Pet Travel Guide 2025: How to Travel with a Dog or Cat

Planning a trip with your pet should feel exciting, not overwhelming. This up-to-date guide gathers everything you need—documents, airline carrier sizing, car safety, packing lists, training timelines, and calm-travel tips—into one friendly, practical resource. We’ve also included TailMe product suggestions where they genuinely help keep your pet safer and more comfortable on the move.

Before you book: health, ID, documents

Start 3–6 weeks before departure:

• Vet check and vaccines: Book a pre-travel exam. Ask about motion-sickness options, parasite prevention for your destination, and whether your pet is fit to fly or for longer drives. Most airlines/countries require proof of rabies vaccination and may require a recent veterinary health certificate.
• No-sedation guidance for flights: Vets generally advise against sedatives for air travel due to respiratory risk. Consider crate training, pheromone sprays, a calming vest, and familiar bedding instead. Always follow your vet’s advice.
• Microchip and tags: Ensure your microchip is registered with your current phone and email. Add an ID tag with your travel number (and WhatsApp if you use it).
• GPS tracking for peace of mind: A roaming-ready GPS pet tracker helps if a door is left ajar at a rest stop or a hotel. TailMe’s Infinity and Pro Range GPS Trackers are designed for reliable location tracking with excellent battery life—ideal for road trips and cross-border roaming.
• Research your route and stay: Confirm pet-friendly hotels, request ground-floor rooms when possible, and map dog-friendly rest areas or vetted cat-safe spaces for breaks.

Car travel vs air travel

Both work well when planned thoughtfully—choose the option that keeps your pet safest and most comfortable.

• Car travel pros

– Flexible stops for potty and water breaks – You control temperature and routine – Great for anxious pets once crate/harness trained

• Car travel considerations

– Requires crash-tested restraint (harness or secured crate) – Plan gradual acclimation to avoid motion sickness

• Air travel pros

– Fast for long distances – In-cabin options for small pets on many international routes

• Air travel considerations

– Size/breed restrictions and limited in-cabin availability – Strict documentation and carrier sizing rules – Avoid extreme heat/cold; some routes or dates may be restricted

Documents and regulations

Always confirm with your airline and destination authority 10–30 days before travel; rules change.

– Domestic: Airlines may require a recent veterinary health certificate (often within 10 days). Check your carrier’s policy. – International: USDA APHIS health certificate endorsement is typically required. Rabies vaccination is mandatory for most destinations.

• South Africa (domestic and international)

– Domestic flights: Most SA airlines do not allow pets in-cabin (service animals excepted). Pets typically travel in the hold via airline-approved partners. You’ll need a suitable crate and current vaccination records; some carriers request a veterinary health certificate. – International: Check DAFF/State Vet export permits, import permits for your destination, and rabies vaccination timing. Lead times can be several weeks.

• Australia and New Zealand

– Very strict biosecurity rules. In-cabin pets (other than service animals) are not permitted. Import permits and quarantine may apply; plan months ahead.

Keep printed and digital copies of:

• Veterinary health certificate (if required for your route)
• Rabies vaccination certificate (and proof of microchip)
• AHC or Pet Passport where applicable
• Recent photo of your pet and microchip number
• Emergency contacts and your vet’s details

Airline-approved carrier sizing: how to measure correctly

Under-seat dimensions vary by airline, aircraft, and route. Typical in-cabin allowances range roughly from 43 × 28 × 19 cm up to about 48 × 33 × 22 cm, but you must check your specific flight. Soft-sided carriers can compress slightly to fit height limits.

How to measure your pet for an airline carrier:

1. Length (L): Nose to base of tail.
2. Height (H): Floor to top of ears or head when standing naturally.
3. Add comfort clearance: Your pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Many airlines use a “two-fingers” clearance rule for height.
4. Compare to your airline’s under-seat dimensions and the carrier’s interior measurements.
5. Weigh your pet plus carrier; airlines set in-cabin weight limits.

Helpful tip: Practice time. Introduce the carrier as a positive, cozy den 2–4 weeks before flying. Feed treats and meals inside, and do short carry sessions around the house.

Explore airline-approved carriers and size charts in our carrier guide. If you’re unsure between sizes, choose the slightly larger soft-sided option that still compresses to your flight’s height limit.

Packing checklist (dogs and cats)

Essentials for both

• Food for the entire trip (plus 2–3 extra days), collapsible travel bowl, and a travel water bottle
• Medications, supplements, and copies of prescriptions
• Veterinary records: health certificate, rabies certificate, microchip number
• Carrier or travel crate with absorbent pad and familiar bedding
• Primary leash/harness and a spare set
• ID tag with travel phone number, and your microchip registry login details
• GPS pet tracker and charger (TailMe Infinity or Pro Range)
• Waste bags or portable litter kit (with liners and scoop), pet-safe wipes, small towel
• Compact pet first-aid kit
• Favorite toy or chew for comfort

Dog add-ons

• Crash-tested car harness with seat-belt tether, or a crash-tested crate
• Long line for exercise stops, reflective vest for night walks
• Treat pouch for quick rewards in busy areas

Cat add-ons

• Portable litter tray and clumping litter (plus a zip bag for waste)
• Extra carrier cover to reduce visual stress
• Non-spill water dish and a flat, stable food dish

Crate training and calm-travel routine (2–4 weeks)

Week 1: Make the carrier a safe zone

• Keep the door open with soft bedding. Toss treats and feed meals inside.
• Use calm-pet pheromone spray on bedding if your vet approves.

Week 2: Close-and-chill

• Begin closing the door during short, calm periods (1–5 minutes). Reward quiet.
• Start with the carrier in common spaces; gradually move it near the door or car.

Week 3: Movement practice

• Carry the carrier around the house, then short car sessions with the engine on.
• Dogs: Add brief drives with a crash-tested harness or secured crate.
• Cats: Keep the carrier covered lightly; play soothing music.

Week 4: Dress rehearsal

• Practice a full routine: a short fast, potty break, calm loading, short drive, break, and return.
• Feeding schedule: Offer the last full meal 4–6 hours before departure to reduce nausea. Water stays available; offer small sips en route.
• Motion sickness: Ask your vet about safe anti-nausea options if your pet has a history of carsickness.

Car travel safety for dogs and cats

• Choose one: crash-tested crate secured in the vehicle, or a crash-tested harness attached to a seat-belt tether. Never clip tethers to a collar.
• Back seat or cargo area only; never the front seat. Airbags can be dangerous to pets.
• Windows up or only slightly cracked—no heads out the window.
• Temperature control: Park in shade, pre-cool the car, and never leave pets unattended in a parked vehicle.
• Breaks: Every 2–3 hours for dogs; offer water and a short walk. For cats, offer a quiet break and water in a safe, enclosed space.
• Cats on long drives: Keep the carrier covered to reduce visual stress; set up a portable litter tray during longer stops.

Day-of-travel timeline

Morning

• Exercise dogs lightly; allow a calm potty break before leaving.
• Offer a light meal 4–6 hours pre-departure; water as normal.
• Attach ID tag, fit the harness, and power on your GPS tracker.

At the airport

• Arrive early. Confirm your pet and carrier meet airline requirements.
• Security screening: Pets must be carried or leashed through screening while the carrier is X-rayed separately. Ask for a private room if your cat is an escape risk.
• Offer small sips of water; keep routines calm and predictable.

On the road

• Load your pet last, unload first. Use sun shades and maintain airflow.
• Keep a small cleanup kit within reach (wipes, spare pad, waste bags).

At your destination: hotels, rentals, and contingency plans

Pet-friendly stays: What to ask and bring

• Call ahead: Confirm pet fees, size limits, and where pets can relieve themselves.
• Request a ground-floor, quiet room away from elevators if available.
• Set up a “home base”: a carrier/crate with familiar bedding and a toy.
• Never leave pets loose and unattended; use the crate if you must step out.
• Courtesy kit: lint roller, spare towel, enzyme cleaner, waste bags/litter liners.

Lost-pet contingency

• Keep recent photos on your phone and in the cloud.
• Ensure your microchip profile includes your travel number and email.
• Enable live tracking and share a temporary view link from your GPS tracker app if your pet slips out.
• Ask the front desk or host for local vet/animal shelter contacts.

Recommended travel essentials

• Airline-approved carriers with size chart and measuring guide
• Infinity and Pro Range GPS Pet Trackers (roaming-ready, long battery life)
• Crash-tested car harness, seat-belt tether, or travel crate
• Collapsible bowls and a no-spill travel water bottle
• Calming vest or mat, pheromone travel spray (vet-approved)
• Portable litter kit for cats
• Spare ID tags and a compact first-aid kit

Shop the Travel Kit: Save time with a curated bundle of carrier, bowls, safety gear, and calming aids.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a health certificate to fly with my dog or cat? A: Most airlines and countries require a recent veterinary health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. Check your airline and destination authority 10–30 days before travel.

Q: What size carrier is airline approved for in-cabin pets? A: It varies by airline and aircraft. Measure your pet’s length (nose to base of tail) and height (floor to top of head/ears), then compare to your flight’s under-seat dimensions. Soft-sided carriers that compress are often allowed within limits. Always verify the exact size allowance for your booking.

Q: Should I sedate my pet for flights? A: Vets generally advise against sedation because of respiratory and temperature regulation risks. Focus on crate training, pheromone sprays, calming garments, and familiar bedding. Discuss options with your vet if your pet is highly anxious.

Q: How do I keep my dog safe in the car? A: Use a crash-tested crate secured in the vehicle or a crash-tested harness with a seat-belt tether. Keep pets out of the front seat and never let them ride loose.

Q: What should I pack for pet travel? A: Food, water, meds, medical records, carrier/crate, leash/harness, ID tags, GPS tracker, waste bags or a portable litter kit, bedding, wipes, and a compact first-aid kit. Download our printable checklist to make it easy.

Q: Can cats fly in cabin in 2025? A: Many international airlines allow cats in-cabin if the carrier fits under the seat and weight limits are met. Some regions and airlines (including many in South Africa) do not allow in-cabin pets except service animals. Always check the specific route and carrier.

Q: What’s the minimum age to fly a puppy or kitten? A: Most airlines set a minimum of 8–12 weeks, with additional rules tied to rabies vaccination timing. Confirm your airline’s policy before booking.

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Travelling with your pet can be joyful and stress-free with the right prep. Safe travels from all of us at TailMe—keeping a tail on your pets, wherever you go.