Traveling with Pets This Thanksgiving? Here are 7 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe and Stress-Free During the Holiday Rush

Whether you're driving to meet extended family or flying across the country, traveling with pets adds an extra layer of complexity to your holiday plans. This Thanksgiving, AAA estimates that over 80 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more from home, making it one of the busiest travel seasons in recent history*. With such a massive number of travelers, it’s not just humans who will be on the move—many pets will be joining their families on these journeys. 

Table of Contents

1. Health Checkups & Documentation

2. Traveling with Pets Packing Essentials

3. Car Travel Tips: Safety First

4. Air Travel Considerations

5. Creating a Safe Space at Your Destination

6. Holiday Food Safety: What Pets Can and Can’t Eat

7. Boarding Alternatives (If You’re Not Bringing Your Pet)

8. Conclusion: A Safe & Happy Thanksgiving

To ensure that your pet stays safe and comfortable during this hectic time, proper preparation is key. Here are seven essential tips to help you navigate Thanksgiving travel with your pet while keeping their well-being a top priority.

1. Health Checkups & Documentation

Before embarking on any trip, schedule a visit with your veterinarian to ensure your pet is healthy enough for travel. If you're crossing state lines or flying internationally, you'll likely need updated vaccinations and health certificates. Many airlines and states require these documents for pets traveling in the cabin or cargo hold.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), it’s essential to ensure pets are up-to-date on vaccinations before traveling, especially if they’ll be interacting with other animals or staying in unfamiliar environments. Additionally, make sure your pet's microchip information is current, and they wear an ID tag with updated contact details.

2. Traveling with Pets Packing Essentials

Just like packing for yourself, preparing for your pet’s needs is crucial. Here’s a checklist of essentials:

• Food & Water: Bring enough of their food for the entire trip, plus some extra in case of delays. Suddenly changing your pet’s food can cause GI upset so it is important they maintain the same diet they are used to. Don’t forget water and portable bowls.

• Medications: If your pet is on any medications, pack them in clearly labeled containers.

• Comfort Items: Familiar toys, blankets, or bedding can help reduce anxiety by providing the comfort of familiar smells in new environments.

• Waste Bags & Litter Supplies: Always have waste bags handy for dogs and litter supplies for cats.

• First-Aid Kit: Include items like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and tweezers for minor injuries.

By packing thoughtfully, you’ll avoid unnecessary stress while ensuring your pet has everything they need and are already used to. Familiarity is key as they will likely already experience some level of stress with travel and new surroundings.

3. Car Travel Tips: Safety First

If you’re traveling with pets using a car or if you are driving to your destination, make sure your pet is safely secured in the vehicle. Unrestrained pets can be a distraction and are at risk of injury during sudden stops or accidents.

Veterinary experts recommend securing pets in carriers or using harnesses that attach to seatbelts to prevent injury during car rides. Here are some additional tips:

• Use Carriers or Harnesses: For smaller pets like cats or small dogs, carriers are ideal. For larger dogs, use a harness that attaches to the seatbelt.

• Frequent Breaks: Plan regular stops during long drives so your pet can stretch their legs and relieve themselves. 

• Motion Sickness: Some pets experience motion sickness during car rides. Consult with your vet about anti-nausea medications if necessary.

4. Air Travel Considerations

Flying with pets requires extra preparation due to airline regulations and potential stress on animals. If you plan to fly:

• Check Airline Policies: Each airline has specific rules regarding pets in cabins or cargo holds. Make sure you understand these before booking.

• Acclimate Your Pet to Their Carrier: In the weeks leading up to your flight, let your pet spend time in their carrier so they become comfortable with it.

• Direct Flights Are Best: Whenever possible, book direct flights to minimize layovers and reduce stress on your pet.

For short-nosed breeds like Bulldogs or Pugs (brachycephalic breeds), air travel can be particularly dangerous due to breathing difficulties at high altitudes. Always consult with your vet before flying with these breeds.

5. Creating a Safe Space at Your Destination

Once you arrive at your destination—whether it's Grandma’s house or an Airbnb—set up a quiet space where your pet can retreat if they feel overwhelmed by new surroundings or guests.

• Bring Familiar Items: Having their favorite blanket or toy can help them feel more at home.

• Keep Them Away from Hazards: Inspect the environment for potential dangers like open doors leading outside, toxic plants, or unsecured trash bins full of tempting leftovers.

This safe space will help them decompress after travel and give them a sense of security during holiday gatherings.

6. Holiday Food Safety: What Pets Can and Can’t Eat

Thanksgiving meals are full of delicious foods—many of which are hazardous to pets. While it might be tempting to share some turkey with them under the table, it’s important to know which foods are safe and which should be avoided:

• Safe Foods: Plain turkey (no skin or bones), cooked sweet potatoes (no butter or marshmallows), green beans.

• Dangerous Foods: Turkey bones (choking hazard), stuffing (onions/garlic), chocolate desserts (toxic), grapes/raisins (kidney failure risk).

To keep things festive without risking their health, consider bringing along some pet-friendly treats that they can safely enjoy while everyone else indulges in pumpkin pie.

7. Boarding Alternatives (If You’re Not Bringing Your Pet)

If traveling with your pet isn’t feasible this Thanksgiving season, consider boarding them at a trusted facility or hiring a professional pet sitter:

• Research Boarding Facilities: Look for facilities that have good reviews, are licensed, and require up-to-date vaccinations. Visit the facility beforehand to ensure it’s clean and well-maintained.

• Ask About Safety Protocols: Make sure the boarding facility has clear safety protocols in place, including how they handle emergencies or illnesses.

• Pet Sitters: If you prefer your pet to stay at home, hire a professional pet sitter. Ensure they are experienced, have references, and know your pet’s routine.

Many boarding facilities also require pets to be spayed or neutered to ensure the safety and comfort of all animals in their care. If you live around Alpharetta, Georgia, and your pet hasn’t been spayed or neutered yet, consider scheduling an appointment with Spay Neuter Vets to meet these requirements and contribute to their overall health and well-being.

By choosing the right care option, you can enjoy your Thanksgiving holiday knowing your pet is in good hands.

Conclusion: A Safe & Happy Thanksgiving

At our Alpharetta surgical center, we’re proud to offer high-quality, low-cost spay and neuter services. We believe that all pet owners should have access to these important procedures, regardless of their financial situation. Our goal is to provide the best possible care while helping control the pet population in our community.

With millions of people traveling this Thanksgiving season—and many bringing their pets along—it’s essential not only to plan for yourself but also for your pet’s well-being. By following these tips—from pre-travel check-ups to post-travel decompression—you’ll ensure that both you and your pet have a safe and enjoyable holiday season together.

Safe travels!

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Reference:

*) Nearly 80 Million Americans Expected to Travel over Thanksgiving.