Eight Tips for Holiday Pet Travel

Millions of people will hit the road this holiday season to spend time with friends and family, and for many of us, spending the holidays away from our pets is inconceivable. Planning ahead and taking some precautions can help ensure that everyone—including the furry members of the family—has a safe and enjoyable trip. Amy and Rod Burkert, founders of Go Pet Friendly, a company for people who travel with their pets, offers these tips to make sure your trip with your pet is fun and hassle-free.

1. Consider Traveling By Car: The airlines are plagued with huge crowds and massive amounts of baggage during this time of the year. Delays and cancellations are the norm and could cause increased stress for your pet. If your destination is too far of a drive, consider visiting before or after the busy holiday travel season.

2. Make Certain Your Pet Is Welcome: Friends and relatives may not be comfortable with having your pet as a guest. Confirm in advance that your host will welcome your pets and discuss any restricted areas or rules that will need to be followed during your stay.

3. Brush Up On Obedience: Our pets are introduced to new places, scents and people when we travel. Understanding what’s allowed in a new environment can be confusing for them, but a little training before you leave will allow them to showcase their manners, and may even save their life. Simple commands like “Stay,” “Down,” and “Drop It” can keep a dog from bolting out an open door, greeting guests inappropriately, or ingesting something that could be harmful.

4. Find Quiet Spots: Many pets can become overwhelmed with holiday gatherings and would prefer a quiet spot away from the activity. Having their bed or crate and their favorite toy creates a welcome refuge where they can relax.

5. Stick to A Normal Routine: As simple as it may seem, feeding and exercising your pet on their normal schedule can reduce their anxiety. Set an alarm to remind you of your pet’s feeding time and don’t skip their daily walk.

6. Maintain A Healthy Diet: Don’t spoil your pet during the holidays with foods and treats; it’s important to stick to your pet’s normal diet while you’re traveling. Many foods like onions, raisins, macadamia nuts, chocolate and alcohol served at the holidays are toxic to your pet. Poultry bones splinter and can cause serious health issues. Just eating foods your pet is not used to can lead to gastrointestinal distress. Let other guests know that your pet is well-fed and anyone offering treats may be cleaning up after him later.

7. Keep Pets Away from Holiday Decorations: If you celebrate Christmas and have a tree, make sure it is off limits. Pets can be injured if they take tinsel or ornaments off the tree, and the water in the tree stand can have preservatives or bacteria in it that could harm your pet. Pets should not be allowed around the tree, and gates should be used if the tree is just too tempting. The same goes for the Chanukah menorah or Kwanzaa lights. Cats can jump up and knock over lit candles, so keep them out of reach.

8. Enjoy the Holidays: The Holidays can be stressful for many of us. Pets pick up on that, so try to relax and enjoy time with family and friends–both human and furry and feathered. Happy Holidays!

Readers’ Comments:

Andy Garfinkel wrote:
Great suggestions, Michele. I hope you and your family have a happy Thanksgiving.

11/26/2009 5:12 PM Amy wrote:
I enjoy the valuable information provided on your blog – thank you for passing along our holiday travel tips!—Amy of
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