Pet travel isn’t just paperwork — it’s a medical event. While forms and vaccines matter, travel is a full-body stressor for dogs and cats. Changes in routine, environment, and handling trigger stress hormones that affect digestion, immunity, and behavior long before airport day. Without planning for your pet’s nervous system, issues like tummy upsets, anxiety, and meltdowns are far more likely. Calm trips begin weeks before departure — not at check-in.

January is for fresh starts — but for our pets, wellness doesn’t begin with drastic changes. It starts with awareness. In 2026, proactive pet care means understanding what normal truly looks like for your pet before something feels off. By knowing their usual energy, digestion, sleep, and stress signals, even subtle changes stand out early. A clear health baseline brings clarity, confidence, and peace of mind — especially during travel and life transitions.

Every January brings pressure to change everything at once. In 2026, we’re choosing a different kind of reset—one built on small, realistic pet wellness habits that actually stick. From simple daily check-ins to hydration awareness, flexible movement, and keeping health records ready, this approach focuses on consistency over perfection. It’s not about tracking everything—it’s about staying connected, prepared, and confident through real life, busy days, and travel alike.

Traveling with a pet within the U.S. or Canada may seem simple — until it’s not. Requirements can change by destination, airline, or travel method, even for “domestic” trips. PadsPass keeps your pet’s health records, vaccinations, and key dates organized in one secure place, helping you know what’s needed before check-in or crossing a border. Fewer surprises, less stress, and more confidence every step of the journey with your pet.

Cat travel isn’t as simple as many pet parents think. From stress signals to carrier rules, flight limitations, health nuances, and border documentation, cats need just as much preparation as dogs. The Digital Pet Passport reduces uncertainty by organizing records, showing airline requirements, and flagging risks so your cat can travel safely, comfortably, and confidently wherever you go.

New Year’s Eve can be overwhelming for pets—fireworks, loud noises, and unfamiliar activity make it one of the top nights for runaways. A little preparation goes a long way: update all ID info, secure your home, create a calm space, plan ahead for anxiety relief, and keep essential records handy in the Digital Pet Passport so your pet stays safe and close as you welcome the new year.

Travel mistakes happen — from outdated microchip info to confusing paperwork, the wrong carrier, or waiting too long for vet visits. PadsPass helps prevent all of it with verified records, destination-specific rules, and step-by-step checklists so your pet stays safe, compliant, and ready for every journey.

The holidays are here — and so is the question: what do you give the pet parent who has everything except a little more peace of mind? Our 2025 PadsPass Holiday Gift Guide rounds up gifts that make life easier, safer, healthier, and more joyful. From premium nutrition to travel-ready essentials to the Digital Pet Passport upgrade, these picks are perfect for anyone planning new adventures with their pet in 2026.

Pet obesity is often seen as harmless or even “cute,” but many owners don’t realize what a healthy weight truly looks like. Some worry when ribs are visible, mistaking normal body condition for underfeeding. Free-feeding, extra treats, and shared snacks add up quickly. Building awareness—like measuring portions and understanding calorie intake—is key to preventing weight gain and supporting long-term pet health.

Pre-departure health checks are essential for safe, smooth pet travel. They ensure your pet is healthy, fit to fly, and compliant with destination requirements—especially in places free of serious diseases like rabies. A vet can spot issues that may worsen during travel and provide the health certificates needed for entry. These checks protect your pet, other animals, and give pet parents peace of mind before every journey.

The holidays are full of joy—but for pets, they can also bring hidden hazards and stress. From festive foods and décor to changes in routine, a little preparation helps keep tails wagging and whiskers calm. Create a safe space, stick to familiar routines, and plan ahead so everyone—pets included—can enjoy a happy, stress-free pawliday season.

Traveling internationally with pets can bring unexpected challenges, especially at customs. Some countries treat pets as imports, requiring licensed agents, fees, and strict office hours. A real experience with Pads in the UK showed how quickly things can turn stressful without preparation. From quarantine risks to surprise clearance steps, knowing the rules is critical. PadsPass helps pet parents stay organized and ready so reunions happen faster, without heartbreak.

Choosing the best in-cabin pet carrier can be overwhelming, but the right one ensures comfort, compliance, and stress-free travel. At PadsPass, after 100+ flights with our pets, we’ve learned what makes a carrier flight-ready: it must fit airline rules, provide ventilation, be leak-proof, and allow your pet to stand, turn, and rest naturally. This guide shares expert tips, vet insights, and our top pick to keep your pawssenger safe and comfortable from takeoff to landing.

Traveling with your pets this holiday season? The good news: even with a U.S. government shutdown, key agencies like the USDA, CDC, and Customs remain operational—keeping pet travel moving. Experts at The ARK at JFK remind travelers that preparation is essential. Tools like the Digital Pet Passport by PadsPass help keep medical records and travel documents organized, ensuring a smoother, stress-free journey for you and your furry companion.

More pets are flying than ever before. Learn how airlines and digital tools like PadsPass are working together to ensure safe, comfortable air travel for furry passengers and their humans.

Rabies remains a deadly but preventable disease, claiming over 59,000 lives each year—mostly in low- and middle-income countries across Africa and Asia. Labeled a “disease of poverty,” rabies disproportionately affects rural communities with limited healthcare and vaccination access. Recognizing endemic regions is vital for resource allocation, traveler safety, disease surveillance, and reaching the 2030 global goal of zero dog-mediated human rabies deaths.

A digital pet passport securely stores your pet’s identity, health records, and vaccination history in one easy-to-share document, linked directly to their microchip. Just like a human digital passport, it streamlines travel, reduces paperwork, and ensures pets meet international health standards. With details on identification, owner info, treatments, vaccinations, and health certificates, it’s the future of safe, simple pet mobility.

Pet passports serve a vital role in global pet travel: they help prevent the spread of disease, ensure pets meet entry requirements, reduce or even eliminate quarantine, and simplify border crossings with standardized records. A typical passport includes your pet’s ID details, your contact info, vaccination history, and health certificates — everything needed to prove your furry friend is healthy and travel-ready.

Leaving a cat alone depends on age, health, and personality. Most adult cats shouldn’t be left alone for more than 24–48 hours. Cats with medical conditions, senior cats, and kittens need more frequent care. Daily check-ins help prevent issues like urinary blockages, loneliness, or stress. A trusted sitter should refresh food and water, clean litter, give meds, and provide social time. Always leave clear instructions, emergency contacts, and your cat’s favorite comforts.

Microchipping your pet is a safe, permanent form of ID that can’t fall off like collars or tags. It boosts the chances of reunion if your pet is lost, helps prove ownership, and is required for international travel. The quick procedure places a tiny chip under the skin with a unique ID number. Just remember—your info must stay updated for it to work! Microchipping offers peace of mind and is a key step in protecting your pet for life.