Everybody misses their pets when they’re off on vacation. Even when you’re relaxing on a beach or at a museum, you’ll wonder if they’re okay. Worrying is natural, but it can make your trip more stressful than it has to be and you may not enjoy the holiday to its full potential. So, why not take your beloved animal along next time? There are many ways to make sure you have pet-friendly travel plans. Whether you’re traveling by road, sea, or air, this article will help you make your little pal comfortable the whole way there:

1. Car
A long road journey can be taxing for your energetic, furry friend. Crack the window down if you can, carry a leash and some treats, and also make sure you keep your pet hydrated. Pack meals ahead of time so that they’re convenient to serve. You can carry a water bowl too, but remember that a lot of water means stopping the car more often. Most animals can do without water for a few hours, so you can be sparing with it.

Aside from this, you can carry a toy or two so that your pet has something familiar around. Pets can get anxious in new settings, so it’s a great way to keep them calm during travel.

2. Flight
Taking a flight? Pet-friendly travel gets a bit more complicated in this scenario as once you’re in the air, there’s little you can control. Whether your pet needs to relieve themselves or is feeling excited or nervous, you can’t move around too much in a plane. However, some things will be slightly easier like having easy access to food and water. Make sure the toys you carry for them are not squeaky and keep a blanket at hand for when they feel cold.

To calm pets down before boarding the plane, some owners sedate them. Only do this after consulting a vet. You must also be prepared for side-effects because sedatives may make your pet even more unsteady and breathless. One extra tip a lot of people follow is tiring their pet out before they reach the airport. You can play around or go for a long walk a few hours earlier. Hopefully, by the time you are travel-ready and in the flight, your active, friendly pet friend is ready for a nap and quietude.

3. Boat

Boats and ships can be a bit tricky since your pet can easily get seasick or nervous. Depending on how hot it is, they may even get sunburned! As with a flight and road trip, make sure your pet feels comfortable. If possible, let them wander on the vessel or around the docks to get familiar with the sea. If you can, go on a shorter boat journey beforehand to gauge whether your pet can handle a trip. Keep some pet-friendly sunscreen on hand too.

In general, consider tagging your pet with a GPS tracker. New surroundings are bound to be disorienting, and your furry friend might run off without a way back! Keep in mind that whenever there are others around, it is safer for everyone to just leash your pet. Not everyone around you will fond of animals. Be sure to remember these pointers and make pet-friendly travel a reality for you!