Pet Travel: How to Keep Your Pet Safe and Stress-Free This Holiday Season

Holiday travel is in full swing, and for many Charleston families, that means bringing their four-legged companions along for the ride. Whether you're road-tripping to the mountains or flying to see family, planning ahead can make all the difference in ensuring a smooth journey.

At Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, we want your pet's holiday adventures to be joyful, not stressful. Here are our top pet travel tips to help you prepare, from packing essentials to reducing anxiety along the way.

Pet Travel: Preparing Before You Go

Before hitting the road or boarding a plane, take a few key steps to make sure your pet is ready to travel:

  • Schedule a checkup: Make sure your pet is healthy enough for travel and up-to-date on vaccines.
  • Pack the essentials: Bring food, medications, collapsible bowls, leashes, and comfort items like their favorite blanket or toy.
  • Update identification: Check your pet's ID tags and microchip info in case you get separated.
  • Plan for rest stops: On long drives, schedule breaks every 2–3 hours for bathroom breaks and water.
  • Research pet-friendly stays: Confirm that your lodging allows pets and review their rules before you arrive.

If you'll be flying, talk to your vet about any health concerns or sedation options before booking your pet's ticket, and be sure to follow the airline's pet guidelines! For more information, check out this short video: Pet Travel Tips // Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry

Pet Travel: Managing Anxiety on the Road or in the Air

Even confident pets can feel uneasy when traveling. To keep your pet calm and comfortable:

  • Stick to routines: Keep feeding and walk times consistent when possible.
  • Use pheromone sprays or calming treats: These can reduce anxiety naturally.
  • Crate train early: Make your pet's carrier a cozy, familiar space before the trip.
  • Play calming music: Soft music or white noise can help soothe nervous travelers.
  • Avoid overfeeding: Give small meals before travel to reduce motion sickness.

For pets prone to car sickness or extreme stress, your veterinarian can recommend safe medications or supplements.

Pet Travel: Safety Tips for Every Journey

Whether you're traveling across town or across state lines, safety should come first:

  • Use restraints: Always use a seatbelt harness or secured carrier in the car.
  • Never leave pets unattended: Even mild Charleston weather can cause dangerous temperatures inside vehicles.
  • Bring copies of vet records: Some hotels and boarding facilities require proof of vaccinations.
  • Watch out for holiday hazards: Keep travel snacks, alcohol, and chocolate far from curious paws.

If your pet is traveling by air, check airline-specific requirements for carrier sizes, documentation, and health certificates. 

Pet Travel: When to Call the Vet

Contact us before or during travel if your pet:

  • Refuses food or water for more than 24 hours
  • Experiences vomiting, diarrhea, or signs of heat stress
  • Becomes lethargic, disoriented, or excessively anxious
  • Has breathing issues during or after flying

Our team at Safe Harbor Animal Hospital can advise on what's normal and when your pet might need medical care on the road.

Pet Travel: We're Here for Your Family

At Safe Harbor Animal Hospital, we know pets are part of every family adventure. Our goal is to make sure your pet travels safely, whether that's across Charleston or across the country.

Call us today at (843) 648-4787 or schedule a visit online to make sure your pet is travel-ready this holiday season.

Together, we'll help your furry friend have a calm, comfortable, and safe journey wherever your plans take you.

Safe Harbor Animal Hospital in Mount Pleasant, SC, is part of Animal Hospitals of the Lowcountry, a family-owned network that includes:

  • Mount Pleasant Animal Hospital – South Mount Pleasant, SC (Coleman Blvd & Old Village)
  • Shuler Veterinary Clinic – Central Mount Pleasant, SC (Town Center)
  • Safe Harbor Animal Hospital – North Mount Pleasant, SC (North MP & Hwy 41)