Last summer, my family unexpectedly adopted Gracie, a Chiweenie (that’s a cross between a Chihuahua and a dachshund). I soon found myself scrambling to rebook a trip we’d planned at a no-pets resort. Scanning pet-friendly alternatives online, I saw plenty of dogs taking glorious hikes or frolicking on the beach. But I began to fear this first trip with a pet might be a bit like the first one we took with our baby daughter. Which is to say: not much of a vacation.
The good news, I learned, is that with careful planning, traveling with companion animals can be fun and fulfilling. Here are five tips for making that happen.
Consider your destination.
Take into account your pet’s personality and temperament. If your pet is sedentary, think twice about that hike in Big Sur. “If you’re going to an activity which your pet has not been used to doing, you probably don’t want to do it,” said Dr. Michael Q. Bailey, a veterinarian and president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.
Consider a slow-paced, walkable environment with access to outdoor adventures. Think about what your pet will be doing all day if you’re planning on going to museums and restaurants where an animal might not be welcome. “I think our best success for traveling with our pet is somewhere where they can do activities with us,” said Nicole Ellis, a certified animal trainer with Rover, an app that lets you book pet care.
You also want to think about your destination’s climate, as some pets don’t do well in heat or cold. Just like people, dogs can sunburn, and cats who love sunning themselves are also at risk. Make sure to keep them out of the heat for extended periods.
While many hotels, homestays and campgrounds allow pets, research what “pet friendly” actually means, as policies vary widely. There may be restrictions on weight, breed and leaving your pet unattended. Call ahead to discuss your specific pet so there are no surprises.
Talk to your vet.
Your veterinarian can help determine whether your pet is a good candidate for travel and ensure all necessary vaccinations are up-to-date. Talk to your vet about your pet’s age and breed, especially if you have a short-nosed dog like a pug or bulldog. Those breeds are susceptible to heat stress and may face restrictions when it comes to flying. You can also talk through strategies for dealing with issues such as anxiety and motion sickness. If your pet takes any regular medications, you’ll want to make sure you have enough for the trip and an extra week.
Start the paperwork early.
Travel paperwork requirements depend on your destination and mode of transportation. Some states, including Arizona and Nevada, and U.S. territories have entry requirements for pets, including for car travel, such as health certificates and proof of vaccination. For some domestic and all international travel, you’ll need to consult with a veterinarian who is accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture. If your veterinarian is not U.S.D.A.-accredited, ask for a referral or use the U.S.D.A.’s website tool to find one.
If traveling internationally, first check the U.S.D.A.’s APHIS (Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service) website to verify if your destination country allows your pet and review the required documentation. Then, confirm your airline or transportation carrier’s specific requirements, including breed and age restrictions, size and weight limits, health requirements and fees.
The required paperwork may include health certificates, vaccination records, any necessary medications and all documentation to verify your pet is healthy enough for travel. There may be quarantine requirements at your destination or upon your return home.
Make sure your pet is microchipped, the microchip is compliant with international travel requirements and its registration is up-to-date.
It is important to start this work well in advance. “The thing that I encounter most often is underestimating the amount of preparation that sometimes is required,” said Dr. Chase McNulty, a U.S.D.A.-accredited veterinarian with Heart of Chelsea Veterinary Group in Brooklyn. If any documentation is missing or incomplete, customs may deny entry, sending you and your pet back home.
Stay safe in the new space.
Once you arrive, pet-proof your space. Check that windows close securely, and there are no escape routes. Your pet should wear a collar with your contact information and a rabies vaccination tag at all times.
At hotels, request a room away from stairwells and elevators, as dogs are sensitive to sound. Keep a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door, whether or not you’re in the room, to prevent unexpected housekeeping visits. Ensure proper ventilation, even with air-conditioning. Dr. Bailey suggested bringing a small fan with covered blades so your pet can sit in the cooling breeze if needed.
Pets need time to adjust to their new surroundings. Spend time together when you first arrive to ease separation anxiety. Bring comforts from home, like favorite toys or a familiar blanket. Play games, give training treats, or take a short walk and explore the grounds.
If leaving your pet alone is permitted, keep it brief. If your pet is crate-trained, consider bringing a collapsible crate for comfort and security while you’re gone. Leave the TV or radio on, so they don’t feel alone. For longer absences, contact a local pet sitter through services such as Rover, Wag! or Pet Sitters International, and arrange a meeting once you arrive to ensure a good fit.
Prep before the trip.
One key to success is acclimating pets in advance. For car trips, start with short rides to see how they handle a drive and if motion sickness medication might be needed. Before booking a weeklong trip, test the waters with an overnight stay at a hotel close to home. “You might do it and go, ‘Oh my gosh, this was so stressful. I’m not traveling with my dog,’” said Ms. Ellis.
When you travel, maintain your pet’s regular feeding and walking routines to reduce stress. Never leave pets unattended in cars, as heatstroke can occur quickly. While driving, secure pets with harnesses and position them away from airbags. Always keep pets on a leash when not in approved carriers. For air travel, ensure proper ventilation and limit food intake before flying to reduce nausea.
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