December 10, 2022
Holiday Family Travel
Medically Reviewed by Dr. Lauren Stayer, DVM on August 11, 2026
We love taking our pets with us to family and friends’ houses for the holidays. Most of our pets also enjoy these visits, but there are a few considerations before taking your pet with you, from what to pack to how to keep them safe on the road.
What to Bring?
Bring something familiar with you. Whether it’s a bed, crate, or a favorite toy, it’s nice for pets to have something that reminds them of home. It also may decrease their anxiety and allow them to rest or sleep easier.
Make sure to take the same food and treats. Feeding a new food or treat can cause GI upset (vomiting or diarrhea), so it’s best to stick with the same food your pet receives at home. Also, ask your family and friends not to feed your pet food they aren’t used to. Things like table scraps or new bones can lead to serious consequences such as pancreatitis or a foreign body.
Take any medications your pet needs along with you. If your pet is on medication or sometimes needs medication, then it is best to pick up a supply before you go and bring it with you, as it may be hard to get medications at your destination. If you are running low, our online pharmacy makes it easy to request a refill before you leave town.
Staying Safe on the Road
The safest place for a dog or cat in a moving vehicle is properly restrained in the back seat, using a crash-tested harness or crate for dogs and a secured carrier for cats and small pets. Riding loose, or in the front seat, puts your pet at risk of being thrown in a sudden stop and of serious injury from an airbag. If your pet is not used to a crate or harness, practice with it for a few short trips before your travel day so the real drive feels familiar.
Never leave your pet alone in a parked car, even briefly. A car’s interior can climb roughly 20 degrees in just 10 minutes, and cracking the windows does very little to slow that rise. If you need to stop for gas or food, plan for someone to stay with your pet or bring them inside with you when possible.
If your pet gets anxious or motion sick during car rides, talk with your veterinarian before your trip rather than reaching for an over-the-counter option on your own. Heavy sedation is discouraged for travel, but there are safer, vet-guided options for pets who struggle with car anxiety.
Considerations for the House You’re Visiting
Are there other pets in the house you are visiting? If so, make sure all pets get along before you go, or have a plan in place for what will happen if the pets don’t get along. It’s also a good idea to separate pets that aren’t used to each other if no one is there to supervise, or if there are high-value treats involved, such as bones, food, or new toys.
Pet-proof the house you’re visiting, or at least the space your pet is going to be staying in. Consider removing items that can be dangerous to your pet, such as decorations, candles, plants, and food or treats. Some pets are more likely to get into things, so even if there is another pet in the household, check to see if there are items that could be harmful to your pet.
Additional Pre-Trip Checks
How does your pet travel? If your pet is anxious or gets motion sickness, then you may need to consider medications for these situations before you go. Consult with your veterinarian to see what is best for your pet.
Look at the weather forecast to decide if there are any additional items your pet may need. Is it going to be cold and snowing where you’re visiting? Consider getting some boots to protect paws or a jacket for warmth.
Check out the local veterinary clinics and know where the nearest emergency vet care is located. Although you may not need it, sometimes pets have emergencies while traveling, and knowing where to go ahead of time can be helpful.
Make sure your pet has a microchip and your contact information is up to date. In the event that your pet gets away from you while you’re gone, having a microchip is the best way to ensure they will be reunited with you. There are also GPS collars and tags available for pets, which are helpful, but can fall off in some situations.
Do you need any health certificates or travel documents to travel? Most often these are needed if traveling by plane or entering another country, such as Mexico or Canada. It’s best to check with the airline or destination country about what documents and vaccinations are needed, and book your pre-travel exam with your veterinarian well before your trip, since some certificates must be issued within a set number of days of travel.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at Pawtown. Wishing all Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year!
Frequently Asked Questions About Holiday Pet Travel
Should I sedate my pet for holiday travel?
Talk with your veterinarian before your trip rather than using an over-the-counter product on your own. Heavy sedation carries risks for breathing and heart function and is generally discouraged, especially for air travel, but your veterinarian can recommend safer options for a genuinely anxious traveler.
What paperwork do I need to fly with my pet?
Requirements vary by airline and destination, but a health certificate issued by your veterinarian within a set window before travel is common, especially for international trips. Check with your airline and destination country early, since some certificates must be issued within just a few days of departure.
How can I keep my pet safe in the car during a road trip?
Restrain your pet in the back seat with a crash-tested harness or a secured crate or carrier rather than letting them ride loose or in the front seat. Never leave a pet alone in a parked car, since interior temperatures can rise dangerously fast even with the windows cracked.
What should I pack in a pet travel kit?
Pack enough of your pet’s regular food and any medications for the full trip, plus a familiar bed or toy, water and a bowl, waste bags, and a copy of their vaccination records. A recently updated microchip and ID tag round out the essentials in case your pet gets separated from you.
How far in advance should I schedule a travel health certificate appointment?
Book your pre-travel exam a few weeks ahead if possible, since many health certificates are only valid if issued within a specific number of days before departure. This also gives you time to handle any vaccinations or paperwork your destination requires.
About the Author
Co-Owner and Veterinarian, Pawtown Veterinary Care
Dr. Stayer is a co-founder of Pawtown Veterinary Care in Bend, Oregon, where she and Dr. Erin Miller built a practice centered on honest communication and compassionate, family-centered care for dogs and cats across Central Oregon.