Key Takeaways
Holiday travel can be stressful for pets, but with the right preparation, your dog or cat can stay safe, comfortable, and calm on the road or in the air. From pre-travel vet visits to smart packing, stress-reduction strategies, and safe bathroom breaks, these tips will help you plan a smooth and pet-friendly holiday trip. 

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Holiday Travel with Pets

The holidays are one of the busiest travel seasons of the year, and more families than ever are choosing to bring their dogs and cats along for the trip. Whether you’re headed across the state or taking a cross-country adventure, planning ahead is the key to keeping your pets safe, comfortable, and stress-free.

In this article, we’ll explore how to travel with pets, share some important pet travel tips, and answer some frequently asked questions about cat and dog travel so everyone in the family has a positive experience.

Visit Your Vet Before You Travel

How do people with pets go on a holiday without all parties needing a vacation afterwards? Planning! Before you finalize your holiday travel plans, one of the most important steps is scheduling a pre-travel veterinary visit. 

Why a Pre-Travel Exam Matters

Making a plan with your vet ahead of traveling is important for all pets, and especially senior pets, pets with chronic conditions, brachycephalic breeds, or animals that have shown anxiety during past travel experiences.

During your pre-travel appointment, we can:

  • Confirm your pet is healthy for travel
  • Review vaccines, parasite prevention, and any medical concerns
  • Discuss pet travel anxiety relief options
  • Update microchip information

Medication & Travel Prep

Discuss your itinerary with us – flight times, layovers, long car rides – as well as your final destination so we can tailor recommendations to your pet’s needs. 

We can help you determine whether your pet needs:

  • Anti-nausea medication
  • Anti-anxiety medication or supplements
  • Sedation alternatives
  • Preventatives for fleas, ticks, or heartworms 

Travel Certificates & Documentation

Airlines typically require a veterinary exam within 10 days of travel, but be sure to confirm what’s needed for your cat or dog. Airline rules differ from one carrier to another.

If you’re flying or crossing state lines, you may need:

  • A valid health certificate
  • Proof of rabies vaccination
  • Airline-specific forms for dogs and cats
  • Documents required for pets flying in-cabin versus cargo

Choosing the Best Way To Travel With Pets: Car vs. Plane

Whether you’re driving across the Carolinas or flying across the country, choosing the right mode of travel is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your pet. Dogs and cats have different comfort levels, safety needs, and stress triggers, so the best option depends on their health, temperament, and travel history.

Traveling by Car

Driving is the most common way families travel with pets during the holidays. It allows more flexibility, more breaks, and a quieter, more controlled environment – especially for cats and anxious dogs.

Keeping Dogs & Cats Safe in the Car

Unrestrained pets can be injured during sudden stops or become a distraction, which is why proper restraint is essential for cat and dog travel alike. Crates should be crash-tested for both species.

Depending on your pet’s size and temperament, options include:

  • Dog car harness systems 
  • Dog seatbelt attachment or car-safe tether
  • Dog car carrier 
  • Soft-sided, structured or hard-sided carrier for cats
  • Securely-fitting car bed for dog or cat carriers

For cats, a secure carrier covered with a light blanket can provide a sense of comfort and reduce visual overstimulation. 

Comfort Setup for Long Drives

To make the drive smoother and safer:

  • Keep the car temperature moderate
  • Play soft music or white noise
  • Avoid loud voices or sudden changes in speed
  • Provide ventilation and shade
  • Avoid feeding large meals right before departure
  • Offer water at regular intervals
  • Never allow pets to ride in the front seat or on your lap

Traveling by Plane

Flying can be safe for many pets, but it requires careful preparation – especially during the busy holiday season.

Choosing the Right Airline for Dogs & Cats

Some airlines allow small dogs and cats to fly in the cabin, while others require pets to fly in the cargo hold. Policies vary widely, so check:

  • Size and weight limits
  • Breed restrictions (particularly for snub-nosed breeds)
  • Cabin vs. cargo requirements
  • Fees and travel forms
  • Seasonal temperature rules

Selecting an Airline-Approved Travel Crate

Your pet’s safety starts with the right equipment. Both dogs and cats should be acclimated to their crate weeks before travel to reduce stress. Make sure carriers are labeled with your name, your pet’s name, and your contact information.

Choose:

  • An air travel crate that meets IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards
  • A carrier large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably
  • Absorbent bedding or a pee pad
  • A secure, well-ventilated design

Packing Checklist: Holiday Travel Essentials for Dogs & Cats

Whether you’re traveling with a dog or a cat, having the right supplies on hand helps keep your pet safe, comfortable, and calm throughout the journey. Use this vet-approved checklist to make sure you’re fully prepared.

Travel Basics

These items are must-haves for both dogs and cats:

  • Food and treats for the duration of your trip
  • Fresh water and collapsible bowls
  • Medications (prescriptions, preventatives, anti-nausea/anxiety medications)
  • Leash and harness (even indoor-only cats need a harness for safe handling)
  • Microchip information is up to date
  • Collar and ID tags fit properly
  • Photo of your pet on your phone in case of emergency
  • Copy of medical records, including vaccine history
  • Health certificate, if required for air travel or crossing state lines

Comfort Items

Familiar scents go a long way in reducing stress:

  • Your pet’s favorite blanket or bedding
  • A few preferred toys
  • A sweatshirt or towel with your scent
  • Cat-friendly calming items (pheromone wipes or sprays)

Hygiene & Cleanup Supplies

Accidents happen – especially on long trips (we’ll talk about pit stops a little later):

  • Waste bags
  • Pee pads (for potty accidents and motion sickness; line carriers or crates)
  • Pet-safe wipes or spray cleaner
  • Disposable gloves

Pet First Aid Essentials

A basic pet first aid kit adds peace of mind:

  • Tweezers
  • Styptic powder or a clotting aid
  • Bandage material
  • Saline solution
  • Extra medications
  • Emergency contact numbers (Fort Mill Animal Hospital + an emergency vet near your destination)

Reducing Pet Travel Stress

Between unfamiliar environments, long travel days, and changes in routine, both dogs and cats may experience anxiety while in transit and on either side of travel. Building extra time into your travel day helps avoid rushing – pets pick up on your stress. The calmer you are, the calmer they’ll be.

The good news: a little preparation and the right calming strategies can help your pet feel much more secure on the road or in the air.

Recognizing Signs of Travel Anxiety

Dogs and cats show stress differently. Look for:

  • Dogs
    Panting or trembling
    Whining or pacing
    Excessive drooling
    Refusing food or water

  • Cats
    Hiding or freezing in place
    Vocalizing (yowling)
    Rapid breathing
    Flattened ears or wide pupils

Vet-Recommended Calming Tools

Avoid over-the-counter sedatives without veterinary guidance – some can worsen anxiety or cause dangerous side effects. We can recommend safe, effective ways to reduce fear and overstimulation, such as:

  • Pheromone sprays (Adaptil for dogs; Feliway for cats)
  • Calming supplements (L-theanine, tryptophan, or other vet-approved options)
  • Anxiety wraps or vests
  • Short-term anti-anxiety medications if needed for flying or long-distance car travel

Stick to Familiar Routines

Pets thrive on predictability. To minimize stress:

  • Keep feeding times as close to normal as possible
  • Offer regular water breaks
  • Let dogs stretch their legs during consistent, scheduled stops
  • Bring familiar blankets, toys, or bedding
  • Keep cats in their carrier except during supervised breaks inside the parked car
  • Small comforts from home can significantly reduce tension during long travel days

Pit Stops & Bathroom Breaks

Bathroom breaks can be one of the trickiest parts of pet travel – especially during long road trips or when driving through unfamiliar areas. Dogs and cats have very different needs, so planning ahead ensures they stay comfortable and stress-free throughout your holiday journey.

How Often Should You Stop: For Dogs

How long can a dog be in a car for a road trip? Most adult dogs do well with a break every two to four hours. Puppies, seniors, and dogs with medical conditions may need more frequent stops. Offer water at every stop to prevent dehydration.

How do you get a dog to pee when traveling? It’s tricky – dogs tend to be hesitant to relieve themselves in new places. To encourage them:

  • Choose quiet, low-traffic areas rather than busy gas stations
  • Use consistent verbal cues your dog knows from home
  • Bring familiar scents (like a marked spot on a previous potty pad)
  • Keep your dog on leash at all times for safety
  • Give them a few minutes to sniff and relax
  • If your dog seems stressed, take a short walk first to help them settle

How Often Should You Stop: For Cats

Many cats will hold their bladder until they feel safe, which may be at the end of the travel day. Healthy adult cats can typically hold urine for several hours, which is normal behavior during stress. 

Cats don’t require outdoor breaks and should never be taken out of the car to relieve themselves. Instead, offer bathroom opportunities during calm, parked breaks (not a busy gas station). Offer water at every stop as well, but don’t be alarmed if they don’t drink while in a heightened state of anxiety.

  • Bring a portable litter box (collapsible or disposable)
  • Place the litter box in a confined space like a pop-up crate in the trunk or backseat
  • Open the carrier inside the closed car, allowing them safe access to the box
  • Provide a familiar blanket or scent to help them relax

Signs Your Pet Needs a Break

Keeping a regular stop schedule helps prevent discomfort and reduces the likelihood of accidents.

  • Restlessness or pacing
  • Whining (dogs) or vocalizing (cats)
  • Sniffing or circling
  • Scratching at the carrier (cats)
  • Excessive panting or drooling

Arriving at Your Destination

After a long day of holiday travel, both you and your pets will need time to adjust. New homes, hotels, rental properties, and family gatherings can be exciting – and also overwhelming – for dogs and cats. A little preparation goes a long way in helping your pet settle safely and comfortably.

Create a Safe “Home Base”

As soon as you arrive, set up a familiar, quiet space where your pet can decompress. This helps them feel secure and gives them a predictable place to retreat.

For dogs, this may be:

  • A crate or travel kennel
  • A familiar blanket or car bed
  • A quiet corner away from activity

For cats, consider:

  • A private room, if possible
  • Leaving their carrier open as a safe retreat
  • A designated spot for their litter, food, and water

Cats, especially, need time to observe their new surroundings before exploring.

Introduce New Environments Slowly

Give your pet a chance to sniff, explore, and take in new smells at their own pace. Never force interaction with people or other pets right away; a slow introduction builds confidence and reduces stress.

  • Let dogs explore on leash until you’re confident the area is secure
  • Keep cats in a contained room until they are relaxed and comfortable
  • Maintain feeding and walking schedules as close to normal as possible
  • Offer treats and praise for calm behavior

Managing People, Pets & Holiday Gatherings

Holiday gatherings can be noisy and unpredictable, which may cause anxiety for many pets. 

  • Set boundaries with family or guests (e.g., “Don’t let the cat out” or “Don’t feed the dog scraps”)
  • Use baby gates or closed doors when needed
  • Ensure children understand how to interact appropriately with pets
  • Give anxious or shy pets a break in their “home base” if needed
  • Introduce pets that live at your destination gradually and always under supervision

Escape Prevention & Safety Checks

Dogs and cats can both bolt if startled, so confirming the space is secure helps prevent accidents. Before letting your pet roam freely, check that:

  • Doors and windows close securely
  • Balcony areas are safe
  • There are no toxic holiday plants (e.g., lilies, poinsettias, mistletoe)
  • Food and trash are out of reach
  • No string lights, cords or ribbon are accessible to curious pets

Have other questions about how to keep your pets safe during the holidays? Connect with us or make an appointment – we’re here to help.