As Summer approaches, we all have one thing on our mind – Travel!

As much as we’d love to make hassle free flight arrangements, us pet parents have a few extra steps to take in the process of making our travel plans.  

In this blog, we're going to break down some tips on how to best prepare for your flight, book a pet friendly flight for your domestic or international travels this season, and what you'll need to pack for a smooth traveling experience.

How do I Prepare for My Flight?

Before you can get jet set on a flight with your pup, it's important that you have a good idea of what you'll need for your upcoming pet friendly trip. 

When traveling within the United States, then the process is much easier. But if you are traveling internationally, you’ll need to have a good idea on what vaccinations and requirements fido will need in order to enter a foreign country and also return home. Some countries are noted by the CDC to be high-risk for rabies, so it’s important to keep note as you plan for your travels.  

Common requirements for traveling internationally with your furry friend include a rabies vaccination certificate, an international health certificate provided by USDA certified veterinarian within 10 days of travel, and some countries require that your pup has a tick and tapeworm vaccination as well.

Being aware of health requirements needed for your pet is not only one of the key steps to preparing for your travels, but it offers some peace-of-mind for your pet’s safety in an unfamiliar environment.

Where Can I Find Pet-Friendly Flights?  

Once you’ve assessed the health requirements for your pup, you’ll need to book a pet-friendly flight. We recommend using Avvinue, which is the world's first pet travel booking engine, where you can start your flight search based on your pet's profile. This will most definitely save hours of airline research because each airline has different pet policies.

What pet parents love about Avvinue is the effortless online pet reservation process, which is not allowed on most airline websites or third-party booking sites. During the booking process you'll need to confirm that your pup has the right vaccinations for your destination, so you can feel confident that everything is in place for your upcoming trip!

Depending on the length of the flight and your pup’s experience with travel, it’s important to keep in mind that they may feel anxious or overwhelmed. In the days leading up to your flight, we recommend allowing your pup some time to adjust to their crate. It will also benefit your pup to use Finn Calming Aid Supplements made with organic natural herbs, endorsed by veterinarians, to help ease your pup’s travel anxiety.

What Should I Pack?

You've double checked your paperwork and booked your pet friendly flight on Avvinue, now it's time to do some shopping!

When traveling with your pets in-cabin, you'll want to make sure that your IATA-approved pet carrier meets the airline specific requirements. Each airline has different requirements, so be sure to double check that yours will fit comfortably underneath your seat. 

Other accessories that we recommend are Finn Multivitamin soft chews, a travel water bottle, and extra pee pads to avoid any accidents while waiting in the airport or if the airport pet relief stations are not near your flight terminal.

When traveling with your pup, it’s best to be extra prepared for anything that you might need during your flight and on the first few days upon arrival. So pack extra treats, some food and make sure you double up on anything that your pup loves to have.

In Summary 

As pet parents, we understand the desire to take your pet everywhere you go. Traveling with your furry friend can be difficult, but not impossible! Knowing how to prepare yourself and your pet for travel day is essential to a stress-free flight and a fun filled vacation. 

Have you recently traveled with your pets on a plane? Share your experience and comments below for inspiration to our Finn community.