How to Prepare Your Animal for a Long Journey

Veterinary health check before departure

Before an animal sets off on a longer journey, a veterinary examination should establish whether it is fit to travel at all. That applies particularly to older animals, pregnant animals, young animals and animals with pre-existing conditions. Depending on the destination and the species, certain vaccinations, a parasite treatment or a health certificate may also be required, so find out what applies in good time: some documents are only valid for a limited period, or have to be issued a certain time in advance. Do not leave this appointment until just before departure. Build in enough of a buffer in case something still needs to be sorted out.

Documents you should prepare

Depending on the species, the destination and whether a border is crossed, different paperwork may be needed. For dogs and cats travelling within the EU, the EU pet passport is often the relevant document, recording things like microchip identification and vaccinations. For other species, or for travel outside the EU, additional papers such as health certificates or the import requirements of the destination may come into play. Keep all documents together in an easily accessible folder, have them to hand throughout the journey, and make copies or photos as a precaution in case the originals go missing.

Getting used to the crate and the vehicle

An animal that already knows its transport crate or the vehicle will be noticeably more relaxed during the journey itself. It is worth making the crate or trailer accessible a few days or weeks in advance so the animal can explore it calmly, perhaps with familiar blankets or toys inside. Short practice trips help further, gradually getting the animal used to movement, noise and getting in and out. Skip this training and you risk the journey itself becoming the animal's first and biggest stressful experience all at once.

Feeding and watering plan for the journey

A well-thought-out feeding and watering plan makes a real difference to how the animal feels during the journey. As a principle: water should be offered at appropriate intervals throughout the trip, while larger amounts of food shortly before departure are better avoided, to prevent nausea or discomfort. It is best to agree with your vet in advance what feeding should look like specifically for your animal and the planned journey time, since needs differ according to species, age and state of health. Bringing along the animal's usual food from home can also help avoid putting unnecessary strain on its stomach.

Comfort on the road: equipment and breaks

Alongside health and paperwork, comfort during the journey plays a big part. That includes an appropriate temperature and ventilation, enough room to stand, lie down or turn around depending on the species, and familiar objects such as a blanket or a soft toy that provide reassurance. On longer journeys, plan in regular breaks where the animal can, where possible and safe to do so, move about briefly, relieve itself or simply settle down. Watch your animal attentively throughout the journey and respond to signs of stress such as heavy panting, restlessness or withdrawal.

After arrival: rest and settling in

The journey is not over for the animal once you arrive. Give it time to find its bearings in the new surroundings, offer fresh water and a smaller meal if appropriate, and avoid too much commotion or unfamiliar visitors in the first few hours. A quiet retreat set up with familiar things helps the animal relax more quickly. Keep watching it closely over the following days, particularly its eating and drinking behaviour, and seek veterinary advice if restlessness persists or you notice anything unusual about its health.

Frequently asked questions