8 Essential travel tips for anxious pets 

Travelling can increase anxiety for most people, stressing about what to pack, what paperwork you need, and how to get there. Although our pets don’t have to consider any of these things, that doesn’t mean the journey won’t be stressful for them. If you have a scaredy cat (or dog!) read our tips on how to travel with an anxious pet. 

1. Plan in advance

If you’re going to be taking your pet on holiday with you, then you’ll need to think of their needs also. This may mean factoring in a few more toilet breaks for your pet and keeping them as comfortable as possible. Remember to keep any collars and leashes on when taking your dog for a quick break, if they feel frightened they may run away or even run into traffic. 

2. Practice shorter journeys

Don’t let this trip be your pet’s first time in a moving vehicle. This is a bad idea for many reasons, but if you know your pet is more anxious than most, practicing short journeys in the car will help them feel more comfortable before building up to a longer journey.

If you have a friend or partner coming with you on the trip, then have them sit in the back with your pet to keep an eye on them while you drive or vice versa. If you don’t have someone to bring with you on your journey, try a pet taxi service. With professional drivers able to take you and your pet to Europe or the UK, you can sit in comfort.

3. Don’t overfeed them 

Travelling on a full stomach won’t end well for your pet or your car seats. Pets can experience motion sickness too, but you can avoid any mess by not overfeeding your pet before any journeys. To anticipate any travel sickness from your pet, line your car seats with absorbable pads. 

4. Use positive reinforcement

Encouraging your pet to get in the car with praise or even treats is an excellent way of reducing their fear or anxiety. Even sitting in a stationary vehicle, and allowing your pet to get used to the smells and sights around them will quickly help them to adjust. 

5. Create visual barriers

For some pets being overstimulated by new sounds, sights and smells can cause even more anxiety. To combat this sensation, block out any visual stimulants by keeping your pet’s eye level below the window. 

6. Remove visual barriers

Alternatively, if your pet feels confined by the lack of visuals in the car, allow them to look out of the window to provide a sense of security. Remember to keep the windows shut, or slightly open when travelling with pets. When feeling threatened or frightened, their fight or flight will take over, and some pets will use the open window as an opportunity to jump out of the car. 

7. Create a calming environment

Creating a calm environment inside the car will help your pet feel as comfortable as possible. Keeping the car cool and quiet will help even the most anxious pet feel more comfortable while travelling. Bringing along some of your pet’s favourite items will also create a calming atmosphere as they’ll feel safer with their favourite toy or blanket. For more tips on how to travel with your dog in the car, check out our blog here. 

8. Speak to your vet 

If you have tried all of the above and are still struggling to reduce your pet’s fear, the last option is to speak to your vet. There are some calming supplements that you can feed to your pet if all other methods have been exhausted with no results. Even if your pet isn’t anxious, it would be wise to still visit the vet to check all vaccinations and that your pet is fit and healthy to travel. Be sure to do this especially if you’re going to be travelling abroad. 

Arrange for a Pet Taxi Service

Travelling with your pet doesn’t have to be complicated; as long as you’re prepared, it can be a smooth and enjoyable experience for both you and your furry friend.

European Pet Transport can take you and your pet from anywhere in the UK to anywhere in Europe. With vetted vehicles and CRB-certified drivers, you and your pet can relax while your driver takes you to your destination.

To take the stress out of travelling with a pet, call European Pet Taxis today. If you would prefer a professional pet taxi service to handle the travel arrangements, get in touch with our friendly team today to discuss a bespoke quote for your pet.

For more advice on travelling abroad with your pet read our blog