Small preparations, calm journeys.
A handful of gentle steps in the days before travel make every trip easier — for the pet, the parent and the handler.
Hydrate, don't overload
Keep water available right up to departure, but skip large meals 2–3 hours before travel. A light snack is fine.
Pack a familiar comfort
A worn t-shirt, favourite toy or unwashed blanket carries home-scent — the single best calmer on a long journey.
Vet check 7–14 days out
Make sure vaccinations are current, microchips read correctly, and any prescriptions are stocked for the trip.
Print every document
Vaccination records, vet certificates, microchip details, your ID — paper backups for everything digital.
Practise the crate
Two weeks before, leave the open crate in your living room with treats inside. Make it the most boring place in the house.
Two phone numbers
Tape your number AND a backup contact onto the crate. Plus a recent photo of your pet for ID.
Do's and don'ts of pet travel.
✓ Do
- Exercise your pet well the day before
- Trim nails so they don't catch on crate fabric
- Use absorbent crate pads (not loose bedding)
- Travel mid-week if possible — less airport traffic
✗ Don't
- ×Don't sedate without a vet's explicit approval
- ×Don't introduce new food the day of travel
- ×Don't add toys that could be chewed and swallowed
- ×Don't pack collars with loose tags inside the crate