Ah, 4th of July—the time for backyard BBQs, booming fireworks, and unforgettable road trips. But if you’re a pet parent, you know this festive weekend can be equal parts joy and chaos. Whether you’re headed to the lake, the mountains, or a cozy rental by the beach, traveling with your furry friend requires a little planning, a lot of love, and just the right calm supplements.

To help you and your pet have a safe, smooth, and tail-waggingly good time, we’ve created your go-to guide for pet friendly travel. From stress relief for dogs and cats to finding the best dog friendly hotels, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll spotlight must-have Wellness^® products to keep your pet calm, happy, and healthy on the road.

The Ultimate Pet Travel Checklist

Before you load up the car or book your flight, make sure you’ve got the essentials packed:

✔️ Food & water bowls (portable ones are a lifesaver)

✔️ Favorite toy or blanket (comfort item)

✔️ Current pet ID tags and pet identification paperwork

✔️ Dog travel carrier or doggie seat for car

✔️ Calming treats for dogs

✔️ Leash, harness, and dog harness and seat belt

✔️ Waste bags or litter supplies

✔️ Health records and vaccination info (especially for flying with a dog or traveling with a cat)

✔️ Plenty of food and treats (more on that below!)

✔️ First aid kit

✔️ Copy of vet contact info

Car Safety for Pets: Buckle Up, Buttercup

A big part of 4th of July pet safety is ensuring your animal is secure while in transit. Unrestrained pets in a moving vehicle aren’t just dangerous to themselves—they’re a hazard to everyone in the car.

Top car safety for pets tips:

• Use a doggie seat for car or a crash-tested dog harness and seat belt
• Cats should always be in a cat carrier or cat-specific crate
• Never let pets hang their heads out the window (yes, it’s cute—no, it’s not safe)
• Plan breaks every 2–3 hours for potty, water, and leg-stretching
• Keep the car cool and NEVER leave a pet in a parked car, even briefly

Finding Dog Friendly Hotels and Pet Friendly Accommodations

Not all vacation rentals that allow pets are created equal. Some places say “pet friendly” and then offer… nothing. Others roll out the red carpet (sometimes literally).

When booking dog friendly accommodations or cat friendly hotels, look for:

• Pet welcome kits (bonus if they include WHIMZEES dog or WHIMZEES cat treats!)
• On-site green spaces or nearby trails
• No or low pet fees
• Access to a local vet or emergency animal clinic
• Clear pet policies on weight/breed restrictions

Check reviews and call ahead to verify policies. Apps like BringFido, Airbnb’s pet filter, and Google Maps reviews are your best friends here.

Long Distance and Plane Travel with Pets

Flying with a dog or cat? You’ll need extra planning, but it can be done comfortably. Key considerations:

• Use an airline-approved dog carrier for planes
• Ensure your pet fits comfortably and can turn around
• Practice crate time in advance to reduce anxiety
• Feed your pet a few hours before the flight—not right before
• Talk to your vet about calm magnesium or Wellness^® Calm supplements as options for flight anxiety

For cats, especially, long distance travel with a cat can be a challenge. Look for signs of stress in cats or signs and symptoms of a stressed cat like vocalizing, panting, or hiding. Pro tip: bring a small towel that smells like home to place in the carrier.

Keeping Up With Nutrition on the Go

Whether you’re camping in the Rockies or lounging at a beachside cottage, don’t let your pet’s nutrition slide just because you’re away from home.

Wellness^® offers several pet travel-friendly options, including:

• Appetizing Entrees – perfect for mealtime variety and convenience
• Soft Puppy Bites – ideal for young travelers who need tasty encouragement
• Old Mother Hubbard seasonal treats – because holiday weekends deserve holiday snacks
• WHIMZEES – dental treats that double as a boredom buster

Make sure to bring enough food for the entire trip—and a little extra, just in case. A sudden change in diet or running out can lead to digestive issues, which is the last thing you want on vacation.

Calming the Chaos: Stress Relief for Cats and Dogs

Let’s face it: fireworks and unfamiliar environments can turn even the chillest pup or kitty into a nervous wreck.

That’s why stress relief for dogs and stress relief for cats is critical—especially around July 4th.

Look out for signs like:

• For dogs: pacing, panting, barking, shaking, hiding
• For cats: hiding, aggression, over-grooming, avoiding litter box

To help, consider:

• Wellness® Calm Supplements – with naturally calming ingredients like magnesium, as the best calming treat for dogs. Try before the trip to make sure your pet responds well.

Also, bring familiar scents and toys, stick to routines as much as possible, and give them quiet space when needed.

For more help, check out:

• Pets and Fireworks: How to Keep Them Safe on July 4th
• The Benefits of Calmatives for Dogs
  

Real Talk: Why Vacation With Pets is Worth It

Taking a vacation with pets is extra effort—but it’s also extra rewarding. You’ll explore new places together, build stronger bonds, and avoid those sad “I miss you” eyes every time you go away.

Plus, traveling with dogs or cats encourages outdoor time, more movement, and conversation starters with fellow pet lovers.

Just remember: not every dog or cat is ready for a road trip or plane ride. If your pet’s more anxious than adventurous, they might be happier with a sitter or boarding option. Always prioritize their wellbeing over your Instagram pics.

Final Tail Wags

Traveling with your furry family member this 4th of July weekend? Go prepared, go safely, and go Wellness^®.

Whether it’s calming chews dogs can count on, dog friendly hotels, or pet travel tips that actually work, you’ll find everything you need to make the trip unforgettable—for all the right reasons.

And don’t forget the fireworks plan. The loud booms might delight humans, but the 4th of July and dogs (or cats) rarely mix well. Keep them indoors, turn on white noise, and lean on your calm supplements to keep those tails wagging.

Happy travels, and give your co-pilot some ear scratches from us.

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Related Wellness Reads:

• Pets and Fireworks: How to Keep Them Safe on July 4th
• The Benefits of Calmatives for Dogs
  

Shop Travel-Friendly Wellness Favorites:

• Calm Supplement
• WHIMZEES Dog & Cat Treats
• Appetizing Entrees
• Soft Puppy Bites
• Old Mother Hubbard Seasonal Snacks