The holidays are synonymous with family, food, and, often, long road trips. If your trusty co-pilot this holiday season is a cat or dog, you need more than just Google Maps and a snack; you need a plan. Shoreline Happy Paws is here to help you turn those miles into smiles with our ultimate holiday pet travel checklist for CT Shoreline road trips. With these tips, you can travel safely and stress-free with your furry family members, whether you go to grandma’s for Thanksgiving next week or on a fun weekend away next month!
Safety First: Secure the Journey
The single most important rule of pet travel is restraint. Allowing your pet to roam freely in the car is dangerous for both you and your pet. In the event of a sudden stop or accident, an unrestrained pet can become a projectile.
- For Dogs: Use a crash-tested safety harness attached to the seatbelt, or secure them in a durable, well-ventilated crate or carrier.
- For Cats: Always travel with your cat secured in a carrier. It provides a sense of security and keeps them from darting under the pedals or distracting the driver.
- Stay in the Back: Pets should be secured in the back seat, away from the active front airbags. The ideal place for small carriers is on the floor behind the passenger seat. For dogs in car harnesses, the second or third row of your vehicle would be best. For large crates, the back of the vehicle is ideal. Never place a carrier, crate, or loose pet in the bed of a truck.
Always make sure their carrier or harness is fitted properly before you leave, and never let a pet ride with their head out the window; flying debris can cause serious injury to the eyes.
Packing Essentials: Don’t Leave Home Without Them
For a pet, travel is often stressful. To make the experience easier, focus on routine and comfort. Packing the right gear helps maintain familiarity in unfamiliar places and in unnerving moments.
| Category | Must-Have Items | Why They’re Important |
| Identification & Health | ID Tags, Medical Records, Medications | Ensure current ID tags with your mobile number, update your microchip registration, pack all necessary medication, and keep copies of vaccination records/pet health certificates (especially if crossing borders). |
| Comfort & Routine | Regular Food & Treats | A sudden change in diet combined with travel stress can upset their stomach. Pack plenty of their regular food, not a new brand or formulation. |
| Familiar Items | Favorite Blanket/Bed, Toys | The smell of home provides incredible comfort in a new place. |
| Logistics | Collapsible Bowls & Water | Bring plenty of water from home to minimize stomach upset. |
| Cleanup | Poop Bags, Wipes, Paper Towels | Accidents happen. Be prepared for quick cleanup in the car and at rest stops. Always pick up after your pet to ensure the safety of the pets and wildlife in the areas you visit and keep waterways clean. |
| Pests | Flea, Tick, and Heartworm Prevention | Preventive flea, tick, and heartworm medications are recommended year-round throughout the US and Canada. |
Smoother Journeys: Tips for Stress-Free Miles
Stress affects both ends of the leash! A calm, well-prepared pet makes for a happier trip for everyone.
- Practice Makes Perfect: If your pet isn’t used to car rides, take several short “practice runs” in the weeks and days before your trip. Start by just sitting in the car, then drive around the block, slowly increasing the duration.
- Maintain a Schedule: Stick as closely as possible to your pet’s regular feeding and walking schedule. Feed them a light meal a few hours before the trip to prevent carsickness.
- Frequent Breaks: Plan for stops every 2 to 3 hours. This allows time for potty breaks, a quick drink of water, and a chance to stretch legs (on a leash, of course!). Never leave your pet unattended in the car, even for a minute. Temperatures can rise or drop rapidly.
- Tire Them Out: Before you load up, take your dog on an extra-long walk or engage your cat in a vigorous play session. A tired pet is going to rest easier on the journey than one that’s jumping out of their skin with energy.
Holiday Pet Travel Checklist for CT Shoreline Road Trips
By focusing on safety restraints, packing familiar essentials, and planning for plenty of breaks, your holiday road trip can be a wonderful, stress-free experience for the entire family, fur-kids included!
The Best Dog Walkers in the Connecticut Shoreline
Shoreline Happy Paws is currently accepting new clients for our dog walking and dog hiking adventure services! We will start accepting sign-ups for The Doggie Adventure Bus once we have a clearer idea of the service and routes. Don’t forget to participate in our survey to voice your input!
New Shoreline Happy Paws clients can create an account. We will be in touch to further discuss your needs and set you and your family up for success. Existing clients, please book services by logging in to your client profile.
We serve the following areas of the Connecticut Shoreline:
- Old Saybrook
- Essex, Ivoryton & Centerbrook
- Deep River
- Chester
- Westbrook
- Clinton
- Old Lyme
- East Lyme
- Niantic
Certain Parts and Certain Service Hours in:
- Lyme and Madison
- Waterford, New London, Groton
- Uncasville, Gales Ferry, Mystic, Noank
