Traveling with Your Pet or Hiring a Sitter? The Holiday Guide

The holidays are approaching. The dilemma too: “Do I take them or leave them?” Here is what helps you decide and organize.

Option 1: Traveling WITH My Pet

It’s an adventure! But it requires preparation.

By Car

• Safety: Never loose! Use a special seat belt or a secured crate.
• Comfort: Stops every 2 hours. Fresh water. Beware of heatstroke (never leave the animal alone in the car).

By Train (France/Europe)

• Cost: Often a fixed small fee for small pets in bags, or a percentage for larger dogs (muzzled).
• Rules: Ticket mandatory. Muzzle mandatory for large dogs.

By Plane

• Cabin: Under 6-8kg (bag included).
• Hold: IATA approved crate mandatory. Stressful for the animal, avoid for flat-nosed breeds (Boxer, Bulldog, Persian) who risk respiratory distress.

Option 2: Having Them LOOKED AFTER

Sometimes, it’s the best solution for their well-being (long trip, hot country, anxious animal).

• Kennel/Cattery: Summer camp vibes (choose carefully!).
• Pet Sitter at Home: The animal stays in their environment. Ideal for cats.
• Host Family: Family life at the sitter’s home.

The Verdict

• Travel with them if: They like the car, they are calm, your destination is “Pet Friendly”.
• Have them looked after if: The journey is too long, they are old/sick, it’s a homebody cat.

Need a sitter? Find a trusted pet sitter on Adopt’Animaux.