How to Travel With a Pet — 5 practical tips

Danielle Gelfand in The New York Times Travel (Jan. 30, 2026) offers five tips for traveling with companion animals, drawing on her family’s adoption last summer of Gracie, a Chiweenie (a cross between a Chihuahua and a dachshund). Consider your destination and your pet’s personality and temperament.

If a pet is sedentary, a long hike may be a poor choice; as Dr. Michael Q. Bailey said, "If you’re going to an activity which your pet has not been used to doing, you probably don’t want to do it." Think about climate and sun exposure, what your pet will do while you visit museums or restaurants, and call ahead to confirm what "pet friendly" policies actually allow, since restrictions on weight, breed and leaving pets unattended vary.

Talk to your veterinarian to determine whether your pet is a good candidate for travel and to ensure vaccinations are current. The article says vets can advise on age and breed issues — noting that short-nosed dogs such as pugs or bulldogs are susceptible to heat stress and may face flying restrictions — and on anxiety, motion sickness and medication supplies.

Start paperwork early because requirements depend on destination and mode of transport. The story notes some states, including Arizona and Nevada, and U.S. territories have entry rules for pets; for some domestic and all international travel you may need a U.S.D.A.-accredited veterinarian and should check the U.S.D.A.

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