your pet needs is only the first step in being well prepared. Make sure you choose a pet-friendly route and plan ahead for walks and bathroom breaks. While in the car, keep smaller pets in their carriers and always leash dogs (and cats!) before opening windows or doors. And, of course, don't leave your pet in a closed vehicle – even with the windows cracked, for any extended period of time.

6. Use Proper Identification
Even if your cat or dog wears a collar with current contact info, make sure your pet is microchipped, which adds an extra sense of security. Collars can be removed or lost, and any pet that is found and brought to a shelter or animal hospital will be scanned. Make sure to keep the chip registration current with a mobile number so you can always be reached.

Can CBD Oil Help When Traveling with Pets?

Sometimes, despite careful planning, even the most friendly or relaxed cat or dog can get frazzled after being confined in a carrier or car and around new places and faces.

If your pet needs a little extra comfort and care, consider a veterinarian-formulated Paw CBD oil tincture, treat, or soft chew to help them handle the ride. Our veterinarian-formulated, premium hemp-derived CBD for pets can complement their everyday wellness routine and manage signs of common daily stress. Even when you're not traveling, both cats and dogs can enjoy the many benefits of CBD.

And for the extra-stressed canine travel companion, Paw CBD Calming Oil Tinctures and Paw CBD Calming Soft Chews include soothing ingredients like chamomile and passion flower, plus valerian root, melatonin, or L-Tryptophan to promote calm.

Visit pawcbd.com today to see how CBD may be the perfect travel companion for your pet!

Paw CBD is the pet division of cbdMD, the industry leader you know and trust to provide the highest standards for CBD sourcing, manufacturing, and production to create CBD products for everyday wellness. Paw CBD tinctures, treats, and topicals offer the same benefits of CBD to the dogs and cats in your life in a variety of strengths, flavors, and formulas to unleash their potential!