Cold Weather Safety Tips for Traveling With Your Pet

Make Sure Your Pet Is Fit to Travel

Before any type of trip, you need to make sure your pet is healthy and able to take the trip. Pets that might not be suitable to travel include: – Young pets – Older pets – Pregnant animals – Ill animals

Research Where You Stay

Call hotels before you book to ensure they allow pets. Even if cats and dogs are allowed, certain hotels can have weight limits, limitations on the number of animals you can bring, or other restrictions—like not being able to leave your dog unattended in the room.

Contact Your Veterinarian

Talk to your veterinarian a few months before your trip and make sure your pet is up to date on all needed vaccinations and preventive care.

Contact Your Veterinarian

If you’re traveling to a different part of the country (or world!), your pet may need vaccines or parasite prevention that they haven’t had before.

Ensure Your Car Is Pet-Friendly

Car travel with pets can be dangerous. Unrestrained pets can quickly become a distraction, and when a pet is unrestrained, they are also at greater risk of serious injury in an accident.

Ensure Your Car Is Pet-Friendly

– Use a cat carrier to safely secure a cat for travel. – For longer trips, small dogs should also go into a carrier. – Small or large pups can  use a dog harness or carrier, depending on what product your pet prefers.

Pack for Pet Safety

No matter what time of year you’re traveling, make sure your pet has a cat collar or dog collar with up-to-date contact information. If your pet is microchipped, ensure the microchip is registered to you and accurate.

Pack for Pet Safety

Before you head to your destination, research and have the names and contact information of a few nearby emergency veterinary hospitals. 

Don’t Forget the Essentials

It is also smart to pack extra pet food. Having extra food and water is especially important in case you get stuck in traffic, run into bad weather, or have car problems. 

Bring Products That Will Keep Your Pet Warm

For cold-weather travel, consider providing your pet with an extra layer of warmth before you leave home. A dog sweater or—if your cat is willing—a cat sweater is a great way to help keep your pet cozy.

Make Lots of Pit Stops

While driving, stop every few hours so you (and your dog!) can take a potty break. When you’re planning your trip, be sure to incorporate those break times into your overall travel time.

Keep the Stops Speedy

Be aware of how long you spend out in the cold with your pet. Dogs and cats can both suffer from frostbite and hypothermia, which can occur if your pet is exposed to cold temperatures for too long.

When You Arrive

When you reach your destination, provide a comfortable environment for your pet. They will probably want a potty break and a chance to decompress after a long trip—just like we do.