At Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we love helping pets and their people stay healthy — and that includes when they’re on the move. Because our hospital is specially certified and equipped to treat severe emergencies and trauma, we unfortunately see our share of injuries that happen during travel. From loose pets injured in sudden stops to animals arriving stressed or overheated after long trips, we’re reminded daily that even simple journeys can carry risks when pets aren’t properly secured or prepared.

Pet Travel Safety Day on January 2 is a great reminder that whether you’re heading out for a short drive or a long-distance adventure, planning ahead makes all the difference. This year, we’re sharing practical tips to help you make every journey safer and more comfortable — so your pets arrive happy, healthy, and ready to enjoy the adventure with you.

Keeping Pets Safe on the Road and in the Air

Every pet — no matter their size or temperament — benefits from safe travel practices. A few simple steps can dramatically reduce the chance of injury, stress, or medical complications and help ensure that the trip is as smooth as possible for both you and your animal.

Safe Car Travel with Pets

Car trips are part of everyday life, and a handful of simple precautions can make them much safer for pets. The goal is to prevent injury, reduce stress, and keep everyone in the vehicle focused and safe.

Key tips for car travel:

• Secure your pet properly.
  • Dogs: use a crash-tested harness or a secured crate in the back seat.
  • Cats and small dogs: use a sturdy hard-sided or quality soft-sided carrier, buckled in so it can’t shift.
• Keep pets out of the front seat. Airbags can cause serious injury, even at low speeds.
• Never allow pets to ride in the back of a truck bed. It’s unsafe and illegal in some areas.
• Avoid leaving pets alone in vehicles. Temperatures can change quickly, even on mild days.
• Plan for breaks. Bring water, offer bathroom/stretch stops, and pack familiar bedding or toys to help them settle.
• Prepare for motion sickness or anxiety. If your pet often gets car sick or stressed, speak with your family veterinarian in advance.

Air and Long-Distance Travel with Pets

Flying or traveling long distances requires extra preparation. Every airline, country, and mode of transport may have different rules, so checking requirements ahead of time is essential.

Before you book or travel:

• Check with your airline. Rules vary widely for in-cabin pets, cargo travel, carrier size, breed restrictions, paperwork, and seasonal temperature guidelines.
• Make sure your pet is healthy enough for travel. A pre-trip veterinary check is especially important for seniors, very young pets, brachycephalic breeds, and pets with chronic conditions.
• Choose the right carrier.
  • It must be secure, well-ventilated, escape-proof, and large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
  • Soft-sided carriers are often acceptable in-cabin if they meet airline size limits.
• Help your pet get comfortable in the carrier. Encourage them to explore it at home, add familiar bedding, and gradually increase the time they spend inside.
• Pack a travel kit. Include food, water, medications, a leash, waste bags, and comforting items like a blanket or toy.
• Ask about managing stress or motion sickness. Your family veterinarian can advise whether calming strategies or medications are appropriate.

When It’s Better for Pets to Stay Home

Some pets simply aren’t good candidates for travel, and that’s okay. Choosing the safest option is always an act of care.

Consider alternative arrangements if your pet:

• is recovering from surgery or illness
• is senior and struggling with mobility or breathing
• is very young and not fully vaccinated
• has severe anxiety during confinement or transportation
• becomes extremely nauseated during travel
• has a medical condition that may worsen with heat, cold, or stress

If you’re unsure, a quick conversation with your family veterinarian can help you decide what’s best for their comfort and safety.

When You Need Us — Emergency and Trauma Care

Even with the best preparation, accidents can still happen. If your pet is injured during travel — whether from a collision, a fall, heat exposure, or sudden illness — Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is here 24/7 with emergency care and advanced trauma support.

As a certified VECCS Level I facility and a Level II VetCOT Trauma Centre, we are capable of handling even the most critical, life-threatening emergencies and trauma, with specialists on staff and on-call to handle any medical or surgical issue your pet may be experiencing.

Wishing everyone safe and happy travels!

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Travel Safety

1. How should I safely secure my dog in the car?

Dogs travel safest when they are secured in the back seat using a crash-tested harness or in a properly fastened crate. Keeping your dog out of the front seat prevents injury from airbags and sudden stops.

2. What is the safest way for cats to travel in a vehicle?

Cats should always travel inside a sturdy, well-ventilated carrier that is buckled in with a seatbelt. This keeps them secure, reduces stress, and prevents them from roaming the vehicle.

3. Is it illegal for pets to ride in the back of a truck?

In many regions, including parts of British Columbia, transporting an unsecured animal in the back of a pickup truck is unsafe and can be illegal. Even where allowed, it poses a significant risk of falls, debris injuries, and death.

4. Can I leave my pet alone in the car for a few minutes?

No. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise or fall quickly, even on mild days, putting pets at risk of heatstroke or hypothermia. Pets should never be left unattended in a vehicle.

5. What kind of carrier should I use for air travel with my pet?

Choose a secure, well-ventilated carrier that allows your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Always confirm size and material requirements with your airline, as each carrier has different rules for cabin and cargo travel.

6. Do airlines have different pet travel requirements?

Yes. Airlines vary widely in their rules for carrier dimensions, breed restrictions, documentation, and whether pets can fly in the cabin or cargo. Always check airline guidelines before booking.

7. How can I help my pet feel less anxious during travel?

Introduce the carrier early, use familiar bedding or a favourite toy, and keep the environment calm. For pets with significant stress or motion sickness, your family veterinarian can recommend appropriate strategies or medications.

8. Is air travel safe for all pets?

Some pets, including seniors, very young animals, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds, and those with chronic health issues, may not be good candidates for air travel. A pre-travel veterinary check helps determine whether flying is safe for your individual pet.

9. What should I pack in a travel kit for my pet?

Include food, water, bowls, medications, waste bags, a leash, familiar bedding, and a copy of your pet’s medical records or vaccination history. These items help keep pets comfortable and prepared for unexpected delays.

10. When should I consider leaving my pet at home instead of traveling together?

If your pet is recovering from illness or surgery, has severe anxiety, struggles with mobility or breathing, or is very young and not fully vaccinated, staying with a trusted caregiver may be safer and more comfortable.

11. What should I do if my pet is injured or becomes ill during travel?

Seek veterinary care immediately. Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital is open 24/7 for emergencies, including trauma, overheating, sudden illness, or any other urgent concerns that may occur during travel.

12. Why does Boundary Bay Veterinary Specialty Hospital treat so many travel-related emergencies?

As a certified VECCS Level I facility and Level II VetCOT Trauma Centre, we are specially equipped to handle critical and complex emergencies — including injuries and medical crises that happen during travel.

13. How can I make long road trips safer for my pet?

Plan regular rest breaks, offer water often, keep your pet secured, and bring familiar comforts from home. Avoid extreme temperatures and ensure your pet cannot escape unexpectedly when doors open.

14. Are calming supplements or sedatives safe for travel?

Always consult your veterinarian before giving any calming products or medications. Some sedatives are not recommended for air travel because they can affect breathing or balance.

15. What documents do I need when traveling with my pet?

Requirements depend on your destination and airline. Typically you may need vaccines, health certificates, microchip information, or border documentation. Always confirm requirements well in advance.