Traveling with pets is on the rise. According to the American Pet Products Association, as of 2018, 37% of pet owners took their pets on trips, compared to just 19% about a decade ago.1 Whether they’re flown in a carrier or riding copilot on a road trip, pets are a part of the new family vacation.
Of course, traveling with pets comes with some additional safety precautions and considerations, which is why we have National Pet Travel Safety Day on January 2 of each year. Learn more about this holiday and what you can do to observe.
What Is National Pet Travel Safety Day?
Like other pet-related holidays, National Pet Travel Safety Day was established by pet expert and author Colleen Paige to raise awareness for pet safety on cars, airplanes, trains, bikes, and other modes of transportation. The holiday falls on January 2 to align with New Year’s resolutions at the start of the calendar year.
National Pet Travel Safety Day encompasses a lot of pet-related travel information, including safety tips for traveling with a pet on a flight or road trip to making sure that you never leave a cat or dog in a car on a hot day.
Celebrating National Pet Travel Safety Day
Naturally, the most important part of National Pet Travel Safety Day is making sure that your pets are secure on the move. Here are some important tips to remember:
- Secure your pets in a carrier while drivin A loose dog or cat in a vehicle can become a projectile in an accident, even a low-speed one. You also want pets restrained in case of an accident because they may run off in fear, making the situation worse.
- Consider calming aids. If your dog or cat is a nervous traveler, speak to your vet about calming medications or supplements before your trip. Over-the-counter pheromone products can help, but they’re usually not enough for animals with moderate to severe anxiety.
- Keep pets in the backseat. Large dogs can come close to the weight that will trigger the airbags in the event of an accident, which can be very dangerous for your dog. Keep them in the backseat.
- Have a travel bag. Along with your luggage, you should have supplies for your pet that are easy to access at stops. Pack food and water, bowls, poop bags or litterbox, toys, treats, extra blankets or crate pads, and extra collars, leashes, or harnesses.
- Include proper identification. If you’re planning a long trip with your dog or cat, make sure they’re microchipped and wearing a collar with an ID tag. Include a temporary tag that has information about your route and contact information. This is essential if your pet is lost on the trip. Microchipping is essential, as collars can be removed or may come off.
Make Safety a Priority With Pet Travel
National Pet Travel Safety Day is a holiday devoted to safe travels with your pets, whether by car, plane, train, boat, or bike. Because the holiday falls on January 2, it’s the perfect New Year’s resolution to prepare for a safe and fun-filled year of making memories with your pets in new destinations.
Featured Image Credit: Rasulov, Shutterstock
