It’s that time of year, again. The holiday music has started. The door-buster sales are buzzing. The family is gathering at Grandma’s — and you’re trying to figure out how to squeeze Fluffy into a carry-on.
Holiday traveling is stressful. Whether going on a plane, train or automobile, adding your pet as your passenger doesn’t make things any easier. The roads are busier, airports are crowded and flights are packed. Whether your family is opting to travel without your furry friend or plan to bring them on your bon voyage, you need to be prepared. So if taking Fido to the family function or leaving him at home, here is everything you need to know and prepare, for pet travel and at-home pet care, to make sure this season is hairball-free!
Leaving a pet at home
If your family decides the hustle and bustle of pet travel is too much around the holidays, there are other options that can give you peace of mind.
1. Place your pet in a kennel
Although this option can be expensive, kennels can provide excellent care. They take care of animals all year round, have the comforts of home a pet needs and some states have specific kennel laws. Research kennels online prior to dropping off your pet as there may be differences in prices and availability, and here’s 11 questions to ask when picking a kennel. Just be warned: they tend to book up fast around the holidays.
Related: Pet sitter or boarding kennel: Which is right for your dog?
2. Hire a pet sitter
Pet sitters can be a great alternative to kennel care (and often a cheaper option). Some pet sitters will watch your pet at their residence, and others can come by your house if your pet is more comfortable at home. Typically, pet sitters will stay with your pet for a majority of the day or will check in on them frequently. An experienced pet sitter will watch your dog or cat, keep up on training, take your dog for walks and be a friendly, loving face while you are away. Here’s 7 interview questions to ask a potential pet sitter.
Related: What to look for in your next dog sitter
3. Hire a dog walker
A dog walker coming by twice a day to take your dog on walks while your family is away is often the cheapest option. This could be the least expensive option if you are only going away for a short time, your pet is comfortable being alone and only needs a few breaks a day to run and play.
Traveling with pets by plane
Before you go to the airport, make sure you and your pet are ready for travel. Check with the airline. It’s so important to know what is allowed and what isn’t so you aren’t surprised when you arrive.
Related: How to fly with a dog: General rules, cost and travel tips
1. Booking your tickets
- Research restrictions. Some breeds are restricted and cannot be checked. Most of the restricted breeds are short-nosed dog breeds (such as the American Bulldog, Pug, King Charles Spaniel, etc). Refer to your airline to make sure your pet is allowed to be checked. If the breed is restricted, you must carry-on your pet.
- Book early. A limited number of animals are allowed on each flight so to ensure your pet is accommodated, book your reservation early.
- Find your flight. Go online and look at the flights you wish take to your destination and decide what days you want to travel.
- Call to book your pet. Pets cannot be booked online. Call the airline’s Reservations phone number and ask the agent to check for pet availability (checked or carry-on). If they have availability on the flight, book your flight online (it’s $25 for you to book your ticket over the phone so you save money by booking online) and then call them back to book your pet.
- Budget for the fee. Pets will carry a fee associated with their travel. Ask the airline what their prices and policies are. (Note most pet fees are non-refundable so you want to be certain your pet is coming with you before you book his ticket.) Fees associated with pets can be $75-$125 for a carry-on pet and $175-$250 for a checked pet each way.
2. Carrying on your pet
- Know the rules. Carry-on pets are not allowed on transatlantic flights, pets cannot come out of their carrier, and only one animal is allowed per customer.
- Check the fit. Make sure your carrier meets the requirements. You can find carrier dimensions guidelines on most airline websites which will let you know the maximum size of cabin pet carriers. Some airlines may allow carriers 19″ long x 13″ wide x 9″ high while others may allow a maximum of 17″ long x 12.5″ wide x 8.5″ high so research ahead of time. There may also be restrictions on the type of carrier you can use (leak proof bottom, etc). Click on your airline’s Pet Policy guide below to see what the maximum size and other restrictions are.
- Travel light. Your pet carrier will count as your one personal carry-on item. Use a pet carrier with side pockets. Store all necessary items in the side pockets and check all other baggage.
3. Checking your pets
- Go inside. Pets must be checked at the ticket counter. Pets cannot be checked with curbside services or at the Self-Service kiosks.
What to bring
- Required vaccinations and documentation for each destination you are flying to (only if you are flying internationally).
- Pet’s license and identification tags.
- Favorite toys to give them a sense of home!
- Blanket/comfortable bed.
- Leash.
- Things your pet will need in the travel destination.
- Snacks and treats.
- Puppy pads (just in case).
More tips and links
- Exercise helps. Tire your pet out before you take off! Take your dog on a longer walk than usual. Play fetch. Make your cat chase a toy. After a long day of exercise, your pet will be able to sleep soundly and comfortably on the plane.
- Arrive to the airport extra, extra early. Around the holidays, most experts suggest arriving two hours early to make sure you get to your gate on time. Add an extra hour (to be on the safe side) if you are traveling with a pet. Don’t forget let your pet take care of his business before you go through security, otherwise you will have to return through security again if nature calls him!
Related: Tips for traveling with cats
Click on these airlines for more information about their specific pet travel policy:
