The Best Pets for Travelers and Pet Travel Tips

Whether you're a jet-setting business person or a retired person traveling the country in your RV, many people still desire the companionship of a pet. Just because you travel, it doesn't mean that you can't have a pet, but there are a few things to consider when selecting a pet that fits your lifestyle.

Still, frequent travel does make a difference when considering adding a pet to your life. Here are things to consider if you are often on the go.

Attributes of pet that will make a great traveling companion

If you travel and have your heart set on a pet going with you, it's important to choose one that will actually enjoy traveling. Confident, outgoing and friendly pets will enjoy interacting with the world more than a shy, timid or nervous animal.

Pets that are young often learn to travel without difficulties, but it's best to make sure a puppy or kitten is fully vaccinated before traveling extensively to ensure they don't catch a dangerous disease. If your pet hasn't received all of their shots, don't let them use potty or play areas where lots of other dogs go. Until your pet is fully vaccinated, you will have to train young pets to use their potty pad even in strange places (like the floorboards of your car or a human bathroom stall.)

Pets that are well trained and socialized are best for travel to provide a pleasant experience for your pet, yourself, and your fellow travelers. Consider enrolling yourself and your dog in an obedience training course.

Better yet, have them earn their Canine Good Citizenship certificate through the AKC or the pass the SPOT (Socialized Pet Obedience Test) through the UKC. These programs help pets and owners learn about good manners while out in public. Skills that will be taught and evaluated will include interacting with strangers, leash work, walking through crowds, basic obedience commands, interacting with other dogs, light touching, and handling by strangers.

Other helpful (but not required) traits for traveling pets would include:

Having a quiet, calm nature
Being clean (both in appearance, eating, defecating, and play habits)
Being a non-shedding breed
Being healthy (since travel can exacerbate health conditions)
Being smaller in size (which gives your pet the option of in-cabin flying)
Not being a brachycephalic breed (with smooshed faces that can cause breathing problems, i.e., French Bulldogs and Persian cats)

Pets that don't mind if you travel without them

Sometimes a traveling schedule isn't conducive to bringing your pet along. If you travel occasionally for work or pleasure, there are pets that are okay if you leave them for a few days at a time. These include pets in the small animal category like birds, rodents, and fish.

Small pets can often be cared for with an automatic feeder, light timer, or with a friend stopping by occasionally.

Some cats are also okay with being home alone for a day or two or ideally in the company of another cat. Since cats can take care of their toileting needs with a cat box, can be left extra food and water, and are a bit more independent than dogs, it isn't a big deal for them to stay home while you're traveling. If you're going to be gone for more than a few days, hire a neighbor or a professional pet sitter to come and look in on your kitty. This way, you can be sure that their litter box is clean and they have plenty of water and food.

Thanks to modern technology, you can keep tabs on your pet while you're gone with a video monitor. Some video cameras even have interactive features where your pet can hear your voice, or you can even dispense a treat remotely.

Traveling with pets requires extra planning

Whether you travel with your pets or leave them at home, you'll have to plan ahead for their needs. This means buying plenty of extra supplies they'll need during your trip and having emergency contingency plans set up in advance.

If you leave your pet behind, you'll most likely have to hire a pet sitter, have a family member or friend they can stay with, or board them.

If you plan to take your pet with you, you'll need pet travel supplies, have to book reservations at pet-friendly accommodations, and possibly buy a travel ticket for your pet's passage.

All of your traveling activities will have to include plans for your pet. Will your dog or cat be able to go with you everywhere including on sightseeing tours and restaurants? If not, does your lodging offer pet care services or is there a highly-rated drop-in dog daycare nearby? Are you allowed to leave your pet in your room for brief periods of time?

If you plan to travel with your pet to different states or internationally, be sure to research local animal travel regulations. These may include getting health certificates issued by your veterinarian and vaccine documentation. Some states or countries even require a quarantine period for animals entering, so it is imperative to become aware of animal policies before traveling to ensure your pet isn't confiscated by authorities.

Be considerate of others when traveling with pets

Because you are out in public with your pet or staying in accommodations that are not your own, you will want to leave a good impression wherever you and your pet go. If your travel or lodging provider has provided pet-friendly policies, you'll want to be sure that they don't regret allowing animals to travel, stay, and play.

Always clean up after your pet promptly. Provide your pet with quiet activities (such as chew toys) to ensure they don't bother other passengers. If your pet sheds, don't allow them to sleep on furniture or beds without providing a protective pet furniture cover.

Traveling with pets can be a fulfilling experience. After all, if you are blessed with a furry best friend, you'll want to share everything with them. It is extra work, but it's worth it!

In some cases, traveling is best done without your pet. Thankfully, there are many options for making being away from your pet easier on both of you.

What do you to make traveling easier as a pet owner?

Featured image: Kurgo Metro Pet Carrier product photo