Road trips are full of stressors for companion animals. Stress factors range from hot temperatures and motion sickness to engine noise and sudden stops. Even so, animals generally rise to the occasion because you are in the vehicle with them. And, of course, most dogs downright love it.
You can make the timid traveler more comfortable by bringing the comforts of home along with you. First and foremost, make the car smell like home by placing a sock or t-shirt that smells like you into the travel carrier. You can also put a favorite toy or blanket into the crate. Cats benefit from Feliway, a pheromone spray that tells cats, "I've been here before, and I was happy."
A car in motion is a cacophony of sound and vibration. Consider smoothing that noise out with music. Choose music or chants that you play at home to play in the car as well. Keep the volume low as your animal companion's ears are bound to be closer to the speakers than usual.
Air travel compounds road-trip stressors with strange surroundings, crowds, dramatic pressure changes and, often, separation from you. Typically, companion animals fly in the hold when
- they are too large for carriers that fit under a passenger seat
- they will disturb fellow passengers
- you will not be on board escorting them
Your air carrier will have you remove all items from the crate for your animal companion's safety during the flight. That means no toys or blankets.
Especially if you'll be separated during air travel, it is important to take measures that will put you and your animal companion at ease.
- Prominently mark your animal friend’s crate or carrier with your name, home phone number and destination phone number.
- Stay calm and upbeat about the trip.
- Describe the trip step-by-step to your animal friend.
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You may feel too distracted or emotionally invested to prepare you companion animal for the chaos of the airport and the sensations of flying. This is where an animal communicator comes in.
I once worked with a Corgie puppy named Pepper. Her person felt bad for putting Pepper through air travel, yet she wanted to introduce Pepper to her family of origin over the Christmas holidays. During this consultation, I spent thirty minutes showing her the sights, sounds and sensations of the trip ahead, including where her people would be at any given time. Together we took an imaginary car ride, then ferry crossing, and, finally, plane flight in the hold, all in the spirit of adventure. On the day of their departure, Pepper eagerly walked right into her crate at home – the first step of the journey we had rehearsed. Once at their destination she exited her crate looking proud and happy.
Letting your animal companions know what’s in store has many benefits. They’re less prone to fear and anxiety. They are less likely to injure themselves in a panic. And you are less likely to project worry and nervousness that will upset them. All in all, this kind of trip preparation gives rise to fun adventures and positive shared experiences.
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