Travelling with a pet

Should the pet travel at all?

Dogs often enjoy trips with their family. Cats, rabbits, birds and small animals usually prefer to stay in their own home with someone visiting to care for them. Fish stay where they are. Decide what is kinder, not what is easier.

By car

• Carry cats and small animals in a secure, well-aired carrier, fixed so it cannot slide. Dogs should ride in the back, in a crate or wearing a harness clipped to the seat belt.
• Never let an animal sit on the driver's lap or put its head out of the window.
• Get the pet used to the carrier and to short drives in the weeks before a long trip.
• Feed a light meal a few hours before setting off, not just before.
• Stop every two hours or so for water and, for dogs, a short walk on a leash.
• Never leave a pet alone in a parked vehicle.

What to pack

• The usual food, and water from home.
• Bowls, leash, harness and an identity tag with your mobile number.
• Bedding or a cloth that smells of home.
• Poop bags, tissues and a towel.
• Vaccination records, and your vet's phone number.

Trains, flights and hotels

Rules for carrying animals differ between railways, airlines and hotels and they change. Check the current rule with the operator, in writing if possible, before you book. Ask your vet well in advance which health papers are needed.

When the pet stays behind

• A trusted friend or relative staying in, or visiting at least twice a day, disturbs a pet least.
• Visit a boarding kennel or cattery before you book: look at cleanliness, space, shade and how the animals there behave.
• Leave written notes on food, routine and habits, your number and your vet's number.
• For fish, an automatic feeder or a neighbour who gives a measured pinch is enough for a short absence. Pre-measure each feed in small packets to prevent overfeeding.

This is a care guide, not veterinary advice. It covers housing, food, routine and safety. It does not diagnose or treat illness. If your pet seems unwell, is hurt or behaves differently, take it to a qualified veterinarian without delay.