🐾 Stress-Free Pet Travel: How to Keep Your Dog or Cat Calm During Transport

Travel can be exciting for us—but for pets, it’s often confusing and stressful. Whether your furry friend is going on a short interstate trip or a long international relocation, their comfort and well-being should always come first. The good news? With the right preparation and care, you can make the journey much smoother.

Here are proven ways to keep your dog or cat calm during transport.

1. 🧳 Choose the Right Travel Crate

Your pet’s crate is their safe zone during the trip.

✅ Make sure it’s IATA-approved (for air travel).
✅ Right size: your pet should be able to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
✅ Add soft bedding or an absorbent mat.
✅ Include a favorite toy or blanket with your scent for reassurance.

Pro Tip: Start crate training weeks before the trip so the crate feels familiar.

2. 🧑‍⚕️ Pre-Travel Vet Visit

A vet check ensures your pet is healthy and fit to travel.

Update vaccinations and microchip records.
Ask about calming aids (pheromone sprays, natural remedies, or prescribed sedatives if absolutely necessary).
Get a health certificate if required for the journey.

3. 🍖 Feeding & Hydration Routine

A full stomach can make pets uncomfortable during travel.

Feed a light meal 4–6 hours before departure.
Provide water, but not too much right before the trip.
For long journeys, attach spill-proof water bowls to the crate.
Never sedate without vet approval—it can interfere with breathing at high altitudes.

4. 🎶 Keep Things Calm & Familiar

Pets feel safer when surrounded by familiar scents and sounds.

Play soft, calming music during car rides.
Spray the crate with pheromone calming spray (like Adaptil or Feliway).
Keep your own energy calm—pets pick up on stress quickly.

5. ✈️ Work With Experienced Pet Transport Services

Professional handlers know how to keep pets comfortable throughout their journey. A good service provides:

🐾 Trained staff for handling nervous pets.
🚚 Regular stops for hydration and toilet breaks (for road transport).
✈️ Temperature-controlled environments during air travel.
📱 Updates to keep you reassured.

6. 🐕 Extra Tips for Dogs & Cats

Dogs: Take them for a long walk before travel to use up energy.
Cats: Use a covered crate to reduce overstimulation.

Final Thoughts

Keeping your pet calm during travel takes planning, but it’s worth it. With the right crate, proper feeding, familiar comforts, and expert support, your pet can travel safely and with less stress.

At Prime Pet Airways, we treat every pet like family—providing care, comfort, and peace of mind from pickup to delivery. Because happy pets make for happy journeys.