Traveling with your pet: the complete guide to summer holidays

Your summer holiday is just around the corner and of course your pet is coming too. Traveling with your pet can be a wonderful experience for the whole family, but it does require a little more planning than an ordinary holiday.

Whether you're heading to a summer cottage or traveling abroad, this guide covers everything you need to know: what to pack, how to prepare for international travel and how to help keep your pet calm throughout the journey.

Get your documents ready before you leave

Traveling abroad always requires some preparation in advance and it's best to start planning well ahead of time – ideally at least a couple of months before your trip.

When traveling abroad within Europe, dogs, cats and ferrets must have:

• a pet passport (EU passport, available from your veterinarian)
• a microchip and registration
• a valid rabies vaccination
• for dogs, echinococcus treatment may be required before returning to your country of residence

💡 Tip: If your pet's rabies vaccination has expired, you must wait 21 days after the new vaccination before traveling abroad. Be sure to check the requirements with your veterinarian well in advance!

Note that requirements vary between countries, so always check the latest regulations with the corresponding authorities of both your country of residence and destination countries before you travel.

Parasite prevention and vaccinations

In Southern Europe and other warm destinations, pets may be exposed to diseases and parasites that are not found in the Nordics. That's why it's important to visit your veterinarian before traveling.

For dogs traveling abroad, veterinarians often recommend:

• leptospirosis vaccination
• preventive medication against heartworm and skin worm
• protection against ticks, fleas, and sandflies

For cats, it's also important to ensure that parasite prevention and vaccinations are up to date before your trip.

What should you pack?

A well-packed bag with your pet's essentials makes traveling much more comfortable. Make sure to bring at least the following:

• a carrier or travel bag, such as the Trixie Connor Backpack Carrier
• a familiar bed or blanket (familiar scents have a calming effect)
• food and water bowls, along with enough the pet's usual food and water for the journey
• a favorite toy, treats and chew products for entertainment
• a leash, harness, collar and an ID tag with your phone number
• Trixie First Aid Kit for Dogs and Cats or a compactly packed pet first aid kit
• Vetericyn+ Antimicrobial Wound Care antiseptic wound spray
• Dia-Tab tablets for acute diarrhea in dogs
• Beeztees Tick Lasso
• your pet's insurance card and your veterinarian's contact details
• CLX Wipes
• Trixie Cooling Mat
• poop bags and waste bags
• for cats, a litter tray and their usual cat litter

💡 Tip: If your pet tends to become stressed by changes in routine, you can start giving a calming supplement before your trip, such as Alvar Pet Calm+, to help ease anxiety.

Read also: Pet First Aid Kit: The Essential Checklist

Flying with your pet

Flying with a pet requires careful planning, as airline policies vary.

Small pets can usually travel in the cabin if their carrier fits underneath the seat in front of you. For example, Finnair's maximum carrier dimensions are 40 × 30 × 15 cm. Larger dogs travel in the aircraft's cargo hold.

Always remember to:

• check the airline's pet policy before purchasing your tickets
• notify the airline about your pet in advance, as pet spaces are limited
• make sure your pet is accustomed to the travel carrier by practicing at home before the trip

Safe car travel with your pet

The safest place for a dog in the car is a crash-tested crate placed in the cargo area or secured with a seat belt attached to a safety harness. Remember that even a small dog's weight increases dramatically during sudden braking.

VetaPet offers many safe travel solutions for car journeys:

• Trixie Car Seat
• Hurtta Travel Eco Harness
• Trixie Safety Belt and KONG Travel Ultimate Safety Tether
• Trixie Cat Safety Harness
• Trixie Back Seat Cover with Side Panels

⚠️ During summer, one rule is especially important: Never leave your pet alone in a hot car. Temperatures inside a vehicle can rise rapidly and cause life-threatening heat stroke. Read more about heat stroke and how to identify it here.

Take regular breaks so your pet has the opportunity to drink, stretch their legs and relieve themselves.

💡 Tip: If your pet suffers from severe travel anxiety or motion sickness, ask your veterinarian about suitable medication before your trip.

Pet travel checklist

• Get or update your pet passport well in advance
• Check vaccinations and parasite prevention with your veterinarian
• Verify your destination country's import requirements through your local authority
• Check your airline's pet policy before booking tickets
• Make sure your pet wears an ID tag and that your insurance provides adequate cover
• Save the contact details of a veterinarian at your destination
• Never leave your pet alone in a hot car

A well-planned trip is half the journey – and this is especially true when traveling with your pet.

When your documents, equipment and your pet's healthcare are all taken care of before you leave, you'll have more time to enjoy what really matters: making unforgettable memories together. 🧡