Something shifted in 2026: pet parents aren’t flying as much—they’re hitting the road. Road trips now make up 34% of pet travel, and social feeds are full of car seat setups, pet-friendly stop guides, and route-planning tips. But road trips come with a different kind of prep, especially when you cross state lines or head into Canada. Here’s what to pack, what documents to have ready, and how to travel with your dog or cat confidently.

National Pet ID Week is the perfect reminder to go beyond a tag and build a Pet ID you can actually use. With PadsPass, you can create a free digital Pet ID for up to 5 pets, store microchip numbers and vet records, and keep everything accessible from your phone. So when you’re traveling, at a new vet, or dealing with an emergency, the information that matters is ready—no searching through emails or paper folders.

I’m Lauren, co-founder of PadsPass, and Peru—my 20-ish-pound travel companion—helped me put the Roverlund Out-and-About Pet Tote Pro Edition to the test at Global Pet Expo. Between booth days and back-to-back meetings, I carried him constantly, and this tote felt like real gear: structured, stable, and comfortable enough for long stretches. Here’s what stood out, what I packed, and why it made busy travel days easier.

Europe is tightening pet travel documentation checks on April 22, 2026 — and the margin for error is shrinking. The core requirements (microchip, rabies vaccine, health certificate) aren’t new, but enforcement around timing, sequencing, and traceability is getting stricter. Don’t wait until you’re under deadline pressure. With PadsPass, you can keep records organized, spot issues early, and be ready when rules shift. Download the app and create your free Pet ID.

Last week, PadsPass exhibited at Global Pet Expo 2026 in Orlando for the first time. Over three days, we spoke with pet parents, pet professionals, and creators, and heard the same thing in different forms: pet travel paperwork is still confusing, stressful, and far more complex than most people expect. This article breaks down what we saw at the show and why the need for clear, verified documentation guidance is growing fast.

Pet travel is booming — bookings surged 260% heading into 2026. But the rules aren't simple, and they're changing fast. From outdated microchip info to wrong-sized carriers, the mistakes pet parents make are surprisingly common and costly. Every single one is entirely avoidable with the right preparation. Here are the five biggest pet travel mistakes — and exactly how to avoid them.

TSA lines are stretching 2–3 hours at major U.S. airports, and flying with a pet adds extra document checks at check-in. Avoid pet paperwork panic with a simple pet travel checklist: rabies certificate, vaccine records, microchip number, vet contact info, and airline pet forms. Organize your pet’s health documents on your phone before you leave so you can move faster through the airport.

The day you need your pet’s records is rarely the day you have time to look for them. A Pet ID keeps your pet’s microchip number, vaccine history, and key vet records in one secure place — ready for relocation, emergency travel, or the unexpected. PadsPass helps you stay prepared, so when someone asks for proof, you can pull it up instantly instead of searching under pressure.

A viral airport story broke hearts—but it exposed a bigger issue: pet travel compliance is fragmented, confusing, and often discovered too late. Stress doesn’t excuse abandonment, but broken systems increase the risk of crisis decisions. Responsible pet travel should be structured, clear, and proactive. That’s why we built PadsPass—to help families prepare early, stay compliant, and avoid last-minute surprises at the airport.

Love is powerful — but preparation makes it protective. This article explores common wellness mistakes vets see (waiting too long, self-diagnosing, skipping follow-ups) and why accurate, accessible medical records are critical — especially during travel, emergencies, or life changes. When pet parents and veterinary teams share clear, verified information, care becomes faster, safer, and smarter.

Pet travel is easier when it’s broken into clear stages, starting weeks before departure—not days. From understanding destination requirements and reviewing your pet’s baseline health, to coordinating time-sensitive documents and supporting stress management, early planning reduces overwhelm. Staying organised helps pet parents avoid last-minute surprises and support their pet’s digestion, immunity, and behaviour. Calm trips start long before the airport.

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.

Flying with your pet doesn’t have to be stressful. With PadsPass, all of your pet’s medical records, vaccine history, and travel documents are stored securely in one place—ready whenever you need them. Our research-backed guidance helps you understand airline and country requirements, so you can plan ahead and avoid last-minute surprises. With a digital pet passport in hand, you and your furry friend can take off with confidence.

Traveling with pets isn’t always picture-perfect. On this National Dog Day, our CEO shares a true (and smelly!) story about flying with her pup Pads — and the key pet travel tips she learned along the way.

Microchipping is key to pet safety and travel, but it only works if it’s registered and up to date. PadsPass builds on this by linking your pet’s microchip to a secure digital profile with health records and travel requirements. Since most countries require microchips for pet entry, keeping info current is essential. Regularly checking your pet’s chip ensures a smoother, safer journey and peace of mind wherever you go.

When natural disasters strike, there’s no time to think—only time to act. After living through Hurricane María in Puerto Rico, I learned that every emergency plan must include our pets. In this article, I share what it really means to protect animals during chaos, plus practical tips to help pet parents prepare for hurricane season with confidence, clarity, and care. Because our pets are family and they rely on us to be ready.

Summer travel with pets can be a blast—but rising temps bring serious risks. Heat and dehydration can sneak up fast, especially in the car or during midday outings. Stay safe by traveling during cooler hours, packing water and cooling gear, and using tech to find pet-friendly, air-conditioned spots if needed. Never leave your pet in a parked car, and always keep hydration on paw. With a little prep, summer adventures can stay fun—and safe—for your furry copilot.

Traveling with pets isn’t just about finding a hotel that allows them—it’s about choosing one that welcomes them with open paws. At PadsPass™, we personally visit and evaluate pet-friendly properties to help our VIPP (Very Important Pet + Person) clients find the perfect stay. From luxury stays like the Fairmont Pacific Rim to cozy retreats like Four Seasons Resort Whistler, we ensure pets are guests too—because your pet deserves more than “pet-tolerant".

Wildfire season is here, and pet parents need to be ready. This article shares essential emergency preparedness tips to keep pets safe before, during, and after a wildfire. Learn how to build a pet-friendly go-bag, find backup accommodations, and use trusted apps to stay informed. Whether you're at home or traveling through fire-prone areas, we’ve got you covered. Plus, discover how the upcoming PadsPass app will simplify emergency travel with digital pet passports.

Veterinary poison information services are evolving, as highlighted at the BVALive Conference in Birmingham. From historical roots to the creation of the VPIS, the field faces ongoing challenges like limited support and inconsistent data. New technologies such as AI and global platforms like PadsPass offer promising solutions. Vets are encouraged to embrace collaboration, submit case data, and stay updated to improve toxicology practices and advance animal care worldwide.

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and services we trust.Whether you're clocking in from your couch or heading into a pet-friendly office, Take Your Pet to Work Week is the perfect reminder that pets aren't just part of our homes, they’re part of our everyday lives. But while having your four-legged coworker nearby can

Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We only recommend products and services we trust.Pet Appreciation Week is a reminder that love isn't always loud, sometimes it looks like early vet appointments, updated records, or a favorite toy packed in a travel bag. At PadsPass, we believe wellness is one of the most powerful ways to show your pet how much

In the wake of the viral video on Instagram featuring Maple the golden retriever and the concerns raised around her travel experience with AeroMexico, questions about airline responsibilities and pet travel standards are surfacing once again. Our founder Lauren, who holds an IATA Live Animal Regulations (LAR) Certification, breaks down what every pet parent (and airline) should know when it comes to safely transporting animals by air.

PadsPass took flight at Aviation Festival Americas — and we didn’t just show up, we stood out! As the only pet travel startup in a sea of aviation tech, we turned heads (and wagged tails) with our playful, purpose-driven presence. From on-the-spot app demos to dog-loving industry pros, we discovered how powerful personality can be in a professional setting.

Discover 7 must-have pet-friendly camping products that make outdoor adventures safer and more enjoyable for your furry companions. From GPS trackers and cooling mats to slow feed bowls and biodegradable waste bags, these expert-recommended essentials enhance pet comfort, safety, and convenience on every camping trip. Perfect for pet parents who love the great outdoors and want to camp responsibly with their four-legged furiends.

Discover our top pet travel product picks from Global Pet Expo 2025! From crash-tested dog crates to expandable cat carriers and lightweight backpacks, we’ve rounded up our favorite gear to make traveling with your pet safer and more comfortable. Whether you're road-tripping or flying, these innovative finds are perfect for every pet parent on the go. Plus, we’ve got exclusive discounts and VIPP tips for smarter, smoother travel.

Veterinarians are facing growing pressure as international pet travel becomes more complex, especially post-Brexit. With ever-changing regulations and confused pet parents, vets are burdened with paperwork and legal risks. This article explores the challenges vets face and how solutions like PadsPass can simplify the process for everyone involved.

Pet industry booming! $312B economic impact, 71% US households own pets, Gen Z now half of owners. Insights from Global Pet Expo.

Heathrow flight diversions highlight risks for pets in cargo. Could UK’s in-cabin pet travel ban be putting animals at greater risk?

Famous traveling cats Lupin & Rajah joined PadsPass' Yappy Hour in London, proving cat travel is on the rise.

Compare hotel & airline credit cards for pet travelers. Maximize perks like free nights and checked bags and other perks 🐾✈️🏨

Ensure a smooth trip with your pet! Discover the must-have items for a doggie diaper bag and how to navigate airline carry-on policies.

Discover how to travel from Bermuda to the UK with your dog using flights & ferries. Tips on pet cabins & paperwork for smooth sailing.

Keep pets safe this New Year! 🐾 Learn how to prevent escapes during fireworks & why microchip registration is a must. 🎆 #PetSafety

Traveling with pets this winter? Plan ahead! Flexible bookings, vaccine checks with PadsPass 2.0, and early pet care ensure happy tails! 🐾✈

Planning a multi-day road trip with your cat? Learn essential tips for a smooth, stress-free journey.

Transform an old sweater into a cozy dog sweater! Learn easy steps to upcycle a human sweater, with tips for a snug, stylish fit.

Learn how animals that provide service or support are classified differently across borders.

Experienced cat travellers share their tips and tricks for traveling with cats in public spaces.

The difference between flea and tick prevention for cats and puppies for travel

What to expect when flying, driving, or staying with your cat in a hotel.

Starting Catober with a summary of what we learned at the Travel Cat Summit.

Switch to compostable poo bags for your pup and reduce plastic waste, especially when traveling to fragile island ecosystems.

Learn essential tips for caring for senior pets as a sitter and discover how PadsPass will simplify health tracking, routines, and vet care.

Our founder writes about her experience in the Ignite Entrepreneur Accelerator Programme and how that has set up PadsPass for success.

Looking for a dog-friendly hotel that makes you never want to leave the hotel? Try the DoubleTree Hilton Lagoa in the Azores.

Explore a dog-friendly week in the Azores! Scenic drives, wine tastings, pet-friendly spots, and unforgettable sunsets.

How PadsPass found startup success by using trial periods for staff to protect equity and finances while ensuring to create a strong team.

Lessons learned for PadsPass on how to improve pet travel from a recent trip to the Azores in Portugal.

The health and safety behind pet relief areas.

How to prepare for a storm or hurricane with a pet

PadsPass founder Lauren Anders Brown launches a free microchip registry to reunite lost pets with owners faster. Join the initiative today!

Discover Bermuda with your pet! Lauren Anders Brown shares tips in House + Hound on navigating island travel with furry companions.

PadsPass hosted Bermuda's first dog cricket event.

Traveling with your dog to work benefits everyone with two legs and four.

Traveling with a dog from Miami to the Space Coast in Florida.

What we learned flying with a dog internationally on American Airlines

What it was like to travel with an in-cabin pet to Bermuda with the assistance of a new pet travel platform.

Lauren Anders Brown is changing pet travel furever.

After a flight into Heathrow, Lauren Anders Brown faced a 24-hour separation from her dog due to complex pet import laws.Here's her solution

Over the ten years I've been flying with a dog, a majority of my 75 flights I took with her were with Delta. I've seen a lot of changes over the years with how dogs are treated when flying, and I have always felt most confident flying with Delta. My last dog though was a registered service animal, and she sadly left me for her final destination last March. I now have a new dog named Peru I am training, you may know him as my head of barketing. It will be sometime before his training is completed

Hi there, I'm Pads one of the co-founders of PadsPass The dog founder that is. I know my human founder will be sharing lots of impawtant information with you as we continue to build, but I wanted to give you my point of view as to why dogs should travel. Let me first tell you a little about my human Lauren drove 15 hours round trip to get me from New York City to Pittsburgh in a single day, so since day one with her I had to learn to endure long travels. Turns out I was a really good travel dog

From filmmaker to startup entrepreneur