Holiday Travel Tips for Pet Owners

The holidays are a busy travel season, and whether or not your pet is coming along, a little planning makes getting out of town safe and stress-free. Here are our essential holiday travel tips for pet owners.

If Your Pet Is Traveling With You

• Visit the vet first. Make sure vaccinations are current and get any health certificates you’ll need, especially for flying or crossing state lines.
• Use the right carrier or restraint. A secure, well-ventilated crate or a crash-tested harness keeps your pet safe in the car or cabin.
• Pack a pet bag. Food, water, bowls, medications, waste bags, a favorite toy or blanket, and copies of vet records.
• Update ID. Confirm tags and microchip registration are current before you leave, travel is when pets are most likely to get lost.
• Plan breaks. On road trips, stop regularly for potty breaks, water, and a stretch. Never leave a pet alone in a parked car.

If Your Pet Is Staying Home

For many pets, staying in their own home with a trusted sitter is far less stressful than traveling, no unfamiliar places, no crated flights, and their normal routine intact. If you’re leaving your pet behind:

• Book your sitter early, holiday dates fill up fast.
• Stock enough food, litter, and medication for the whole trip plus a couple of extra days.
• Leave a detailed routine, plus vet and emergency contacts.
• Do a meet & greet in advance so your pet is comfortable with their sitter.

Holiday Pet Safety Reminders

The season brings a few extra hazards: keep pets away from chocolate, xylitol, bones, and rich table scraps; secure the tree and skip toxic plants like lilies and holly; and give anxious pets a quiet retreat from holiday noise and guests.

Holiday Pet Travel FAQ

Is it better to travel with my pet or leave them with a sitter?

It depends on your pet. Confident travelers may do fine on the road, but many pets, especially cats and anxious dogs, are happier and safer staying home with a professional sitter.

How early should I book a pet sitter for the holidays?

As early as possible, holiday weeks are the busiest of the year for pet sitters and book up well in advance.

What holiday foods are dangerous for pets?

Chocolate, anything with xylitol, cooked bones, grapes and raisins, onions, and very fatty or rich foods. Keep the table and trash out of reach.

Traveling this holiday season? Let us keep your pets happy and on routine at home. Our insured, bonded team offers pet sitting and dog walking across Anthem, Scottsdale, and North Phoenix, book early to lock in your dates.