If youâve ever started pulling out your suitcase only to notice your dog pacing nervously or your cat suddenly disappearing under the bed, you already know that our pets are incredibly tuned in to our routines. They recognize when something is changing, and for many animals, change can equal stress. Whether youâre packing for a trip, getting ready to drop them off with a pet sitter, or buckling them into the car, preparing your pet for stressful experiences makes a world of difference for both of you.
The Early Signs of Stress
Long before the big eventâbe it travel or time with a sitterâmost pets show small signs of unease. Dogs may pant, pace, or follow you from room to room as you pack. Cats often retreat to quiet spaces, groom excessively, or go off their food. Recognizing these signals is important, because it means you can take steps to comfort them before their stress snowballs.
Packing Without Panic
For many pets, the sight of a suitcase is the first red flag. One way to reduce this anxiety is to make your packing routine less âalarming.â Try leaving your suitcase out for a few days before you actually start loading it. Let your pet sniff it, sit in it (cats almost certainly will), or even toss in a treat or toy so they associate it with something positive. Packing in stages instead of all at once can also prevent that sudden, disruptive energy shift pets pick up on.
Comfort in Familiar Things
When pets are staying with a sitter, it helps enormously to send them with a little piece of âhome.â A favorite blanket, well-loved toy, or even a T-shirt that smells like you can help them settle in unfamiliar surroundings. For car rides, creating a cozy space with their own bed or travel carrier lined with familiar fabric can lower stress levels. These familiar scents are like anchors, reassuring them even in a new environment.
On the Road Together
Travel itself can be a challenge. Dogs that arenât used to car rides may drool, pant heavily, or even get carsick. To help, keep the car environment calmâno blaring music, sudden stops, or rushing. Bring along water, take breaks for potty and stretch time, and consider a safe restraint like a seat belt harness or travel crate for comfort and safety. For cats, always use a secure carrier, ideally one theyâve explored at home before the trip.
Calming Aids and Supplements
For pets that remain anxious despite your best efforts, there are additional tools that can help. Calming chews or supplements containing ingredients like L-theanine, chamomile, or melatonin are widely available. Pheromone sprays or diffusers, like Adaptil for dogs or Feliway for cats, can create a soothing atmosphere both at home and in carriers. In more serious cases, talking with your veterinarian about prescription options is a wise step. Always introduce these supports before travel so you know how your pet will respond.
Your Calm = Their Calm
Perhaps the most overlooked tool in easing pet stress is you. Animals mirror our emotions. If youâre rushing, anxious, or guilty about leaving, they will pick up on it. Taking a few minutes to breathe, sit with your pet, and reassure them with calm body language can do wonders. Try to maintain routines as much as possibleâwalks at the usual times, meals served as expectedâeven on days leading up to departure.
A Happier Goodbye, A Calmer Return
Ultimately, preparing your pet for stressful situations is about trust. The more consistent and thoughtful you are, the more your pet will believe that even when things changeâwhen the car starts, the suitcase comes out, or the sitter arrivesâthey are still safe, loved, and cared for. That trust makes every reunion sweeter: instead of returning to a frazzled friend, youâll come home to a pet who feels confident and secure in your bond.