Happy, healthy pet travel

1 EASE ANXIETY

Many pets are anxious travellers, so prepare yours for the trip ahead. Veterinarian Jason Nichols suggests playing with them in the parked car. Put out carriers with treats inside a few days ahead. For fearful pets, talk to your vet – they might suggest a calming medication to be given prior to travel.

2 AVOID AN UPSET STOMACH

If your pet hasn’t travelled much, take a short trial car trip to see how he fares, says veterinarian Suzy Fincham-Gray. If he seems distressed – drooling, restlessness and panting are all warning signs – ask your vet for anti-nausea medication. Your trial trip will also help show how your pet will do on an airplane. Keep food as consistent as possible, Nicholas says. No matter how well you think your pet travels, have cleaning supplies in an easy-to-reach spot just in case.

3 KEEP YOUR PET COMFY

A pleasant temperature for you might feel hot to pets, Fincham-Gray says, since they handle heat differently. Make plenty of stops for your pet to relieve herself and drink water. Some short-nosed breeds, like Persian cats and bulldogs, can overheat more easily. Also, each pet has its own tolerance level. “If your dog starts panting, that probably means he’s getting too warm,” Fincham-Gray says.

4 HELP EVERYONE GET ALONG

Even the friendliest pet may behave oddly in new places. For everyone’s safety make sure your pet is restrained in the car, and when introducing yours to new people or animals, go slowly and don’t force greetings. For a cat, bring a large litter box and show her where it is right away. If your pet gets too anxious or aggressive, Fincham-Gray suggests boarding or hiring a pet sitter instead.

If you can’t bear to leave your furry friends behind, make sure they stay well wherever you go and however you get there.