Pre-Travel Pet Transport Checklist

Before You Ride: Make the Journey Seamless

Before you ride, it’s essential to have everything in order for a smooth and enjoyable journey. Below, you’ll find a detailed guide with tips and tricks to ensure the trip is as stress-free as possible—for both you and your beloved companion.

To make the process even smoother, consider hiring a professional pet transporter to ease the challenges of moving your pet. These experts ensure compliance with travel regulations and prioritize your pet’s comfort, creating a stress-free experience.

For transport within the Western United States, Skoot is the premier choice. With a trained team providing personalized care and seamless logistics, Skoot makes your pet’s journey safe and comfortable. With Skoot, you can travel with confidence.

Travel Documentation

Health Records and Rabies Vaccine: Ensure all health records and proof of rabies vaccination are up-to-date.

State and Country Requirements: Verify any required health certificates and vaccination documentation for inter-state travel. If you’re figuring out how to ship a dog, cat, or other pet across the country, having these documents is essential.

Essential Items to Bring

Leash and Collar: A sturdy leash and collar with an updated ID tag containing your contact information.

Food and Water: Pack pre-portioned food to cover the entire journey. While Skoot can supply food for an additional fee if needed, sudden dietary changes can upset your pet’s stomach and make car trips with pets less enjoyable.

Chew Toys or Puzzle Toys: Keep your pet entertained with toys during the trip. This is especially helpful for traveling with dogs and cats in a car long distance.

Medication: Include all routine medications and a few extra doses in case of delays.

Treats: Bring a small amount of your pet’s favorite treats to use as rewards or for stress relief.

Pet Travel Documents: Carry health certificates, vaccination records, and any other required paperwork.

Pre-Travel Preparation

Crate Familiarization: Introduce your pet to their crate in a quiet area at home days before the trip. Use treats, toys, or bedding to build positive associations. This step is essential for ensuring your pet’s comfort, whether you’re figuring out how to transport a cat long distance or how to travel with a large dog. Skoot provides complimentary crate training support during transport. Our drivers are trained to help pets acclimate to their crates, ensuring a more comfortable and stress-free experience throughout the journey.

Acclimate to Car Rides: Take your pet on short practice car trips, gradually increasing their duration. This is key when learning how to travel long distance with a cat or dog.

Check for Travel Anxiety: Look for signs of anxiety, such as panting or whining. Consult your vet for calming solutions like natural sprays or supplements.

Hydration Prep: Keep your pet well-hydrated but avoid overhydrating right before departure. When traveling with Skoot, all pets have access to fresh water throughout the trip.

Pet Grooming: Groom your pet 1–2 days before the journey for comfort and cleanliness. Trim their nails to prevent scratching themselves or their crate.

Pet’s Health and Wellness

Routine Medications: Pack all necessary medications, including extras for emergencies.

Probiotics for Digestion: Consider using probiotics to support digestion during travel, especially for cross-country moves with cats.

Mental Stimulation Before Travel

Puzzle Toys: Interactive toys help tire your pet mentally and prepare them for a relaxed trip.

Playtime Routine: Dedicate extra playtime the day before to help them burn off energy.

Packing Extras

Backup Supplies: Bring spare leashes, collars, and medications in case of emergencies.

Comfort Items: Familiar items, like a favorite blanket or toy, can help reduce travel anxiety.

Utilize a Pet Transporter To Make the Process Easy

Moving a pet can be a stressful experience, not just for you but especially for the animal. Between navigating rules and regulations and the anxiety pets often feel during long-distance travel, it’s best to leave transportation to a professional whose sole focus is making the journey as comfortable and stress-free as possible for your pet.

Ground transportation is particularly better suited for pets compared to in-flight transport. Flying in-cabin confines pets to small carriers for hours, while cargo hold transportation can expose pets to extreme temperatures, loud noises, and a lack of supervision, making it a distressing and even dangerous option. Putting your pet in the belly of the plane often results in isolation, limited air circulation, and no ability to address emergencies during the flight, which can take a significant toll on their well-being.

For transport within the Western United States, Skoot is the premier pet transportation service. Our team is specially trained and equipped to meet all of your pet transportation needs, ensuring safety, comfort, and peace of mind throughout the journey. To schedule a ride with us, Click Here