Traveling with your furry companion can be an anxiety-inducing experience for both you and your pet. But fear not, fellow pet parents! We’ve got your back with our list of 5 calming bites and 5 pet-friendly airlines to make your 2025 travels a breeze.

5 Calming Bites for Stress-Free Pet Travel

1. Calming Chews: These soft chews contain ingredients like chamomile and valerian root, which have calming effects on dogs and cats. They’re a great way to take the edge off before or during travel.

2. Pet CBD Oil: CBD has gained popularity in recent years for its calming and anti-anxiety properties. Pet CBD oil can be given orally or applied topically to help your pet relax during travel.

3. Lavender Essential Oil: Lavender is known for its soothing and calming effects on the nervous system. Diffuse a few drops of lavender essential oil in your car or hotel room to create a calming environment for your pet.

4. Thundershirt: This ingenious garment applies gentle, constant pressure to your pet’s body, providing a sense of security and reducing anxiety. It’s perfect for use in cars, planes, or other stressful situations.

5. Puzzle Toys: Keeping your pet mentally stimulated with puzzle toys can help distract them from travel-related stress. Choose interactive toys that dispense treats or require problem-solving to keep their minds occupied.

5 Pet-Friendly Airlines to Soar High

1. Southwest Airlines: Southwest is known for its pet-friendly policies and reasonable pet fees. They allow cats and dogs up to 100 pounds to travel in soft-sided carriers in the cabin, and there’s no limit on the number of pets per passenger.

2. Delta Air Lines: Delta’s pet program is a bit more restrictive than Southwest’s, but they still allow small cats and dogs in the cabin. However, they limit the number of pets per passenger to 2, and their pet fees are slightly higher.

3. JetBlue Airways: JetBlue offers a “Paws + Go” program that allows small pets to travel in the cabin in soft-sided carriers. However, they limit the number of pets per passenger to 1, and their pet fees are higher than both Southwest and Delta.

4. United Airlines: United’s “PetSafe” program allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin or checked baggage. Their pet fees are higher than other airlines, but they offer a more comfortable experience for pets in the cabin.

5. American Airlines: American’s “Pets in Cabin” program allows small cats and dogs to travel in the cabin. However, their pet fees are the highest of all the airlines on our list, and they have strict weight and size restrictions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Not booking in advance: Pet-friendly airlines have limited space for pets, so make sure to book your flight well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during peak season.

2. Ignoring the rules: Each airline has its own rules and regulations regarding pets, so be sure to read them carefully before booking your flight. Ignoring the rules could result in your pet being denied boarding or incurring additional fees.

3. Skipping the vet visit: Before traveling, take your pet to the vet for a checkup and to make sure they’re healthy enough to fly. The vet can also provide you with a health certificate, which is required by most airlines.

4. Overpacking your pet’s carrier: Make sure your pet’s carrier is big enough for them to move around comfortably, but not so big that they can’t stand up or turn around.

5. Not preparing your pet for the trip: Gradually expose your pet to the sights, sounds, and smells of the airport before your flight. This will help them get used to the experience and make the travel day less stressful for both of you.