Overcome the challenges of travelling with pets - 8 tips from experts

Travelling can be a delightful bonding experience between pets and their human companions, but it's not without its challenges. Transitioning into unfamiliar surroundings can cause considerable stress and anxiety for pets. To counteract these issues, McDowell's Herbal has innovated a herbal relax formulation, designed specifically to ease your pet's anxiety and make the journey more pleasant for both parties.

The Relax formula, a unique blend of traditionally-used herbs, aims to nurture and rejuvenate the nervous systems of overly anxious cats and dogs. Pet owners and trainers have utilised the Relax formula for years, consistently reporting positive results and improved travel experiences for their companions.

The recommended method of administration for the Relax formula involves adding several drops into a small portion of food three times a day, starting two weeks before the travel date. As your pet becomes more familiar with their new environment, reduce the frequency of dosage to once or twice a day. This dosage is then gradually decreased to find the optimal amount needed for the desired calming effect.

Catherine McDowell, Master Herbalist and Director of McDowell's Herbal, emphasises that while the Relax Tonic is a helpful tool, it's crucial to maintain familiar routines and ensure your pet has plenty of exercise before travel to mitigate potential stress. She reminds us, "Every pet is unique and requires an approach tailored to their needs to ensure their travel experience is as positive as possible."

Apart from administering McDowell's Relax Formula, here are four more crucial steps to prepare for travelling with your pets:

1. Checking the Airline's Policy

It's crucial to verify the airline's pet policy before booking a flight. Some airlines accommodate small dogs and cats in the cabin, while others permit pets only in the cargo hold. Additionally, certain airlines have breed restrictions. Always ensure your pet fits within the airline's guidelines.

2. Procuring a Pet Health Certificate

A health certificate from your veterinarian, stating your pet's good health and updated vaccinations, is a pre-requisite for most airlines. It is typically required to be issued within 10 days of travel.

3. Booking a Pet-Friendly Hotel

Ensure that your chosen hotel is pet-friendly. Remember that some hotels charge extra fees for pets, and might also impose weight or breed restrictions. Always call ahead to confirm your pet is welcome.

4. Packing Your Pet's Essentials

Include your pet's essentials when packing for your trip. This includes food, water, bowls, a leash, toys, waste bags, and any necessary medications. Don’t forget to carry their vaccination records.

5. Planning Ahead

Plan your journey ahead of time. This involves researching pet-friendly accommodations and ensuring your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date. It's advisable to pack a travel kit for your pet, including food, water, toys, and a leash.

6. Considering Your Pet's Personality

Choose your destination, keeping in mind your pet's personality. If your pet is introverted or anxious, steer clear of crowded or noisy places. If your pet enjoys exploring and socializing, select a destination that offers ample opportunities for walks and playtime.

7. Ensuring Your Pet's Comfort

Your pet's comfort is paramount. Provide them with a comfortable place to sleep, and plenty of food and water. Frequent breaks for stretching and bathroom use are necessary.

8. Preparing for Emergencies

Though most trips go smoothly, always be prepared for emergencies. Carry a first-aid kit for your pet and familiarise yourself with the location of the nearest animal hospital.

Travelling with pets can be a joyful experience when done right. With McDowell's Herbal Relax Formula and a little preparation, you can avoid travel anxiety and ensure an enjoyable journey for both you.

Catherine McDowell, Master Herbalist and Director of McDowell's Herbal has said “Travelling can be a challenging experience for pets. This is where McDowell's Animal Botanical range of herbal formulations comes into play. The Relax formula is specifically prepared with herbs traditionally used to nourish and restore the nervous system of dogs and cats that are extremely stressed or nervous. The Relax formulation has been used by pet owners and trainers over decades with repeated positive results for the overly anxious animal.

The Relax formula is typically administered by adding several drops into a small amount of food three times a day for two weeks before you travel, reducing to one or two times as your pet becomes accustomed to their new surroundings. The dose is then gradually decreased to find the minimum amount needed for the desired result.

The Relax formulation is a blend of the most reliable and traditionally used herbs known for reducing physical nervous tension and anxiety. But beyond the Relax Tonic, it's also important to maintain familiar routines and ensure plenty of exercises before travel to help ease any potential stress.

Remember, every pet is unique and requires an approach tailored to their needs to ensure their travel experience is as positive as possible."

*Source: Carla Horvath, Director of Public Relations, hmmpr communications carla@hutchmediamanagement.com