Winter Travel Essentials
• Blankets & Towels: Keep pets cozy and dry in cold weather.
• Paw Wipes/Towels: Clean paws after contact with road salt or brine.
• Potty Pads: Provide a safe space if your dog avoids bad weather.
• Leash Up: Always keep dogs leashed.
General Travel Tips
• Keep vaccinations, flea/tick, and heartworm treatments up to date.
• Microchip your pet (along with collar and tags) for extra safety.
• Pack a “pet bag” with food, water, bowls, toys, and extra collars & leashes.
• Bring bottled water from home to avoid tummy troubles.
• Carry medical records, meds, and ID (including photos of you with your pet).
• Locate a veterinary medical provider near your travel destination.
• Have a pet first aid kit ready.
Auto Travel Tips
• Choose a CPS Certified™ crash-tested harness, carrier, or crate.
• Secure pets in the back seat or cargo area to avoid distraction.
• Keep heads inside. Open windows can cause injury.
• Never leave pets in hot cars.
Airline Travel Tips
• Check breed restrictions with your airline.
• Obtain a health certificate 7–10 days before flying.
• Book direct flights to reduce stress.
• Arrive early for check-in.
• Don’t feed pets 4 hours before boarding.
• Avoid tranquilizers. Exercise instead.
• If flying cargo: research airline care, microchip, label carrier “Live Animal,” and include contact
info.
• If flying in-cabin: confirm carrier size restrictions with your airline, acclimate pets to carriers, pack
potty pads, bowls, and extra collars & leashes.
Hotel Tips
• Bring a soft crate for security and comfort.
• Use potty pads or belly bands if needed.
• Pack familiar blankets and toys for easy transitions.
• Stick to your pet’s usual treats. Avoid hotel freebies.
Enjoy the Holidays!
• Give pets a quiet place away from the celebration activities.
• Secure all trash and food packaging to prevent pet suffocation.
• Don’t give your pet table scraps or alcohol.
Your pets count on you. Travel smart, stay safe, and make holiday adventures happy for the whole family.
Center for Pet Safety (CPS) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to scientifically evaluating pet products
and setting independent safety standards that protect families and their pets. We fill a critical regulatory
gap with data-driven research, consumer advocacy, and national education initiatives. Partner with us:
CenterForPetSafety.org