Your summer vacation countdown has begun, but it’s time to think about how to prepare your travel-buddy VIP.
Your pet.
Traveling with your pet should be all about safety and comfortably getting from point A to point B, enjoying the journey, and returning home with lasting memories. To do that, here’s a travel playbook for stress-free summer adventures for you and your pet.
Proper Prep for Traveling with Your Pet
Prepping for traveling with your pet is the difference between a stressful experience and an incredible adventure. Prep can start weeks before your trip, and will make the trip feel like smooth sailing.
Planning a pre-travel vet appointment
If you’re flying with your pet or even just going on a longer road trip, schedule a wellness visit with your pet’s veterinarian 2-4 weeks before your departure date to make sure your pet is medically cleared and travel-ready.
Your vet can assess whether your pet is physically prepared for travel stress, update necessary vaccinations, and provide health certificates if you're crossing state lines or flying.
Discuss your specific travel plans during the visit. A weekend car trip requires different preparation than a long flight to another climate. Your vet might recommend starting calming supplements early, adjusting feeding schedules, or provide specific advice for your pet's individual needs.
Implement car training sessions
Even pets who love car rides can struggle with extended travel. Start conditioning them weeks in advance with progressively longer trips.
Begin with 15-minute drives around the neighborhood, then work up to hour-long adventures. This builds their tolerance and helps you identify potential issues before you're committed to a long car journey.
When traveling with puppies, this gradual approach is especially important, as younger pets may be more sensitive to motion and confinement. During these practice runs, pay attention to how your pet handles the motion and extended confinement.
Some pets benefit from starting Nulo Calming Organic Hemp Seed Oil Soft Chews during this training phase to help them build positive associations with car travel and keep them calm, cool, and collected when in the car.
Documentation and emergency planning
Compile a travel folder with vaccination records, health certificates, emergency vet contacts along your route, and your regular vet's information. Include recent photos of your pet in case of separation, and make sure their ID tag and/or microchip have updated contact information.
Research emergency veterinary clinics along your route and at your destination. Save these contacts in your phone and keep printed copies in your travel kit. You’ll feel more at ease having this information, especially if unexpected health issues arise during your trip.
Consider day trips as practice
Day trips and shorter getaways give you the perfect opportunity to build your pet's travel confidence while having some bonding fun.
For beach days, hiking excursions, or visits to pet-friendly parks or events, pack light but smart! Bring plenty of water, and maybe a thermos of MedalSeries Classic Turkey Bone Broth as a hydrating treat that doubles as a reward.
Nulo Immunity Functional Granola Bars are the perfect crunchy snack for sustained energy when you take a break on the trail or stop for a beach picnic lunch break.
To stay organized on the go, consider packing everything in a dog food travel bag. It's a convenient way to carry treats, meals, and hydration essentials all in one place.
Feed a light meal 2-3 hours before you head out on your day trip. Save the full meal for after you return home, using treats and hydrating snacks to maintain their energy throughout the day.
Day trips are the perfect training runs for longer travels. Use these shorter trips to test gear, practice routines, and see how your pet handles different environments without the pressure of extended travel.
Travel Day Logistics
All your prepping will pay off on travel day! Whether you're loading up the car for a road trip or heading to the airport, having a solid execution plan keeps everyone calm and on schedule. Here are some tips for traveling with pets to help the day go as smoothly as possible.
Kicking off your road trip with your pet
To keep things smooth and stress-free for both you and your pet, here are answers to some common questions around timing, hydration, rest stops, and temperature management.
Q: When is the best time to start a road trip with my pet?
A: You may want to start your day early when temperatures are cooler and your pet is naturally calmer. You’ll be more likely to squeeze in a long driving stretch before your pet starts to get antsy and needs to stretch their legs.
Q: How can I keep my pet hydrated and avoid motion sickness?
A: Offer water every 2 hours during stops, but avoid large meals 3-4 hours before leaving to prevent motion sickness. Instead, consider offering FreeStyle Hearty Beef Bone Broth during rest stops for hydration and essential nutrients without the heaviness of a full meal.
Q: How often should I plan rest stops for my pet?
A: Plan stops every 2-3 hours for bathroom breaks, leg stretching, and mental stimulation. Use these breaks to make sure your pet is comfortable and adjust your approach if needed. A quick walk in a shaded area helps reset their energy and reduces travel anxiety.
Q: What are the best ways to manage temperature during the trip?
A: Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle, even with windows cracked. Carry battery-powered fans, cooling mats, and plenty of water. Park in shaded areas during stops and consider investing in window shades to avoid direct sunlight on your pet while you drive.
Kicking off your air travel day with your pet
To keep things calm and manageable on your air travel day, here are answers to some common questions around carrier prep, airport procedures, and feeding schedules when flying with your pet.
Q: How can I help my pet get used to their carrier before the flight?
A: Start introducing the carrier weeks in advance. Feed meals inside the carrier, let them nap there, and take them on short car rides in it. Make the carrier feel like a safe place for them.
Q: What should I know about airport procedures when flying with a pet?
A: Get there early to knock out pet-related check-in procedures. Make sure to bring a leash (even for cats) because airport security requires pets to be removed from carriers during screening. Consider starting calming supplements 12 hours before travel to help manage the stress of new environments and loud noises.
Q: When and how should I feed my pet before a flight?
A: Most airlines recommend withholding food 4-6 hours before departure to prevent motion sickness, but small amounts of water are usually fine up to 2 hours before departure. Pack treats for post-flight rewards and to help them settle into your destination.
Destination Success: Settling Into Your Adventure
When you get to your destination, it’s time to help your pet adjust to the new environment and set the tone for your entire trip.
The first 24 hours
Even the most confident, well-traveled pets need time to acclimate to new sights, sounds, and smells. Set up the items from home you packed as a familiar “base camp” when you arrive.
This might include their bed, favorite toys, feeding bowls, or favorite treats (our FreeStyle Tuna & Scallop Perfect Purees are an easy-to-pack favorite for many traveling cats). Having those items will be a safe checkpoint as they sniff around and explore their temporary home.
Maintain feeding schedules as closely as possible, but be flexible about appetite changes. The stress and excitement of travel can sometimes affect eating habits.
Consider bringing high-value add-ins as a special treat to entice your pet to eat, like our Nulo Gently-Cooked Meals Beef & Sweet Potato, which are easy to pack and don’t require refrigeration.
When to start exploring
Let your pet acclimate for a bit before you start exploring together. Once they seem calm and settled, start with short walks around the area to help them map their new territory. Let your pet set the pace.
Some pets are immediately ready for adventure, and some might need more time before they’re ready to fully explore.
Research pet-friendly activities and locations before arrival. Many destinations offer dog beaches, hiking trails, or even pet-friendly restaurants that can become some highlight moments of your trip.
Planning these will help you maximize your time rather than scrambling to find pet-friendly activities.
Maintain routines as much as possible
Your travel routines won’t be perfectly synced with what you do at home, but having some structure can be helpful in keeping your pet’s stress levels low.
Keep feeding times somewhat consistent (especially when managing time changes), maintain regular exercise schedules, and preserve bedtime routines as much as possible.
Having more portable and familiar food options can make a big difference when traveling with your pet. Start feeding something packing-friendly before your trip so you can keep your pet’s suitcase light, like Nulo Cold Pressed Chicken. It's a great travel food for dogs, designed for convenience without compromising nutrition.
Be sure to pack enough of their food for the entire trip, plus a few extra days' worth in case of travel delays or unexpected extended stays
You’re ready for summer travel with the best co-pilot
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a cross-country adventure, traveling with your pet is doable AND enjoyable with the right preparation, flexibility, and tools.
Hit the road (or sky!) and your pet will be ready for whatever adventure you have planned.
Your Pet’s Ultimate Packing List
Documentation & Safety
- Vaccination records
- Health certificates (especially for air travel or state crossings)
- Recent photos of your pet
- Emergency vet contacts along your route
- Your regular vet's contact information
- Pet's ID tags with updated contact info
- Leash (even for cats, required for airport security)
Nutrition & Hydration
- Nulo Soft Chews (preferably Calming!)
- Nulo MedalSeries Bone Broth
- Nulo Functional Granola Bars
- Nulo Cold Pressed Meals
- Nulo Gently-Cooked Meals
Comfort & Rest
- Pet's regular bed or blanket
- Favorite toys
- Travel crate/carrier
- Cooling mats for hot weather
- Window shades for car travel
Feeding Supplies
- Regular food and water bowls
- Collapsible travel bowls
- Thermos for bone broth
- Water
Other Items
- Battery-powered fans
- Plenty of water for cooling
- Shade umbrellas or pop-up shelters
- Cooling towels
- Basic first aid supplies
- Waste bags
- Paper towels and cleaning supplies
