Traveling with pets.

February 09, 2022

For travelers with pets, considerations must be made when making travel plans.  For many, pets are a part of the family, and traveling decisions are made around the pet’s needs.  Can the pet be taken on the trip?  Will they have to board the pet?  How long can they make a trip?  How will the pet travel?  These and many more concerns need to be well thought out.  Here are a few thoughts for travelers with pets.

Traveling with a pet.

Traveling with a pet locally is not as cost prohibitive as traveling with a pet internationally.  Most small pets can travel with the owner in an approved pet carrier when traveling domestically for a small fee.  For larger breeds, travel must be in the cargo area and will require a specially designated approved pet crate.  Some pets can also fly at no charge if they are fully trained service animals.  When traveling internationally, your pet needs to have a health certificate to prove that they are in good health and free from parasites or any contagious diseases.  In addition, based on the country’s destination, other paperwork, including a picture of your pet, microchip information, as well as health and vaccination records, are required.

Pet documentation.

Pet owners should ensure their pets have a sturdy leash and collar with current identification.  In addition to having a recent picture of your pet and copies of your pet’s health and vaccination records.  It is prudent to have your pet microchipped and access to that information with you when you travel.  It is not uncommon for pets to become alarmed and run off when in unfamiliar surroundings.

Boarding costs.

The average cost of boarding a pet in the US averages $30 to $50 per night.  Rates can vary based on the size of your pet, the length of stay, or boarding accommodations.  Depending on your dog’s age, other special considerations and needs will have to be addressed, and if you want your pet to socialize daily, this may also add to the boarding costs.  In addition, the pet must be current on vaccinations as they will be exposed to other dogs.

Pet accommodations.

Not all hotels have pet accommodations, so travelers must ensure that their hotel will allow them to have their pets on the premises.  Like when traveling with babies or toddlers, pet owners should ensure the hotel is free from any hazards that could harm the pet.  In addition, consideration must be made on whether the pet can stay in the room without supervision or if it needs to be always with the owner to prevent costly damages to the room.

Travelers need to take many other travel considerations, including your pets’ food and water, potty breaks, exercise, and even travel sickness.  In addition, any delay or cancellation of your travel plans will also affect any accommodations you have made or will have to make for your pet.  If you plan to travel with your pet, I hope you think it through as much as you do for yourself and your family.  For me, pets are like family too.

This blog post may contain affiliate links. This means I may receive a small incentive at no expense to you if you choose to purchase something mentioned in this blog. This helps me continue to create content. It is my promise to only recommend things I have personally used and found valuable. Read full disclaimer →

Get an inside peek into my life & 
travel stories not seen in my blog.

I share the realities and nuances that come with being a Black woman on the move.

Meet your travel expert

Hi, I’m Donna

As a woman of color, I navigate the world of travel with a distinct lens.

I am thrilled to bring you my wealth of knowledge and firsthand experiences from my 23-year journey as a former flight attendant and seasoned traveler. Through my blog, I aim to shed light on the diverse challenges, triumphs, and hidden gems that I encounter along my journey.

More about Donna →

FUEL MY BLOG
Buy Me a Coffee and Support My Journey!

Fuel the inspiration behind my blog by buying me a coffee. Your support helps me continue creating unique content and sharing valuable travel insights. Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey!

The Lived Travel Experience
“Make the plan, take the trip!”

Continue reading

You might also enjoy these blog posts:

Browse by topic or category:

0 Comments

Submit a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Don't miss this!

Grab my FREE Travel Checklist

I sharing my personal travel checklist from years of experience as a flight attendant. Get my tips on what you need to check before traveling, packing tips and more.

Pin It on Pinterest

Share This