Travelling with pets sounds dreamy, doesn’t it? Long drives, little adventures, wagging tails, cute Instagram stories. At least that’s what I thought before we started taking Fido (our goofy, lovable Labrador) on trips.
Reality check? It’s fun — but it’s also a lot of work. Forgetting his water bowl once turned into a mini-disaster. Booking a “pet-friendly” homestay only to be told “pets can stay outside” nearly ruined a trip. But then there were also those golden moments: Fido pressing his nose against the window during car rides, ears flapping, tail wagging so hard we thought it would fall off.
This guide isn’t just rules and checklists. It’s what we learned travelling with Fido — the mistakes, the wins, and everything in between. Hopefully, it’ll help you avoid the messier parts and enjoy the good stuff.
Should You Bring Your Pet Along?
Not every trip needs to include your pet. I know it sounds harsh, but it’s true.
Fido adored car rides, so weekend trips to our hometown or quick picnics were perfect. But when there was a summer wedding in a crowded city, we left him at home. Honestly, it was the best decision — he stayed cool and relaxed instead of panting in 40°C heat.
So here’s the thing:
- If your pet is healthy, social, and loves being out and about — go for it.
- If the journey involves long flights, extreme weather, or noisy crowds — maybe skip it.
At the end of the day, it’s about their comfort, not just ours.
Getting Your Pet Ready for Travel
Before our first big road trip, we thought packing kibble and a leash would be enough. Nope.
Here’s what actually mattered:
- A quick vet check (ours even suggested travel meds once when Fido got carsick).
- Making sure his ID tag had our phone number.
- Letting him get comfy in his crate at home before we used it in the car.
- Doing “practice runs” — short drives to the park — so he didn’t freak out on a 6-hour ride.
Think of it like preparing a kid for school. You don’t just shove them on a bus one day and hope for the best.
Travelling with Pets (Without Losing Your Mind)
🚗 Car Trips
Fido’s happy place. Seriously, he’d jump in the car before we even packed.
A few things we learned the hard way:
- Don’t feed them a big meal right before you leave. (Yes, Fido once puked in the backseat. Lesson learned.)
- Stop every couple of hours for water, bathroom, and sniffing breaks.
- Buckle them in — a harness or crate is safer than letting them roam.
🚆 Train/Bus
Honestly? Not Fido’s favorite. Some carriers allow it, some don’t. Check the rules first. Keep your pet comfy in a carrier and bring water + a blanket that smells like home.
✈️ Flights
We never flew with Fido (too big for cabin travel), but I’ve seen enough to know it’s stressful. Small pets can sometimes stay with you; big ones go in cargo. If you have to fly, go for direct flights and avoid extreme heat or cold seasons.
What to Pack (aka “The Fido Bag”)
By trip three, we had a dedicated bag just for him. Highly recommend. Ours usually had:
- ✅ Food (plus extra)
- ✅ Collapsible water bowl + bottle
- ✅ Leash, harness, poop bags
- ✅ His blanket (smelled like home = instant comfort)
- ✅ Chew toys to distract him
- ✅ Any meds + a small first-aid kit
- ✅ Documents (vaccine records, ID proof)
Simple rule: if it makes your pet’s life easier at home, pack it for the trip too.
Travelling with Pets: Keeping Them Comfortable
Comfort beats convenience, every time.
For Fido, that meant:
- A lighter meal before trips (US / India)
- Frequent water breaks
- His favorite toy to chew when he got restless
- Background music (surprisingly, he loved it — calmed him right down)
If your pet is anxious, pheromone sprays or vet-approved calming aids can help.
The “Pet-Friendly” Accommodation Trap
We once booked a homestay that proudly claimed “pets welcome.” When we arrived? “Yes, but only outside.” Imagine Fido’s face. Imagine our faces. After request, it got managed.
Now we always check while travelling with pets:
- Can pets stay inside the room?
- Are there size/breed restrictions?
- Any hidden pet fees?
- Do they actually like pets, or just tolerate them?
The good places? They didn’t just allow Fido — they welcomed him with water bowls, open lawns, and the occasional biscuit. Those were the best stays. Its delight to receive such gesture hile trvelling with pets.
Safety & Etiquette
Travelling with pets means thinking ahead:
- Always leash in public.
- Always, always clean up after them.
- Know where the nearest vet is. (I usually Google before the trip and note one down.)
- Be mindful — not everyone loves dogs as much as we do.
Special Situations while travelling with pets
🐾 Puppies: We took Fido on his first road trip as a pup — he needed way more breaks (and a LOT more wipes).
🐾 Senior pets: Go easy. Comfy bedding, extra stops, joint supplements.
🐾 Cats: They’re usually less travel-friendly. A solid carrier, calming sprays, and a portable litter solution are musts.
🐾 International travel: Paperwork galore. Health certificates, microchips, sometimes quarantine. Plan way ahead.
When to avoid Traveling with Pets
As much as it hurt sometimes, leaving Fido home was the right call.
If you can’t bring them comfortably, there are options:
- Reliable pet sitters (family, friends, or pros)
- Boarding kennels or pet hotels
- Doggy daycare for short trips
Sometimes, home really is where they’re happiest.
Final Thoughts
Travelling with Fido taught us that it’s not about perfect planning — it’s about being flexible, patient, and ready to laugh at the little messes along the way.
Yes, there will be hiccups (like puke in the backseat, or hotels that don’t mean what they say). But there will also be pure joy: your dog’s face when you open the car window, or the way they curl up beside you in a new place.
If you’re planning your first trip with your pet, my advice is simple: prepare as best you can, then go with the flow. It won’t be perfect, but it will be memorable.
👉 To help you start, I’ve made a Pet Travel Checklist (printable PDF) you can grab. It saved us plenty of headaches — hopefully, it saves you a few too.
Happy travels, and give your furry buddy a big cuddle from me. ❤️