Going on holiday with the loyal friends we share our lives with is no different from bringing along a member of the family. However, travelling with pets requires far more complex planning than simply packing a bag and setting off. Choosing the means of transport, completing the legal documents and preparing your companion psychologically are the main pillars of the process. Whether you are going on a long journey with your dog or preparing your cat for a flight, you will find all the details you need in this guide.
What to Do Before Travelling with a Pet
Every step taken before setting off prevents problems that may arise during the journey. The more carefully you prepare, the lower the stress levels for both you and your companion.
Vet Check-Up Before Travel
Once you decide to travel, your first stop should always be your vet. A general health check helps you find out whether your companion has a chronic condition or anything that would prevent travel. You can also get information about endemic diseases at your destination (for example, parasites in the Mediterranean region) and arrange preventive treatment. If you are planning air travel with a pet, obtaining a "fit to fly" approval from your vet is also part of the procedure.
Choosing the Right Carrier for a Safe and Comfortable Journey
The carrier that will be your companion’s home throughout the journey is the most important part of safety. Under the rules for transporting pets on planes, the carrier must be leak-proof, well ventilated and large enough for the animal to turn around and stand up inside. Choosing the wrong carrier when flying with a pet may result in you being refused boarding. If you own a bird, remember that cages used to carry birds on planes must have lockable doors and be resistant to pecking.
Check Your Pet’s Vaccinations and Documents
To avoid interruptions to your trip, your pet’s travel documents must be up to date and complete. With microchipping having become mandatory as of 2022, all of your companion’s identity information must be registered in the digital system. Airlines will not accept your companion on the flight if the vaccinations required to carry a cat on a plane (rabies, combination vaccine, etc.) are not up to date. You should also carry the pet travel permit issued by the agriculture directorate to present during inspections.
Don’t Forget to Bring the Travel Essentials
Keeping your companion’s familiar routine helps calm them. The basic items you should bring are:
- At least 3 days’ worth of their usual food and a portable water bowl.
- Their collar and a tag with your contact details.
- Any medication they take regularly and a first-aid kit.
- A blanket that carries your scent or their favourite toy to help calm them.
What to Watch Out for When Travelling with a Pet
When the day of the journey arrives, there are critical details to keep in mind depending on the means of transport. Each one has its own rules for carrying live animals.
Things to Consider When Flying with a Pet
Although flying is the fastest way to travel, it has the strictest rules. Under the conditions for carrying animals on planes, you should pay attention to the distinction between the cabin and the cargo hold.
- In the cabin: Pets weighing under 8 kg including the carrier (especially cats and small dog breeds) can usually stay with you in the cabin.
- Pets in the hold (AVIH): Pets that exceed the limits travel in a special pressure- and temperature-controlled section of the hold.
- Fees: Prices for carrying pets on planes vary by distance, and your companion’s travel is an additional charge on top of your ticket. As space for animals on each flight is limited, you should not leave the booking to the last minute.
How to Keep Your Pet Safe on Car Journeys
Although travelling in your own car is not subject to bus or airline rules, safety is your responsibility. If your companion moves freely around the car, sudden braking could injure both of you. That is why you should always use a seat belt harness or a secured carrier. Stopping every 2 hours so your companion can drink water and go to the toilet improves the quality of the journey.
Pet-Friendly Hotels and Accommodation Options
A peaceful stop at the end of the journey determines the success of the holiday. Many resorts in Turkey have now adopted a "pet-friendly" concept. Regions such as Antalya and Belek in particular, with their large green spaces, are ideal for your companions. If you want to enjoy luxury while spending quality time with your companion on holiday, resorts in the Antalya hotels with pools category offer a free atmosphere for pets with their spacious grounds.
When choosing the right accommodation, it is advisable to ask in advance whether the hotel has a garden, whether there is a vet clinic nearby and whether an extra cleaning fee is charged for pets. With good planning, an up-to-date pet travel document and the right choice of resort, nothing compares to discovering new routes with your furry friend. Remember, they deserve a family holiday just as much as you do!
