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  • ✈️ The Bark-Byte – Pet Travel 101: Vol. 1Packing Like a Pro: Travel Essentials for Pets

✈️ The Bark-Byte – Pet Travel 101: Vol. 1Packing Like a Pro: Travel Essentials for Pets

Because forgetting the poop bags at 30,000 feet is not ideal.

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Table of Contents

🐾 Episode Intro: Let’s Hit the Road (or Sky)

Traveling with pets can be magical—or mayhem—depending on how well you pack. Whether you’re heading out on a weekend road trip or jet-setting to grandma’s house, this guide will help you pack smarter and keep your furry friend calm, comfy, and clean wherever you roam.

From must-haves to “wish I brought that,” we’ve got you covered (and yes, that includes lint rollers).

🎒 Travel Must-Haves for Any Trip

  • Collar with ID tags

  • Leash & harness

  • Travel carrier or crate (airline approved if flying!)

  • Water & collapsible bowl

  • Pet food + measuring scoop

  • Treats & chew toys

  • Pet first-aid kit

  • Poop bags / litter box & litter

  • Grooming wipes / towel

  • Vaccination records

  • Meds or supplements (with extras!)

Pet_Travel_Packing_Checklist.pdf239.25 KB • PDF File

✈️ Flying? You’ll Also Need:

  • Airline-approved carrier with ventilation

  • Absorbent liner for the crate

  • Direct flight if possible

  • Printed health certificate (within 10 days of travel)

  • Comfort item (blanket, shirt with your scent)

🚗 Road Trip? Don’t Forget:

  • Seatbelt harness or crash-tested crate

  • Sunshade for windows

  • Water bottle + spill-proof bowl

  • Potty break plan every 2–3 hours

  • Calming spray or pheromone collar if anxious

✈️ Pet-Friendly Airlines

Region

Airline

In-Cabin Pets

Cargo Option

Notes

USA

American Airlines

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Restrictions by breed and temperature

USA

Delta Air Lines

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Pets in cabin on most domestic & some intl. routes

USA

United Airlines

✅ Yes

✅ Yes (PetSafe)

Breed & seasonal restrictions apply

USA

Southwest Airlines

✅ Yes

❌ No

Domestic only, cabin pets only

USA

Alaska Airlines

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Very pet-friendly, clear guidelines

Canada

Air Canada

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

Seasonal limits for cargo travel

Canada

WestJet

✅ Yes

✅ Yes

In-cabin, checked baggage & cargo options

Europe

Lufthansa

✅ Yes (≤8kg)

✅ Yes

Highly rated for international pet travel

Europe

KLM Royal Dutch

✅ Yes (≤8kg)

✅ Yes

Advance reservation needed

Europe

Air France

✅ Yes (≤8kg)

✅ Yes

Pet passport and carrier compliance required

🚄 Pet-Friendly Train Services

Region

Train Company

Pets Allowed

Notes

USA

Amtrak

✅ Yes (≤20 lbs incl. carrier)

Trip must be under 7 hours

Canada

VIA Rail

✅ Yes (small pets)

In soft carriers only, specific routes

Europe

Deutsche Bahn (Germany)

✅ Yes

Small pets in carrier free; leashed/muzzled dogs allowed with ticket

Europe

SNCF (France)

✅ Yes

Ticket needed for large dogs; small pets in carriers travel free or at low cost

Europe

Trenitalia (Italy)

✅ Yes

Small pets free; large dogs with leash/muzzle and ticket

Europe

Renfe (Spain)

✅ Yes

Restrictions vary by train type and size of pet

Europe

Eurostar

❌ No (except service dogs)

Not pet-friendly for general travelers

💡 Tele-Vet Tips

Before you travel, make sure your pet is up to date on vaccinations, flea/tick prevention, and has a travel health consult (especially for older pets or those with conditions).

🔑 Key Takeaways:

✔️Plan ahead—don’t wing it (unless you’re a parrot)
✔️Pack for comfort, health, and clean-up
✔️Know your travel carrier rules
✔️Bring more food and meds than you think
✔️Keep routines as normal as possible

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Thanks For Reading, and Have A Great Week!