Should You Really Travel With Your Pet? Vets Have Thoughts.

Animal experts weigh in on the decision to take your dog or cat on a trip with you.

It’s not uncommon to see pets on vacation with their humans these days. Many families have discovered some benefits of traveling with pets: strengthening your bond, discovering lovely animal-friendly locations, meeting new people and getting the mental health boost of enjoying the fresh air together.

Going on a trip with your pet also brings major logistical challenges, however. And even the most loving owners have made some ill-informed choices that lead to a less enjoyable experience for all.

Fortunately, there are many ways to make the process of traveling with a furry companion go more smoothly. But just because you can travel with your pet, does that necessarily mean it’s a good idea? We asked veterinarians and an animal welfare professional to share their thoughts on the matter.

“While it can be fun to travel with your pet, it’s a good idea to ask yourself if it’s necessary, will your pet have fun, and are you planning to spend time with them on the trip,” said Erin Askeland, an animal health and behavior consultant at Camp Bow Wow. “Some people just want their pet with them, but they fail to think about all the scenarios when they may be leaving their pet alone in an unfamiliar location or exposing them to activities or conditions where they are not safe or they do not enjoy.”

Consider how bringing a pet on a trip affects the experience and whether any benefits for you or your animal outweigh the challenges.