TRAVELING WITH PETS
If you see me out, chances are I probably have my little jack chi, Millie, with me. She’s a rescue and definitely has her fair share of anxiety so she doesn’t really like when we leave her, but also CLINGS to me when we go some place knew so its kind of a catch 22 . I’d prefer to have her with me (whenever I can), and considering how easy she is to travel with (she’s got it down), and how much money I save, she comes with me basically everywhere, especially when I travel. She’s been to some pretty amazing places (including on a private plane last year LOL) and if I were to guess she’s been on about 10+ flights in the 3+ years we’ve had her!
I’ve gotten a few questions about how I travel with her/tips for traveling with pets so I thought I’d do a blog post with everything you need to know about traveling with pets.
Make sure they’re well behaved.
First and foremost only travel with them if they’re good with people. I wish this didn’t have to be stated because its so completely obvious but people will surprise you so I want to cover all of my bases. If your dogs a bitch to everyone but you or has its moments where its a little un-manageable, spare yourself and everyone around you. Millie is only able to go all of these places with me because she’s so go with the flow and literally just sits in my arms and shakes until I pet her lol.
Get them certified as a service/ emotional support animal.
There’s several ways to do this but basically this is a doctors note that says you need an emotional support animal to travel. I’m clinically diagnosed with PTSD/depression/anxiety so I technically do “need” her but basically this is your way of traveling with your pup for free. Technically an airline/hotel/apartment can’t tell you you can’t stay with your animal if you prove that you need it for medical purposes. That being said they’re also usually not allowed to charge you (depends on the state I believe). So not only do you not have to pay for them to fly they also don’t have to be in a carrier if they’re a certified service dog. Millie walks through the airport on her leash and then sits on my lap or at my feet the entire flight. Recently there have also been a lot of updates in the paperwork required by each airlines so make sure to check what additional forms you need at least 2 weeks in advance (I try to do more than a week in case any last min problems arise, my anxiety really enjoys time to cover my bases LOL).
Introduce them early
Millie started with 3+ hour car rides multiple times a week as soon as I got her, then flew with me a few months after so she knows the drill. She deff has her issues sometimes and shakes, so we got her an anxiety blanket which usually helps! If your pups like Millie and has some anxiety/change issues, I suggest bringing CBD oil. I also like to bring a bone or something for her to chew on.
Bathroom sitch
I don’t feed her/let her drink right before and depending on the time/length of the flight I don’t feed her at all. Most airports don’t have a place to take them out unless you go back through security so I keep her food and a mini water bowl in my carry on to give her water as needed. I make sure to take her out right when we get off the plane and she eats and does her bizz. Most airports have an area right outside of baggage claim which is super convenient.