November kicks off one of the busiest travel seasons of the year. Suitcases pile up, cars fill with snacks and sweaters, and pets get swept up in the hustle right along with us. Whether you’re hitting the road for Thanksgiving or flying across the country, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping pets calm, healthy, and hydrated.
Holiday travel can be exciting but for pets, it can also be confusing. New environments, long car rides, airport noise, and schedule changes can all add stress. A thoughtful plan helps make the journey smoother for everyone.
Smart Packing Lists for Dogs & Cats
Holiday travel is easier when you pack like a pro. Here are pet-focused essentials that prevent stress, mess, and last-minute scrambling.
For Dogs
- Collar, harness, and ID tags (double-check microchip info before leaving)
- Leash + a backup
- Waste bags
- Familiar bedding or a favorite blanket
- Toys or chews for anxiety and boredom
- Medications, supplements, or calming aids
- Grooming wipes or a travel brush
- Kleanbowls + refills for easy feeding anywhere
- Current vaccination records if you’ll board or cross state lines
For Cats
- Secure carrier with soft padding
- Litter and disposable trays
- Comfort items (blanket, shirt with your scent, favorite toy)
- Treats or lickable snacks
- Medications or calming pheromone spray
- Portable scratching option
- Kleanbowls for clean feeding on the go
Hydration & Feeding Routines While Traveling
Travel disrupts routines—and pets notice. Consistency reduces stress and helps prevent stomach upset.
1. Keep Feeding Times Consistent
Try to feed at the same times you do at home. Their stomach, hydration cycle, and stress levels will all thank you.
2. Offer Smaller, More Frequent Meals
Especially during long drives or flights, smaller meals:
- Reduce nausea
- Lower the risk of vomiting
- Keep digestion steady
3. Prioritize Hydration
Pets can get dehydrated quickly in heated cars, dry cabin air, or during long stretches between stops. A clean, fresh water bowl encourages more drinking, which helps:
- Prevent motion sickness
- Regulate body temperature
- Reduce travel stress
- Support immune function
Why Portable, Sanitary Bowls Matter on Travel Days
Travel is one of the highest-risk moments for bowl contamination. Think about all the places a pet might drink or eat on the road: gas stations, hotels, rest stops, airports, Grandma’s house, or the backseat of the car.
Traditional bowls can quickly pick up:
- Biofilm
- Germs from shared surfaces
- Bacteria from outdoor areas
- Saliva residue that’s tough to remove on the go
Kleanbowls make travel simpler and safer:
- Fresh, sanitary refills for each meal
- No need to rinse bowls in hotel sinks or gas-station bathrooms
- Encourages better hydration
- Keeps digestive systems steady during routine changes
- Lightweight and packable, even for carry-ons
Travel is unpredictable. A clean bowl shouldn’t be.
If Your Facility Boards Holiday Travelers: Tips to Prep Pet Parents
November and December are peak months for pet care businesses. Preparing owners ahead of time makes holiday boarding smoother for everyone.
1. Ask Owners to Update Their Pet’s Feeding Plan
Encourage families to:
- Bring preferred food in pre-measured portions
- Share any recent digestive or behavioral changes
- Confirm feeding frequencies and treat allowances
2. Remind Owners About Hydration Needs
Let families know how your facility manages water service, and remind them that pets may drink more or less when stressed.
3. Encourage Single-Use, Sanitary Bowls
Kleanbowls help reduce the spread of germs during your busiest season, especially with high turnover in feeding areas.
4. Share a Packing Checklist
Boards get smoother when pet parents know exactly what to pack:
- Leash and harness
- Medications
- Favorite comfort items
- Food
- Emergency contact information
- Any behavior notes
5. Give Returning Owners a Quick Debrief
A simple, friendly summary helps reinforce trust:
- Appetite
- Hydration
- Energy levels
- Social behavior
Smooth Holiday Travel Starts With Clean, Simple Routines
Travel season is full of movement, noise, excitement, and change. With the right preparation, and clean bowls for every meal, pets can stay comfortable, hydrated, and stress-free wherever the holidays take them.