How To Safely Travel With Your Pet

When your dog or cat isn’t restrained in a pet carrier, make sure they're safely secured with a collar or harness. When in an unfamiliar environment with new smells, sights and sounds, animals tend to get nervous. To prevent your pet from getting loose, opt for a dog harness or cat harness that allows for more control. Collars are prone to slipping off if a pet pulls away from a situation in fear.

Ensure your pet’s harness or collar is complete with a personalized pet tag. Pet tags should include the pet's name as well as the owner’s contact information. These accessories are crucial for reuniting lost pets with owners. In addition, microchipping your pet is another essential safety precaution. If a pet gets free from his or her harness or collar, a microchip, which is safely implanted in a pet’s skin, can be scanned to retrieve a pet owner’s contact information.

Today, pet carriers come in a variety of styles including bags, backpacks, slings and on-wheel options. Before you make a purchase, consider how you typically travel. If you’re going to be bringing your dog or cat through an airport, opt for a backpack or rolling carrier so you can keep a hand or two free to hold luggage and travel documents.

When flying with a dog or cat, check your airline’s crate requirements. Most airlines require crates to be large enough for pets to stand, lie down and turn around in. There may also be other requirements relating to crate material, ventilation and locking system.

Road-tripping? You can also use a cat kennel or dog crate to keep your pet safe in a car. Just ensure the crate is the right size for your pet. If you’re driving a hatchback or SUV, place the crate in the rear cargo area. If you’re in a sedan, the back seat will work. Keep in mind that some pets may feel more relaxed with a blanket on top of the kennel.

Pets are creatures of habit and may have trouble adjusting to new environments. To keep them comfortable away from home, bring the pet supplies they use on a daily basis. For a cat, that means packing a cat litter box and litter, their cat bed, bowls for kibble and water, and any cat toys they like. For a dog, you’ll want to bring along a dog bed, bowls for food and water, treats and chew toys.

Need help choosing a new dog bed? There are several specialty dog beds to choose from:

Nest dog beds have raised edges that form a nest-like design. They’re ideal for dogs who like to curl up when they sleep.

Donut dog beds have a plush surface that dogs can sink into. This can be problematic for older dogs or dogs with injuries who might have trouble getting up.

Orthopedic dog beds are the most-recommended option for senior dogs or dogs with orthopedic issues.

Raised dog beds provide firm support and are another great option for older dogs. They’re also stuffing free, meaning they’re a great solution for dogs who like to pull toys and beds apart.

At Lowe's, we're committed to helping customers create the best lives for their pets. Did you know well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome at Lowe's stores? Feel free to bring your dog on your next Lowe's run instead of leaving him or her behind at home or in the car. In addition to pet care products for dogs and cats, we also carry livestock supplies like stock tanks, feed and supplements, chicken coops and more. When we say Lowe's love pets, we mean it.