My Pet Journeys: From Car Trips to Air Travel

Have you ever wondered how your pets cope during family moves or your travels? From car rides to plane flights, each journey with a pet is filled with interesting anecdotes. In this article, I'll share my pet travel experiences and offer some tips based on these adventures.

Car Travel Adventures with My Cats

My pets have all been cats, and they have experienced various modes of travel. One such adventure was with Cricket, who accompanied my mother and me from Tennessee to Maryland by car. Cricket adjusted well to the journey, and we even made a stop at an insane asylum tour. Although Cricket was a bit nervous, the tour was quite memorable.

Dark Chocolate (DC) and I also shared car trips from Tokyo to the US and back for a few summers. DC flew in the cabin and did very well. He remained quiet the entire time and settled into my parents' house, making friends with my mom's dog, Iona.

In spring break, DC and I visited Hiroshima, where he behaved admirably. He had a harness on, allowing him to peek out of his carrier but not escape. Once in Hiroshima, he happily explored his friend's apartment and was a great guest during our stay.

Next up were Necco Wafer Tweet and Cash, who traveled on the shinkansen (Japanese bullet train) to Kyoto and back. Tweet did not enjoy the experience, and he cried for a while. It wasn't the traveling itself, but the confinement in the carrier that bothered him. After arriving in Kyoto, they stayed at a bed and breakfast and simply chilled while I worked. Cash even explored the attic but had to be brought back down. He came back covered in dust, and despite his ordeal, he was happy to return.

Necco Wafer, Tweet's brother, also journeyed to the US and back to Japan. Necco joined the flight reasonably well but disliked the subway to the airport, which was too loud for him. Necco settled in well at my mom's house and made friends with the other dogs.

Dogs That Love Travel

One of my dogs is the perfect travel companion. She likes to lie down in the car and not cause a fuss. The kelpie dogs, on the other hand, enjoy car travel but require constant reminders to sit down.

For the worst travel experiences, I had to transport two axolotls, or Mexican walking fish. They needed to be kept in water to survive, which made the journey challenging. I placed them in two buckets with water and made sure the water level was low to prevent spilling. Driving slowly was necessary to avoid agitating the water, and my passengers certainly weren't happy with the car ride. It was a stressful experience for everyone involved.

Travel Tips for Pet Owners

Preparation is key: Ensure your pets are comfortable with car rides or travel. For long trips, take breaks for short walks and let them stretch their legs. Confined spaces: Be mindful of your pet's comfort level in confined spaces, such as car carriers or airplane cabins. Provide a familiar item to make them feel more secure. Comfort amenities: Bring your pet's favorite toys or treats to keep them occupied during the journey. For long car rides, pack a comfortable spot for them to rest. Hydration and nutrition: Ensure your pets have access to water and have a balanced meal before or after the journey, as needed. Time of travel: Consider traveling during the time of day when your pet is naturally more relaxed, such as early morning or late afternoon.

These experiences and tips should help other pet owners better prepare for their furry friends' travels. Whether it's a cross-country move or an international trip, with the right preparation, your pets can enjoy the journey just as much as you do.