Traveling with your pet, if you’re like me, can be comforting. Having the ability to travel with your fur children gives one peace of mind instead of constant anxiety of what they’re up to while at the boarder. I have traveled with Willie to New York City twice. He has only traveled by air and has not been on road trips. This most recent trip to New York City had me scrambling a little bit when some things came up and I was left calling my vet non stop (sorry, Dr. Nevotti!) and creating a few headaches. Here are five things you need when traveling with your pet.
Get CBD or Anxiety Meds from Your Vet
The first must have you will need is some anxiety meds for your pet. I know this can be kind of controversial. My vet prescribes Willie a little anxiety medication that keeps him calm while flying. Some pet parents prefer CBD treats and cookies, and I get something from my vet. If your pet is small enough to fit under the seat in front of you and the flight is long, you will definitely want a little something to keep them calm. My vet prescribed Trazodone and that cost about $11. What also helps is an early flight departing and a late flight returning. This ensures they are tired and prefer to sleep.
Book a Pet Friendly Hotel
This must have is obviously a no-brainer but I want to reiterate how important this is. Willie, my mom and I stayed at Hotel Indigo Financial District – where I have stayed before – and I highly recommend it as they are pet friendly. Read up about my previous Hotel Indigo experience here. I love Hotel Indigo properties in general and the Financial District property is one of my favorites. The amenities, the location, and the staff are amazing. The restaurant in the lobby, Half Moon, has a delicious breakfast and lunch and your pet can join you in the restaurant. Willie ate with us both times we dined there.
When looking for hotels, I will say to look for a place that also has pet services, whether it’s a daycare on property or dog walkers, etc. This way you don’t have to worry about my next must have.
Scout Out a Daycare Facilities
A must have when traveling with your pet is knowing a spot they can go when you can’t take them with you while you’re out for the day. Thank goodness for Biscuits and Bath in the Financial District that was just across the street from Hotel Indigo. The staff a Biscuit and Bath are amazing and Willie got to play and would be worn out when I picked him up. He stayed with Biscuit and Bath for two half days and one full day, which added to be an additional $140 expense. However, I highly recommend Biscuits and Bath as they have a several locations in New York. Check them out – Willie will be going back as well!
Carry Your Vaccinations With You
Make sure you have all of your pet’s records. I did not think to have them saved on my phone which made for more crazy phone calls to my vet. Which during the holidays can be a slow process. This is no shade to my vet, just poor planning on my part. Save your pets vaccinations and rabies certificate on your phone so you can provide those to your daycare facility of choice once you get to your location.
Keep Snacks and Treats on Hand
Last must have you need when traveling with your pet, is to always have snacks on hand. I did not pack enough snacks and treats for Willie so that lead to a last minute trip to PetSmart by the Flatiron. Since there was a day that the daycare was closed, this meant Willie had to be toted around in my Neverfull. I will be honest when I say, I loved this and everyone thought it was so cute when his head would pop up under my arm. But he did get antsy and I would have to toss him a snack. Make sure you have more snacks than you need. Your pet will thank you too! 🙂
Have you been thinking about traveling with your pet? What are your must haves for pet travel? Let me know in the comments. Until next time!