Travel Tips: Traveling with Pets

 

If a family vacation includes your furry members, then you may want to prepare for the special circumstances that are part of traveling with a pet. The Humane Society and American Veterinary Medical Association provide suggestions on what to do before and during your trip. Take a look at some of their tips below to decide if traveling is healthy for your pet and something you're well prepared for. 

By Car 

• If you usually don't take car trips with your pet (especially dogs), start with short trips to help your pet get used to riding in a car.

• Give your pet plenty of rest stops so they can stretch their stretch their legs and go to the bathroom. When leaving the car, make sure your pet has a collar, ID tag, and leash. 

• Bring a human companion. It'll be helpful to share the pet care duties with a friend or family member. You'll have someone to watch your pet while you order food and use the facilities. 

• Keep your pet in the front seat. While all animals should be traveling in a crate, if the airbag deploys, it can still hurt your pet. 

• Having a familiar blanket and/or toy can help make your pet more comfortable during the trip.

By Air 

• Different airlines have different rules about whether and how a pet can travel. Please research the airlines rules about pet travel before you book a trip. 

• Get your pet used to its carrier before the flight.

• Purchase flights with fewer connections or layovers.

• Walk your pet before leaving home and again before checking in.

By Sea 

Different cruise lines have different rules about whether a pet or service animal can travel with you and what documents they require. Please research the cruise line rules about pet travel before you book a trip.

By Train & Bus

Pet travel is restricted on most trains or buses, with the exception of service animals. Amtrak only allows service animals on trips. Read the guidelines here. Be sure to contact the bus or train service before scheduling a trip. 

Lodging

Find pet-friendly accommodations through these websites: 

• Bringfido.com
• Dogfriendly.com
• Pet-friendly-hotels.net 
• Petswelcome.com 

Additional Resources

• AAA Pet Book: Lists over 13,000 pet-friendly properties in the U.S. & Canada
• TripswithPets.com: Lists pet-friendly activities from ghost tours to wineries
• DogVacay.com : Partnership with Rover that provides pet sitters 
• Pet Disaster Preparedness & Recovery guide from American Red Cross 

Tails & Tales Summer Reading 2021

We've teamed up with the Worcester Animal Rescue League! For every person who logs reading each week the Worcester Public Library Foundation will donate $1 to the shelter, up to $100 per week! 

Sign up for Summer Reading here

Virtual Program: 

Summer Treats for You & Your Pup

Sat., July 24 @ 2:30 pm EST 

Join Librarian Jess as she demonstrates how to make some tasty treats that humans & their canine friends can enjoy together!   

Register here