Take your pet on trips or leave at home? This decision depends on several factors: trip duration, animal temperament, means of transport, and the destination itself. Some pets adapt well, others suffer more traveling than staying.
If you decide to take, planning is essential. Documentation, adequate transport, and animal preparation make the difference between a smooth trip and a nightmare.
When to take vs. when to leave
Consider taking if: Long trip (more than a week), pet-friendly destination, calm and sociable animal, you have time to give attention during trip.
Consider leaving if: Short trip, destination not suitable for pets, very anxious or elderly animal, will have very busy schedule without time for pet.
Leaving is not abandonment. A trusted pet sitter, pet hotel, or friend/family member who cares can be less stressful than a difficult trip.
Required documentation
National trips (within Brazil):
- Health certificate issued by veterinarian (usually 10 days validity)
- Updated vaccination card (rabies mandatory for dogs and cats)
- Microchip is recommended (mandatory in some situations)
International trips:
- IVC (International Veterinary Certificate) issued by MAPA
- Mandatory microchip (ISO standard)
- Specific vaccines according to destination country requirements
- Specific exams (some countries require rabies serology)
- Quarantine in some destinations (Australia, United Kingdom, etc.)
Car travel
Car safety
Pet loose in car is dangerous for it and for you. In case of sudden braking, animal becomes projectile. Also, may interfere with driving.
Safe options: Transport box secured with seatbelt, pet-specific seatbelt, divider gate (for dogs in SUV trunk).
Before trip:
- Accustom pet to car with short trips
- Don't feed 2-3 hours before (avoids motion sickness)
- Exercise before getting in car (tired pet = calm pet)
During trip:
- Stops every 2-3 hours for water, pee and stretch legs
- NEVER leave pet alone in closed car (temperature rises quickly, even with window slightly open)
- Air conditioning on, no direct wind on animal
- Water available
If pet gets motion sick: talk to veterinarian about medication. There are safe medications for motion sickness.
Plane travel
Flying with pets has specific rules that vary by airline. Research your airline's rules in advance.
Cabin: Usually allowed for small animals (up to 7-10kg including transport box). Box needs to fit under front seat. Requires advance reservation (limited number of pets per flight).
Cargo hold (checked baggage): For larger animals. Requires IATA-approved transport box. More stressful for animal, but inevitable for large animals.
Preparation:
- Approved transport box (rigid, ventilated, adequate size)
- Accustom pet to box weeks before
- Identify box with your information
- Direct flights are preferable (less stress)
- Avoid flights at very hot times
Bus travel
Rules vary by company. Many only allow small animals in transport box. Some require buying ticket for pet. Research in advance.
Long bus trips are especially stressful because there's no way to make stops for pet needs.
Accommodation
Not every hotel or Airbnb accepts pets. Research before and confirm rules:
- Is there extra fee?
- Weight or size limit?
- Can leave pet alone in room?
- Allowed and restricted areas?
Even in pet-friendly places, bring pet's bed or blanket, water and food bowls, and bags to clean feces. Leaving environment as found ensures they continue accepting pets.
At destination
New environment = initial stress. Give time for pet to adapt. Maintain feeding and walk routine as close to normal as possible.
Have contact of a local veterinarian in case of emergency.
Beware of plants, animals and local dangers your pet doesn't know. Beach has salt water and strong sun. Farm has pasture animals. Each environment has its risks.
What to bring
Travel checklist
- Documents and vaccination card
- Enough food (changing food during trip causes digestive problems)
- Bowls for water and food
- Collar with updated identification
- Leash for walks
- Transport box
- Bed or familiar blanket
- Favorite toy
- Bags for feces collection
- Medications if taking any
- Basic first aid kit
Pets that shouldn't travel
Very young puppies: Weak immune system, haven't completed vaccination. High risk of diseases in new environments.
Pregnant or recently delivered females: Stress may cause complications.
Elderly or sick animals: Travel is additional stress on already compromised body.
Animals with severe anxiety: If pet panics just seeing transport box, trip may be traumatic. Work on desensitization with professional before thinking about trips.