Travelling with Pets as a Senior

Key Considerations

1. Pet-Friendly Accommodations

Make sure to book pet-friendly accommodations. Many hotels, vacation rentals, and even some bed-and-breakfasts offer services catering to pet owners, including dog parks, special pet beds, and bowls.

2. Transportation Options

• Air Travel: Check the airline’s pet policy beforehand. Some airlines allow pets in the cabin if they meet certain size and weight requirements, while others may only allow pets in the cargo hold.
• Car Travel: Ensure your pet is secured in a travel crate or seatbelt for road trips. Plan regular stops to allow for bathroom breaks and exercise.
• Train and Bus Travel: Many train and bus companies have strict pet regulations. If this is a concern, it's worth looking for services that allow pets onboard or choosing car rental options.

3. Pet Health

Ensure your pet is in good health before travelling. Bring copies of your pet’s health records, including vaccination certificates. Schedule a vet visit before the trip for a check-up and to discuss any specific needs, such as calming medications for anxious pets.

4. Packing Essentials

• Food and Water: Pack enough food for the entire trip, or check that your destination has your pet’s preferred brand. Don’t forget to bring collapsible water bowls for hydration on the go.
• Comfort Items: Include your pet’s bed, toys, and blankets to provide a sense of familiarity in new environments.
• Travel Gear: A sturdy leash, harness, and identification tags with up-to-date contact information are crucial. It’s also wise to invest in a microchip, just in case.

5. Accessibility and Mobility

As a senior traveller, it’s essential to consider your mobility needs when travelling with a pet. Pet carriers with wheels or lightweight strollers can make navigating airports or long walks easier. Plan your trip with accessible locations to ensure you and your pet can comfortably enjoy the journey.

6. Plan for Emergencies

Know where the nearest veterinary clinics are at your destination. Ensure you have a pet first-aid kit and familiarize yourself with emergency procedures.

7. Pet Behavior

Make sure your pet is well-socialized and comfortable around new people and animals. Training can be essential for managing behaviour in unfamiliar places, such as crowded airports or busy tourist attractions.

8. Pet Travel Insurance

Consider purchasing pet insurance that covers travel-related incidents, such as lost pets, accidents, or illnesses that occur while travelling.

Popular Senior Pet Travel Destinations

• National Parks: Many U.S. national parks are pet-friendly, with designated walking trails.
• Beach Resorts: Some resorts offer specific pet-friendly packages.
• Road Trips: Scenic routes through the countryside or coastal drives can be an ideal getaway, with plenty of pet-friendly stops.

Challenges Seniors Face When Traveling with Pets

Travelling with pets presents unique challenges, particularly for seniors. These obstacles often arise from mobility issues, health concerns, or the pet's needs. Here's a deeper look at some common challenges and potential solutions:

1. Physical Strain

Carrying heavy pet carriers or handling energetic pets can be physically demanding. Seniors with limited mobility or strength may struggle to lift a pet carrier into a car or airplane or walk a large dog for long distances.

Solutions:

• Invest in wheeled pet carriers or lightweight strollers to make moving your pet easier.
• Use a harness to help control an active dog with minimal strain.
• Break up the travel with plenty of rest stops and opt for shorter walks or activities where your pet can exercise without overexerting you.

2. Pet Health Management

As seniors may have health concerns, pets can have specific needs while travelling, such as managing anxiety or dealing with physical limitations. Administering medication, ensuring a proper diet, or handling pets with age-related conditions like arthritis can be particularly challenging while on the go.

Solutions:

• Consult your vet before travelling and ask for calming aids or medications to make the journey easier for your pet.
• Pack a travel-friendly first aid kit for your pet, including items for minor injuries, medication, and supplements.
• Research nearby veterinarians at your destination in case of emergency.

3. Pet Anxiety and Stress

Travel can be overwhelming for pets, especially when exposed to new environments, noises, or unfamiliar people. Managing an anxious or restless pet during the trip can create extra stress for some seniors.

Solutions:

• Train your pet ahead of time for different modes of travel to help them acclimate.
• Bring comfort items from home, like a favourite blanket or toy, to make your pet feel more secure.
• If necessary, ask your vet about using pet anxiety medications or natural remedies like pheromone sprays to calm your pet during the trip.

4. Accommodation Limitations

Not all accommodations are pet-friendly, and some may have restrictions like size or breed limitations. Seniors may also find it challenging to navigate properties that aren't easily accessible for pets, such as hotels with limited green spaces or rentals with many stairs.

Solutions:

• Research thoroughly for pet-friendly accommodations with good accessibility for you and your pet.
• Look for places that offer pet services like dog-walking, pet-sitting, or nearby parks for exercise.
• Book in advance, especially during peak travel times, to secure spots at highly rated pet-friendly properties.

5. Travel Fatigue

Both seniors and their pets may tire more quickly, especially during long journeys. Managing your needs alongside your pet's can add to the strain.

Solutions:

• Plan frequent breaks, and don’t over-schedule your trip.
• A flexible itinerary can help reduce fatigue for you and your pet.
• Consider destinations that allow shorter travel times and minimal walking once you arrive.
• Make sure you and your pet stay well-hydrated and well-rested throughout the journey.

Flying Considerations

Air travel with pets can be challenging for seniors due to strict airline policies, logistical complications, and potential health risks for both the traveller and the pet. Here are some common issues that seniors might face when flying with a pet, along with possible solutions:

1. Airline Restrictions

Each airline has its own set of rules regarding pet travel, including size and breed restrictions and whether pets can travel in the cabin or must be checked as cargo. Smaller pets are often allowed in the cabin, provided they fit under the seat in an airline-approved carrier, while larger pets typically must fly in the cargo hold.

Challenges:

• Size and weight limits may prevent seniors with larger pets from travelling in the cabin, leading to concerns about safety in the cargo hold.
• Some breeds—particularly brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs and cats—may be banned from flying due to respiratory risks at high altitudes.

Solutions:

• Check airline policies well in advance and choose carriers with more lenient or pet-friendly rules.
• If your pet is of a restricted breed, consider alternative travel options, such as road trips or pet ground transport services.

2. Cabin vs. Cargo Travel

Flying in the cargo hold can be stressful and risky for pets, especially in extreme weather conditions. Senior travellers may worry about their pets’ safety when separated during the flight. On the other hand, pets in the cabin must remain confined for the entire flight, which can be uncomfortable for both the pet and the owner.

Challenges:

• Separation anxiety for both the senior and the pet when travelling in cargo.
• Managing a pet that becomes anxious or restless in a confined space can be problematic in the cabin.

Solutions:

• Book early to ensure cabin space is available if flying with a small pet. Not all flights have a large capacity for cabin pets, so it’s often first-come, first-served.
• For cargo travel, choose direct flights to minimize time spent in transit and avoid flying during extreme weather seasons (summer or winter).
• Use calming aids or vet-recommended anxiety medication to help your pet relax during the flight.

3. Health Risks and Veterinary Requirements

Many airlines require health certificates and proof of vaccinations for pets before flying. Pets with existing health issues or older pets may be more vulnerable to stress, dehydration, or respiratory problems during the flight. These risks are compounded for pets travelling in the cargo hold.

Challenges:

• Health concerns for older or sick pets can make flying risky, especially if the pet is already prone to anxiety or respiratory issues.
• The added step of obtaining veterinary clearance can complicate pre-travel preparations for seniors.

Solutions:

• Schedule a pre-flight vet visit to assess your pet’s health and discuss any concerns with the vet. They can provide travel recommendations or medications to ease the process.
• To reduce your pet's physical stress, opt for nonstop flights and fly during cooler parts of the day.
• Bring a copy of your pet’s health records in case of emergencies at your destination.

4. Security Screening and Boarding

Navigating airport security with a pet can be an added layer of stress. Pets must be removed from their carriers while going through the security checkpoint, which can be difficult for seniors with mobility issues. Managing both your carry-on luggage and your pet at the same time can be a challenge.

Challenges:

• Handling a pet outside of the carrier while moving through security lines.
• Limited ability to maneuver around busy airports with a pet and luggage.

Solutions:

• Request assistance from airport staff to navigate security with your pet, especially if you have mobility issues.
• Use harnesses or secure leashes that make it easy to control your pet during the screening process.
• Pre-board the flight if possible, which allows extra time to get settled without rushing.

5. Fees and Costs

Airlines charge fees for flying with pets, both in the cabin and cargo, and these costs can add up, especially for longer flights or multiple pets. Seniors on a fixed income may find the added expense of travelling with a pet a burden.

Challenges:

• Pet travel fees can vary significantly by airline, and they’re typically not included in the base ticket price.
• Additional costs may include special carriers and travel accessories that meet airline requirements.

Solutions:

• Compare airline fees for pet travel in advance, and consider factoring these costs into your travel budget.
• Look into frequent flyer programs that allow pet travel benefits or discounts.

6. Post-Flight Adjustments

After landing, pets may need time to adjust to the new environment, especially if there is a significant change in climate or altitude. For senior travellers, managing a jet-lagged or anxious pet immediately after a flight can add stress to the trip.

Challenges:

• Reacclimating pets after air travel, especially if they’ve been stressed or confined for long periods.
• Seniors may be tired after the flight and have limited energy to manage a restless or anxious pet.

Solutions:

• Plan a rest day after your flight to give you and your pet time to recover and adjust to the new surroundings.
• At your destination, please set up a quiet, comfortable space for your pet, with familiar items like toys and bedding to help them settle in.

Resources

Here are some valuable resources for finding information about travelling with pets:

1. BringFido – A comprehensive resource for pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, and activities.
   • URL: https://www.bringfido.com
2. GoPetFriendly – Offers tips, destination guides, and tools to find pet-friendly hotels, campgrounds, and restaurants.
   • URL: https://www.gopetfriendly.com
3. ASPCA Pet Travel Tips – Provides advice on air and car travel with pets, including health and safety tips.
   • URL: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/general-pet-care/travel-safety-tips
4. Pet Travel – A detailed international and domestic pet travel guide with country-specific regulations and airline policies.
   • URL: https://www.pettravel.com
5. U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) – APHIS Pet Travel – Official guidelines for travelling with pets internationally or returning to the U.S.
   • URL: https://www.aphis.usda.gov/aphis/pet-travel

Several apps are designed specifically for travelling with pets. These apps can help you find pet-friendly accommodations, restaurants, parks, and even veterinary services while on the go.

Top Apps for Traveling with Pets