4 tips for pet emergencies while traveling

There’s a lot to consider when traveling with pets, from their food, toys, and exercise to their bathroom needs. One other important consideration is any potential emergencies. As the adage goes, “failure to prepare is preparing to fail.” We rounded up the top tips you need to know for how to prepare for and address a pet emergency while traveling.

Accidents and emergencies can be shocking, especially where your pet is involved. Having a fully stocked emergency first-aid kit that can handle most common situations can helpn alleviate stress.

Some items to include could be:

• Gauze pads. In addition to applying cleaning solutions or medicated ointments, gauze pads can also help reduce bleeding.
• A spare leash and collar. In general, it’s helpful to have extra leashes and collars in case your regular one breaks.
• Antibiotic spray or cream. Infections are dangerous, and these topicals can create a barrier to prevent bacteria from entering a wound.
• Travel bowls. Overheating is no joke, so having a water bowl handy can do wonders for hydrating your pet.

While traveling, it’s imperative to know local vets or emergency vets in case of an emergency. Having this information on hand before an issue will allow you to have a clear head and easy access should one occur.

An emergency first-aid kit is great, but knowing how to use the contents correctly and safely is essential. Some basic things to know include wound care, CPR, and the Heimlich maneuver.

As pet parents, you’re probably acutely aware of the cost of pet ownership and the hefty cost of emergency vet care. When traveling, we recommend being aware of the most likely emergencies you and your pet may encounter. For example, if you’re hiking with your dog in the Southwest of the United States, you may come into contact with rattlesnakes, which could potentially bite your pet. For those vacationing in an urban area, taking your dog to the dog part could result in a dog bite.

Consider various situations beforehand, and have money set aside should an emergency arise.

👉 Ensure your pet is microchipped and registered prior to traveling. 

While we can’t prevent every accident, we can do our due diligence and prepare ourselves and our pets to prevent as many as possible. This includes being aware of your pet’s surroundings, practicing safe travel, paying attention to your pet’s behavior, and making sure they are up to date on vaccines and parasite prevention. After all, the best way to handle an emergency is to prevent it from happening at all.

Prepare ahead for air travel

If you’re choosing air travel with your pet, you need to plan ahead and know all the rules and regulations around taking your pet on a plane. More often than not, pets have to be older than 8 weeks and fit into an airline-approved pet carrier. The airline may also require a health certificate from your vet that states your pet is healthy and up to date on their vaccines. Domestic air travel is usually pretty seamless, but traveling outside of the continental United States can get complex.

Before your trip, make sure you:

• Book a direct flight. Few or no connecting flights lessen the stress on your pet and any chance you may get separated from a pet in the cargo hold.
• Check all requirements. Have all necessary documentation for your pet’s health records. Depending on the airline or government, this may include vaccines, certifications, and additional documentation.
• Have approved carriers/crates. Whether your pet will be with you at your feet or in the cargo hold, make sure it’s in an approved carrier with “live animal” marked on the outside. Acclimation training beforehand is essential for pets unaccustomed to travel.
• Ensure they have a potty break. Before boarding, take your pet to the potty to prevent accidents.

Practice good car safety

While different from air travel, traveling by car can be no less stressful. Follow these tips to ensure the happiness and safety of you, your passengers, and your pets while traveling by car:

• No roaming. Pets shouldn’t be free to roam around the car. Situate them in a carrier, crate, or pet seat belt.
• Keep heads inside. Dogs especially love the breeze in their face, but to prevent injury keep their snouts inside.
• Don’t leave pets inside the car alone. Heat is a deadly hazard. A short pit stop for you could turn into an agonizing few minutes for your pet.
• Potty breaks are a must. To prevent any accidents, take your pet outside regularly along the way.

In addition to these tips, it’s important to remember that some states may require a health certificate or other documentation when you cross state lines.

Travel anxiety is as real in pets as it is in humans. Our pets are often used to our daily routine, and taking them out of that and the environments they’re used to can cause stress. Plus, helping your dog stay calm can prevent panic-induced emergencies like running away or getting a body part stuck because it’s stressed.

• Calming treats and pheromone sprays. The ingredients in these can help promote feelings of calmness without causing drowsiness.
• Weighted blankets or jackets. These can be especially helpful if your dog is stressed by the sounds of cars, planes, people, etc.
• Physical touch. Your touch can be like magic for an anxious pet. Give your pet gentle strokes and scratches you know help them relax and calm down. Now isn’t the time to encourage playing.
• Toys. Their favorite stuffed toy or one that draws their attention (think lick mats and puzzle boards) can alleviate anxiety.
• Medication. Some pets need proper medication, so consider visiting the vet prior to your trip to discuss options. If your pet is traveling by plane, it may not be safe to medicate them. Always check with your vet.

While traveling can be fun for us, it isn’t always for our pets. In some cases, staying home is the safest, best option for them. But for those pets that love an adventure, it’s best to be prepared for the unexpected.