Traveling with Pets: Navigating Pet-Friendly Short-Term Rentals, Transit Options, and More

Whether you’re a dog person or a cat person, our furry friends are truly our best friends. All pets are special to their owners and deserve the care and consideration that will allow them to enjoy their domesticated lives comfortably. As a pet owner, you still have other responsibilities and plans, but why not bring your pet along when you occasionally need to travel?

Taking a vacation with pets is no easy endeavor, but it’s doable with good planning. Use this guide to prep for your next vacation, easily bring your best friend along for the ride, and find a pet-friendly short-term rental at your destination.

Trip Preparation

If you go on a trip without doing any research or preparation for your pet first, it’s probably going to be stressful. The best way to travel worry-free is to know what you’re getting into. Consider these nine planning steps before traveling so you and your furry or feathered friend can truly enjoy time away from home.

1. Vet Visit

Before going on any vacation with a pet, you should schedule a routine vet checkup. Work with a qualified vet to:

• Get your pet a general physical checkup to ensure they’re healthy.
• Check that they’re up to date on vaccinations.
• Get a health certificate (some destinations require one before allowing pets indoors).
• Get a rabies certificate so they can use public transportation services.
• Stock up on any medications they will need on the trip.

2. Identification

When traveling, an animal may feel overwhelmed or confused by new surroundings and won’t be able to find you if you get separated. They must have the proper identification in case they get lost.

Make sure your travel buddy is wearing a collar and tags with your current information so people can contact you if they find your pet. You can also have your pet microchipped so they’ll have a unique identifier that can’t fall off or be easily removed.

Keep a picture of your pet accessible on your phone to show if you need to identify them to others. It may also be a good idea to tie a handkerchief or something visible to help your pet or crate stand out to yourself and others (similar to how people add bright accessories to their checked luggage to identify in baggage claim).

3. Emergency Prep

Emergencies can happen, and you’ll need to know where to turn in an unfamiliar location. Before your trip, research the destination and save important phone numbers and locations like:

• Pet hospitals
• Veterinarians
• Stores – that carry your pet’s food

4. Travel Crate or Carrier

Your pet will need a quality travel crate or carrier to travel safely. To find one that fits, ensure your dog or cat can stand, turn around, and lie down inside without discomfort. Too small of a space and they will feel uncomfortable and may complain or panic. Too large, and the carrier or crate will be difficult to lift.

To make traveling in the crate easier, help them get used to their travel accommodations ahead of time. Leave the carrier open at home, possibly with treats inside, so your pet has the freedom to explore it. That way, when travel day arrives, they will already be familiar with it.

5. General Supplies

Your animal companion needs essential supplies to live comfortably while traveling. Don’t just think about your own suitcase, but prepare a bag for Fido as well. Pack essentials like:

• Toys
• Pet food and clean water (if it’s not readily available at your destination)
• A leash or harness
• Grooming supplies like brushes and nail clippers
• Bedding
• Waste cleaning items like poop bags or puppy liners

6. Apps

You’re not alone when traveling. Many pet owners before you have paved the way for comfortable and convenient pet travel.

Helpful pet apps can provide lists of pet-friendly restaurants and training techniques so your pet will obey when traveling, and they can even help you identify some medical issues without needing a vet.

7. Transportation

Depending on your mode of transportation, you may need to follow specific guidelines.

• Car travel: You can secure your pet in a crate or use products like a pet seat belt/harness or even a pet hammock. If it’s a long trip, make frequent stops so they can stretch their legs and go to the bathroom.
• Air travel: Check airline pet policies so you know how to transport your four-legged family member while in airports and on planes. Book a direct flight when possible, and make sure you choose a pet-friendly airline. Weigh your animal companion before the trip so you’ll know if it fits within the legal limits for a carry-on animal.
• Train/bus travel: Confirm the pet policies of the transportation provider. Small animals may be allowed in carriers under seats, while larger ones may need special arrangements.

In any traveling situation, make sure you have enough food, snacks, water, and toys to keep your pet occupied and content.

8. Accommodations

The most important thing to consider while traveling with pets is where to stay. Not all hotels or rentals are pet-friendly, and some accommodations may charge extra for bringing a pet. When booking accommodations, verify the establishment’s pet policies, fees, and any restrictions.

You need to make sure pets are welcome in your location, but you also need to ensure the location is welcoming for your furry companion. Is there room for their bed and toys? Is there easy access to outside walking areas?

The best option when traveling with a pet is Furnished Quarters! With Furnished Quarters, you can find pet-friendly furnished apartments perfect for extended stays. Furnished Quarters has many pet-friendly perks that make their apartments the ideal place to stay. These include:

• Guest services available 24/7 to help you find groomers, walkers, vets, dog parks, and pet-friendly restaurants or anything else you may need
• Modern and attractive designs safe for animals
• An exclusive app to help you find neighborhood and building information

9. Destination Arrival

When you first arrive at your destination, there are some things you can do to keep your pet happy during their visit. Stay with them for at least the first couple of hours so they feel comfortable while adjusting to the new environment. Let them explore the accommodations to familiarize themselves with their new surroundings. If your pet is particularly nervous, start small and introduce them to one area or room at a time.

If you have a dog, take them on a walk around the new building and neighborhood, so they grow familiar with common sights, sounds, and smells.

Make Traveling with Pets Easy

Traveling with pets doesn’t have to be difficult. With proper planning and packing, you and your pet can have the ideal vacation or work trip without ever worrying about comfort.

When you want an absolutely perfect trip, stay at a Furnished Quarters location and live in luxury with your loyal pet friend. Our pet-friendly apartments come with a range of premium pet amenities, including parks, pet services, and even pet spas. Contact us to see how we can help you make traveling with pets the exciting and relaxing event of the season.