Summer Travel With Your Pets: The Complete Safety Checklist

 

Sometimes the best solution for summer travel is simply to bring your pets along. But traveling with pets takes advance planning — the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one usually comes down to what you sorted out weeks before you left. Below is everything you need to travel safely with a dog or cat this summer, whether you're driving a few hours or boarding a flight.

 

Before You Go: The Pet Travel Essentials Checklist

Start here, regardless of how you're traveling. Some of these items — especially health paperwork — can take weeks to arrange, so don't leave them to the last minute.

•    Up-to-date microchip and vaccines. Confirm your microchip registration lists your current phone number.

•    A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) from your vet if you're crossing state lines or traveling internationally.

•    A dedicated travel bag with food, bowls, treats, and waste bags.

•    Disposable litter boxes and litter for cats.

•    A pet water bottle with a built-in bowl plus a collapsible backup bowl.

•    A sturdy collar or harness with ID tags listing your current cell phone number.

•    A pet first-aid kit — antiseptic pads, gauze, a tick removal tool, calming medication, and any daily prescriptions.

•    Comfort items: familiar bedding, a favorite toy, and a piece of your clothing to ease anxiety in an unfamiliar place.

•    Confirmed pet-friendly lodging. Verify pet fees, weight limits, and any breed restrictions before you book.

•    Printed photos of your pet in case they escape or get lost and you need to make flyers fast.

 

Road Trips: How to Travel Safely With Pets in the Car

An unrestrained pet is a danger to themselves and to everyone else in the vehicle. Secure your pet first, then plan your stops.

•    Restrain your pet properly. Use a crash-tested travel crate, a specialized pet seat belt, or a back-seat barrier that prevents pets from climbing into the driver's seat.

•    Secure the carrier correctly. Slide the seat belt through the carrier's top handle or built-in safety loops, pull the belt all the way out to engage the lock retractor, then click it into the buckle.

•    Take breaks every few hours so your pet can stretch, drink water, and let dogs relieve themselves.

•    Never leave your pet in a parked car. Interior temperatures climb to fatal levels within minutes, even on mild days.

•    Practice first. If your pet hasn't traveled by car, take several short trips in the weeks before your vacation so the real drive isn't their first experience.

 

Flying With Pets: What Airlines Require

Airline pet policies vary widely and change often. Check directly with your carrier well before you book — cabin spots are limited and fill quickly.

•    Review each airline's guidelines carefully: the number of in-cabin pets allowed, approved carrier sizes, and breed restrictions. Many airlines require food and water bowls to attach securely to the inside of the crate.

•    Print everything. Bring hard copies of the airline's guidelines and your pet's booking confirmation in case of a dispute at the airport.

•    Talk to your vet about short-nosed breeds. Air travel carries elevated risk for brachycephalic dogs and cats, such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persians.

•    Book early. Cabin spots for pets are capped per flight.

•    Choose the most direct route available to reduce time in transit, stress, and anxiety.

•    Ask your vet about pre-flight feeding. A near-empty stomach is often recommended. Sedatives generally are not.

 

Pet Travel FAQs

Do I need a health certificate to travel with my pet?

If you're crossing state lines or traveling internationally, yes — you'll typically need a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI) from your veterinarian. Requirements and validity windows vary by destination, so confirm the rules for where you're headed and schedule the vet visit early.

How often should I stop when road-tripping with a dog?

Plan a break every few hours so your dog can stretch, drink water, and relieve themselves. Puppies and senior dogs generally need more frequent stops.

Can I sedate my pet for a flight?

Sedatives are generally not recommended for air travel, as they can affect breathing and balance at altitude. Always discuss options with your veterinarian rather than medicating on your own.

Is flying safe for flat-faced breeds?

Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds face a higher risk of breathing difficulty during air travel, and many airlines restrict them outright. Talk with your vet about whether flying is appropriate for your pet, or consider driving instead.

What should I pack in a pet first-aid kit?

At minimum: antiseptic pads, gauze, a tick removal tool, calming medication, and any daily prescriptions your pet takes. Add your vet's phone number and the number of an emergency clinic near your destination.

Enjoy the Trip

Travel with your pet is worth the preparation. The planning is the hard part — the memories are the payoff. Enjoy the special moments and experiences you get to share with the animals you love.

Need to stock up before you go?

Stop by any Pet Market location for travel carriers, collapsible bowls, calming aids, and everything else on the checklist above. Our team is always happy to help you get trip-ready.