Do you have plans to travel with a pet? Despite being an enriching experience, know that this program requires a lot of planning, care and organization.
Some pets are not used to the rocking of the vehicle, the change of environment or the delay in the journey, and may feel stressed, scared and nauseous.
Guardians who want to travel with their pets need to think about some situations and be prepared for anything. Want to know some tips? Check out!
Know the rules for each mode of transport
Whether by car, bus or plane, each means of transport has specific rules and documents for the viability of the trip.
Car
Traveling with your pet by car can be simpler than you think. However, know that some practices can generate finessuch as carrying the animal loose in the car without protection.
But, after all, how do you transport a dog when traveling? In the case of dogs weighing up to 10kg, you must leave them in a basket-type seat, which will be attached to the collar (or harness) and the car’s seat belt.
If your furry friend weighs more than 10kg, it’s worth investing in a dog-specific seat belt, as he won’t fit in a basket. For felines, it is recommended to keep them in a travel cat box.
Bus
Unlike the car, traveling with a pet by bus has some rules. The first of these is advance notice to the company, as there is a limit on the number of animals transported and specific times for trips of this type.
Most companies require you to buy a seat next to your pet, others allow your pet to sit on your lap. In both cases, the animal must be in a transport box and cannot exceed 10 kg.
Necessary documents:
- Vaccination certificate
- Veterinary certificate
Plane
When traveling by air, pets can be transported in the cabin with their owner, if they weigh up to 10 kg (including the transport box) or in the hold of the aircraft, if they weigh more than that. If you choose to travel alongside the animal, there is an extra fee charged by the companies.
Each flight has a limit of up to 3 animals on board. For this reason, it is also necessary to notify the airline in advance.
Remember that the pet must be more than 4 months old, otherwise the trip could be dangerous and put the animal’s health at risk.
Necessary documents:
- Identification of the animal (name, species, date of birth, microchip, coat and breed)
- Vaccination certificate
- Veterinary certificate
- International Veterinary Certificate (CVI) with a deadline of 60 days (for trips outside Brazil)
Choose destinations pet friendly
Not all accommodation accepts pets, which can be a hindrance when traveling.
Pet friendly is an English term used for places that accept pets during their stay. If your trip was booked through community hosting platforms, such as Airbnb, check the listing description to see if this option is indicated.
Regardless of the location, it is worth finding out about this possibility beforehand and, more than that, analyzing whether the space reserved for the pet is pleasant, enriching and can meet your needs.
Consult a veterinarian before traveling
A trip can be very expensive and tiring for your pet, no matter how fast the journey. Going to the veterinarian to analyze the animal’s health status and regularize the animal’s pending vaccinations is essential to avoid problems during and after the program.

This need becomes even more important for bus and plane travel, since the vaccination certificate and veterinary certificate are mandatory documents for boarding. For international travel, this requirement is even greater.
Plan the route
It doesn’t matter how long the trip is: if there is a small animal in the car, you must plan the entire route very well, considering where and how many times you will stop.
The ideal is to make a quick stop every hour of the trip, taking advantage of this time to take the pet out of the car, let it do its physical needs and give the pet a brief rest.
Try to stop in shady and, if possible, quieter places, away from car traffic on the road.
When traveling by other means of transport, stops are rarer or, as in the case of airplanes, end up not happening at all. Therefore, it is up to the veterinarian to provide ideal health recommendations for cases of this type, according to the pet’s health status.
Create an identification plate
Being in a new city, neighborhood or country can be challenging for humans and, especially, for furry four-legged ones. There are new smells, sounds and places to explore, which can be very dangerous.
Identification plates save lives! You can buy a model and write the pet’s name or improvise. The important thing is that there is identification with the pet’s name, guardians’ telephone number and contact instructions (preferably more than one).

Remember to check whether the sign is bothering your pet or making too much noise. Make adjustments thinking about the pet’s well-being and the functionality of the sign.
Do not medicate your pet yourself
The tip may seem obvious, but it is important to reinforce: never medicate your pet on your own! Medical recommendations for traveling with your pet must be defined by the veterinarian and followed to the letter.
Giving the dog tranquilizers to sleep on the trip in the wrong amount, for example, can cause serious problems for the animal, which, depending on the severity, could die. The same goes for sleeping pills when traveling.
Find out if there are veterinary clinics nearby
You can’t be too careful! Find out if there are veterinary clinics close to your accommodation and if they are easily accessible. Otherwise, it’s worth changing your stay, keeping your pets’ safety in mind.
Pack your pet’s bags carefully
Be careful when packing your furry friend’s bags, after all, he needs to be very well supported so he doesn’t feel so out of place in the new place.
The volume of the suitcase will depend on the number of days of the trip and whether the destination is hot or cold. In addition to the mandatory items, such as a food bowl, water fountain, collar, travel dog crate or cat bed, you can bring:
- Toys
- Bones and snacks
- Repellent
- Sunscreen
- Icy carpet
If your pet takes any medication, don’t forget to take an extra amount, as well as other hygiene items for health treatments.
At Tudo de Bicho’s online pet shop, you will find everything you need for walks and trips. Click on the banner below and choose the best products for your adventure!