5 Mistakes Pet Owners Often Make During Holiday Travel 🐾🎄

❌ Mistake #1: Treating Holiday Travel Like a Normal Weekend Trip

Between winter storms, packed airports, traffic jams, and late-night arrivals, holiday travel is louder, longer, and more stressful than your average weekend away. If pets aren’t used to long car rides or busy terminals, it can be a lot to handle.

Try instead:

• Do a few short practice drives before a long road trip.

• Pack a small “pet carry-on” with comfort items and water.

• Add extra rest stops so they can stretch and decompress.

• If flying, review airline pet rules early and avoid tight layovers.

Holiday travel will still be hectic, but at least your pet won’t feel like they’ve been dropped into chaos without warning.

❌ Mistake #2: Ignoring All the Holiday Hazards

Holiday rentals and relatives’ houses often come with:

• Chocolate and baked goods on low tables

• Turkey bones and toothpicks in trash cans

• Tinsel, ribbon, and breakable ornaments

• Poinsettias, mistletoe, lilies, and pine oils

Try instead:

• Do a quick “pet safety sweep” on arrival.

• Set up a quiet, safe retreat space for your pet.

• Ask guests and family not to feed holiday leftovers.

A little prevention now can save you a lot of worry (and vet bills) later.

❌ Mistake #3: Letting Their Routine Completely Disappear

During the holidays, meal times drift, walks get skipped, and everyone stays up late. For pets, that can turn into anxiety, accidents, and tummy trouble.

Try instead:

• Keep meal times consistent.

• Prioritize one real walk or play session daily for dogs.

• Bring familiar items for cats and keep litter boxes in a quiet spot.

• Test new calming aids or medications before you travel.

You don’t need a rigid schedule, but a few familiar anchors in their day will help them stay calmer.

❌ Mistake #4: Assuming Everywhere Is Automatically Pet-Friendly

Your relatives may love your pet… but still not want fur on their couch, chewed wrapping paper, or a litter box next to the holiday tree.

Try instead:

• Confirm that your lodging or host is okay with pets.

• Ask about expectations and house rules ahead of time.

• Bring your own crate, bed, baby gate, or playpen if necessary.

“Don’t assume—confirm” is basically the golden rule of pet-inclusive holiday travel.

❌ Mistake #5: Taking Your Pet Along When They’d Be More Comfortable at Home

This is the hardest one because it’s often more about our feelings than theirs. Some animals genuinely enjoy travel and new environments. Others would rather nap in their own bed and be spoiled by a sitter.

Signs your pet may be happier at home:

• They’re anxious, shy, or stressed around new people.

• They struggle with loud noises, long rides, or unfamiliar places.

• They’re older or managing a medical condition.

• Your trip involves several locations, flights, or huge gatherings.

Try instead:

• Consider a trusted pet sitter, house-sitter, or well-reviewed boarding facility.

• Arrange a meet-and-greet between your pet and sitter before you leave so everyone feels comfortable.

• Sometimes the kindest holiday gift is letting them stay in a calm, familiar place.

• Leave clear instructions (food, meds, routines, emergency contacts, vet info) and more than enough food and supplies.

Sometimes the kindest holiday gift is letting them stay in a calm, familiar place.

Holiday travel with pets can be incredibly special with snowy walks, cozy evenings, and extra cuddles in a new destination. But with busier schedules, unfamiliar homes, and tempting holiday foods everywhere, the season brings added risks. With a bit of planning and realistic expectations, you can create a holiday that keeps everyone safe, comfortable, and happily snoozing into the new year.

FAQ: Holiday Pet Travel Mistakes (And What To Do Instead)

1. What holiday plants are toxic to pets?

Several popular seasonal plants can be dangerous for cats and dogs. The biggest offenders include:

• Poinsettias: Mildly toxic; can cause drooling, vomiting, and mouth irritation.

• Mistletoe: More serious—can cause vomiting, low blood pressure, or even seizures depending on the species.

• Holly: Causes vomiting, diarrhea, and mouth irritation from the spiky leaves.

• Lilies: Extremely toxic to cats. Even a small amount can cause kidney failure.

• Amaryllis: Can cause vomiting, drooling, abdominal pain, and tremors.

• Pine needles/pine oils: Sharp needles can irritate the digestive tract; pine oils can be toxic.

Safe rule: Keep all plants out of reach unless you’ve verified they’re safe—especially in unfamiliar homes where you don’t control décor.

2. Is it better to travel with my pet or leave them at home?

It depends on personality and circumstances. Social, adaptable pets often travel well. Anxious, elderly, or medically fragile pets might be happier staying home with a sitter. Always ask: Will this be enjoyable for them—or just stressful?

3. How do I prepare my pet for long car rides during the holidays?

• Take short practice drives first

• Feed them after traveling, not before

• Bring familiar bedding and toys

• Make frequent stops

• Keep them secured in a harness or carrier

• Use sunshades or airflow to prevent overheating

If motion sickness is an issue, talk to your vet about medication.

4. What should I pack when traveling with my pet for Christmas or New Year’s?

At minimum:

• Their regular food + extra

• Treats and collapsible bowls

• Medications

• Bed, blanket, or crate

• Leash, harness, ID tags

• Litter box + litter (for cats)

• Toys

• Vaccination records

• Cleaning supplies (wipes, poop bags, enzyme cleaner)

Think of it as the pet version of a carry-on: comfort + essentials.

5. Can my pet have holiday foods like turkey or leftovers?

Only in very small, plain amounts. Safe-ish foods include unseasoned white turkey meat or a small spoon of mashed potato (without butter, garlic, or salt).

Never give:

• Turkey bones

• Onions or garlic

• Chocolate

• Xylitol-sweetened treats

• Alcohol

• Grapes or raisins

• Fatty or salty foods

Holiday leftovers are a fast track to vet visits for pancreatitis and are best to avoid.

6. How early should I see the vet before traveling?

Ideally 2–4 weeks before your trip. This gives time to:

• Update vaccinations

• Get health certificates (required for flying or international travel)

• Ask about anxiety aids or motion sickness meds

• Discuss risks related to winter weather or long drives