10 Tips for Traveling Sustainably With Your Pet

Photo by Marcos Paulo Prado

While traveling with pets can bring extra joy, it often requires additional planning – especially if you want to consider being as environmentally conscious as possible. Here are some tips for traveling sustainably with your pet companion.

1. Visit Your Vet Beforehand

As much as you want touring your pet along on your travels, it may not be the best time. Call your vet for a pre-travel appointment to ensure they’re in peak health. It’s a great time to get updated medical records, vet contact info for emergencies, and updated vaccinations and prescriptions.

Also, keep a first-aid kit handy in your luggage to be on the safe side. You may also want to discuss the terms of your pet insurance with your vet to see if your coverage includes travel.

2. Consider Your Pet’s Comfort Levels

Maybe your pet is already prone to travel anxiety or they get hyperactive around groups. Don’t overextend them, just like you wouldn’t overextend yourself.

If your pet cannot handle large groups, maybe consider a pet sitter for that activity. On the other hand, if they love water – for example – possibly incorporate water events into your vacation for their enjoyment. You can pick what you want to do while crafting your itinerary for what your pet loves, too.

3. Choose Transportation Carefully

Though your comfort is important, it’s also essential to consider your furry friend. Turbulence could upset the stomachs of even larger animals, so consider ground transport like cars or trains, which are often more sustainable. If you choose air travel, nonstop flights use less energy and cause less stress on a pet if there aren’t any layovers.

4. Stock Up on Equipment (and Treats)

You’ll want to ensure you have a handy stock of treats for when they behave well in foreign locations. Still, you may need to purchase new equipment for travel – but be mindful not to accumulate too many unnecessary items you won’t utilize. Research further to check if they’re made of eco-friendly materials.

Here are some other supplies you’ll want to consider packing:

• Combs or brushes, especially for flea control.

• Spare collars and extra tags.

• Extra medication.

• Pet wipes and paper towels.

• Waste bags and cleaning supplies.

• Your pet’s favorite toys, blankets, and comfort items.

There are extra restraints for car carriers and travel water bowls to keep pets hydrated. Though bringing a pet requires additional supplies, be mindful of overpacking, as added weight on any transportation can cause excess fuel usage.

5. Research Pet-Friendly Places

Picking incredible restaurants and sites to see is the most fun aspect of travel. However, not everywhere is pet-friendly. Figure out pet policies before assuming places allow pets – even outdoor locations.

This includes lodging. Some directories and resources offer filters specifically for pet-friendly hotels that are also green. Sitters are an option if you want to go to places that aren’t pet-friendly, but additional research will be required to see what’s available in the area.

6. Use Leashes, Harnesses, and Collars

If your pet is used to the off-leash treatment, consider positive reinforcement methods several months before the trip to train them. This includes giving treats when they allow you to leash them easily and when they walk calmly while restrained. Also, test these products before leaving to check their durability. This protects citizens, their pets, and local flora and fauna.

7. Play With Your Pet as Normal

The travel may feel like a much-needed relief from responsibilities, but you can’t neglect your pet’s needs if they come along. Dedicate some playtime in your itinerary so they don’t feel neglected. You may play and have fun with the planned activities for the humans, but your pet will also want attention as well.

8. Update Identification Materials

The U.S. Department of Transportation noted that over 300,000 pets flew on planes in 2020. Each of these pets had to have documentation. Even if your pet isn’t going on a plane, it’s crucial to have supporting documents such as pet passports, certifications, and health records.

Is your pet an emotional support animal or a service animal? Consider having documentation on your phone or in an easily accessible folder in your travel bag. Also, consider registering a microchip and getting updated tags with phone numbers and the owners’ names.

9. Have Realistic Expectations

Prepare for accidents and additional time for everything. Be willing to compromise on the odd excursion here and there because you chose to bring your pet.

Especially when trying to travel sustainably, there may be slip-ups. Your dog may harm some local flowers, or maybe you forgot your biodegradable waste bags and had to buy an alternative at the store. To avoid disappointment, prepare for this in advance so that mishaps don’t negatively affect your trip.

10. Research Your Destination

Whether you’re going abroad or to a city a few hours away, the culture could be different. The air quality may change. There may be different plant life your pet shouldn’t eat. It might be helpful to know what your pet is walking into.

Has the city had a recent outbreak of pet-related parasites? Is it culturally acceptable to pet other people’s animals? You could consult with a veterinarian if you’re second-guessing your research.

Your Pets on Vacation

Traveling with your pet can be one of the most rewarding bonding experiences, whether for work or leisure. It allows you to experience new places and events while reinforcing your trust and training. Learning to travel with animals with sustainability in mind also prepares for a greener future.

Author Bio:

Jane is the editor-in-chief and founder of Environment.co. She is passionate about helping people understand the importance of sustainability and actionable steps to live a greener lifestyle.

Sea Going Green is a sustainable tourism consultancy that works with clients in the tourism industry to provide experiences to guests that are not only sustainable, but also inclusive to fit their needs.

Want to learn more about how you can travel sustainably? Check our our latest guides!