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In our mobile society, chances are good that your pet will be transported during its
lifetime. Whether for an annual visit to your veterinarian of a weekend trip, your pet
will travel. To predict problems that may arise, consider the circumstances of a trip.
Is the trip more or less than 2-3 hours long? If it is a long trip, will you have the
opportunities to visit with your pet? Will your pet be within view or secluded in a
separate compartment? Will your pet be confined to a carrier or crate?
When possible, prepare your pet by gradually exposing it to elements or sequences
of the trip and then practice departures. If your pet is not used to traveling, brief,
frequent trips are the best way to expose your pet to this experience. The steps are
detailed below. As long as your pet’s basic comforts are attended to, the trip should go well.
 For
short trips, remove food at least 2 hours before starting the trip. For longer trips,
remove food several hours before the trip. You may feed your pet after the trip.
Offer small amounts of water until an hour before travel. Depending on the length
of the trip, water bowls can be left in the carrier or removed.
Play with your pet to engage it in some kind of positive interaction before you leave home.
If your pet is well exercised before it is confined, it will be more comfortable.
Make sure your dog has a long walk or your cat has enough time to use the litter
before its confinement. Your pet will be less likely to become nauseated or to soil
itself during confinement if it is given the opportunity to void before departure.
Most pets become adjusted to travel with frequent travel opportunities. They may feel more
secure if they are confined to a sturdy and well-ventilated carrier. Cats and small or
medium-sized dogs may learn to travel in pet carriers designed for travel. Large dogs,
for example, may be confined behind special gates that section off the back of a motor vehicle.
Have your pet’s general health evaluated by a veterinarian before you leave on a long trip.
Ideally, this should be scheduled well before an anticipated trip and not left for the last
minute. Vaccinations should be updated. Make a list of your pet’s known physical disorders
and any new problems that have developed since your last visit.
If you are going overseas, your veterinarian may be able to advise you regarding reports
of pet health problems prevalent at your destination. Consult the embassy or consulate
of the country you will visit for more information on any documents of special vaccinations
that your pet will require. Have these with you at the veterinary appointment.
Your veterinarian’s signature may be required to clear your pet’s health status for
customs officials.
If you are traveling within the United States, ask your veterinarian if there are any
diseases in the are you will visit that are a threat to your pet’s health. When you return,
take a stool sample for analysis in case your pet has acquired any intestinal parasites.
You may wish to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to check for other parasites,
such as heartworm or fleas, or any other problem noticed during the trip.
Fear and Anxiety During Travel
Regardless of the mode of transportation and the reasons for it, several behavioral
problems may arise because of fear. Fear may cause hyperexcitability and agitation,
hyperventilation, vocalization (whining, meowing), attempts to escape or hide, aggressiveness,
nausea, vomiting, defecation, and urination. Destruction of the interior of your car or pet
carrier may indicate fear or anxiety, particularly if the pet is isolated from you. A pet
can turn its fear or anxiety against itself by excessive self-grooming during the trip.
Fearful responses to travel may worsen or remain relatively constant over time. Your pet
may before fearful before a trip if it learns to recognize signs of impending departures.
Very young or aging pets can show effects after travel. The stress of travel can decrease a
pet’s resistance to disease. Intense fear can result in serious illness in animals with
undiagnosed or inapparent ailments.
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