Stress-Free Holiday Travel Tips for Pet Owners: What to Know Before You Go

Do Cats Have Souls? How to Communicate with Beloved Pets

Top 7 Best Vet Hospitals for Pets In Europe

Do Dogs Have Souls? Exploring the Spiritual Bond Between Humans and Pets

how to travel with pets during holidays

Why Holiday Travel With Pets Is Booming

More Americans are choosing to travel with their pets instead of boarding them during the holidays. Rising kennel costs, stronger emotional bonds, and more pet-friendly airlines and hotels have all contributed to this shift.

Search interest for phrases like “traveling with pets during holidays” and “flying with dogs and cats” has increased steadily since 2023. Yet clear, up-to-date guidance remains scattered—especially as airline rules continue to change.

Whether you’re flying to see family or driving a few states away, planning ahead is the difference between a smooth holiday trip and a stressful one.

Updated Airline Rules for Flying With Pets

Airline pet policies have tightened in recent years, particularly for in-cabin travel. Here’s what pet owners should know going into the 2026 holiday season.

In-Cabin Pet Travel (Dogs & Cats)

Most U.S. airlines allow small dogs and cats to fly in-cabin if they meet these general requirements:

• Pet + carrier must typically weigh under 20 lbs combined

• Carrier must fit under the seat

• Pet must remain inside the carrier at all times

Key updates:

• Many airlines now limit the number of pets per cabin, so early booking is critical

• Fees range from $95–$150 each way

• Some airlines require advance pet reservations at booking, not check-in

Popular airlines allowing in-cabin pets include American Airlines, Delta, United, JetBlue, and Alaska Airlines—though policies vary by route.

Cargo and Checked Pet Travel: Increasingly Restricted

Cargo travel for pets has become more limited due to safety concerns.

What’s changed:

• Several airlines restrict cargo travel during extreme temperatures

• Short-nose breeds (brachycephalic dogs and cats) are often prohibited

• Holiday embargoes may apply around Christmas and New Year’s

For most pet owners, cargo is no longer recommended unless absolutely necessary.

Health Documents You’ll Need

As of 2026, most airlines require:

• Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel

• Proof of rabies vaccination

• Microchip information (increasingly requested, especially for international travel)

For international trips, requirements vary widely by destination and may include quarantine periods.

Driving With Pets: Often the Easier Holiday Option

For trips under 6–8 hours, driving is often less stressful for both pets and owners.

Tips for car travel:

• Use crash-tested carriers or harnesses

• Plan rest stops every 2–3 hours

• Never leave pets alone in a parked car, even in winter

Many pet owners prefer driving during the holidays because it allows for flexibility and fewer restrictions.

Stress-Free Holiday Travel Checklist for Pet Owners

Packing for your pet is just as important as packing for yourself. This checklist helps avoid last-minute problems.

Essentials to Pack

• Food (plus extra in case of delays)

• Collapsible food and water bowls

• Bottled water (to avoid stomach upset)

• Leash, harness, and backup collar

• Waste bags or litter supplies

Comfort & Familiarity Items

• Favorite blanket or bed

• A familiar toy or chew

• Calming sprays or pheromone collars (vet-approved)

These items help reduce anxiety in unfamiliar environments.

Health & Safety Items

• Copies of vaccination records

• Medications with clear instructions

• Basic pet first-aid kit

• Emergency vet contacts at your destination

Travel-Specific Gear

• Airline-approved carrier

• ID tags with updated contact info

• GPS tracker or AirTag (increasingly popular in 2025)

Preparing Your Pet Before You Travel

A smooth trip starts weeks before departure.

Carrier Training

Let your pet spend time in the carrier at home. This reduces anxiety during travel.

Vet Check

Schedule a vet visit 2–4 weeks before travel to ensure your pet is healthy enough for the trip.

Test Runs

For first-time travelers, try short car rides or visits to busy environments to gauge your pet’s comfort level.

Choosing Pet-Friendly Accommodations

More hotels now advertise themselves as pet-friendly, but policies vary widely.

What to check before booking:

• Size or breed restrictions

• Additional pet fees

• Rules about leaving pets unattended

Chains like Kimpton, La Quinta, and some Marriott brands remain among the most pet-welcoming in the U.S.

Managing Pet Stress During the Holidays

Holiday environments can overwhelm pets with noise, guests, and schedule changes.

Ways to help:

• Maintain feeding and walking routines

• Create a quiet space at your destination

• Avoid over-socializing your pet

Some vets may recommend mild calming supplements, but avoid sedatives unless specifically prescribed.

FAQs: Holiday Travel With Pets (2026)

Is flying safe for pets?

In-cabin travel is generally safe for healthy pets that meet airline requirements.

Should I sedate my pet for travel?

Most airlines discourage sedation. Always consult your vet.

What’s the best time to book pet flights?

As early as possible—pet slots fill faster than seats during holidays.

Are emotional support animals still allowed?

Most U.S. airlines no longer recognize emotional support animals as service animals.

Is driving safer than flying?

For many pets, yes—especially for shorter distances.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with pets during the holidays doesn’t have to be stressful. With updated airline rules, better pet gear, and thoughtful preparation, pet owners can plan trips that are safer and calmer in 2026 and beyond.

The key is planning early, packing smart, and putting your pet’s comfort first. When you do, holiday travel becomes less about managing chaos—and more about sharing the season with the companions who matter most.

Top 10 Most Popular Pets in Australia To know more about 10 best popular pets in Australia, keep reading the article below.

Top 10 Most Popular Pets In the UK Keep reading the article below for top 10 most popular and loved pets in the UK.

Top 10 Richest Pets With Highest Earning In The World Choupette, Doug the Pug, and Nala Cat are some of the world’s most famous pets but which one is the wealthiest pet in the world?

Top 10 Illegal Animals To Own As Pets In The US That You Must Know In the US, you are not allowed to own all animals. Owning a number of animals might break the laws due to its harms to ...