Traveling is exciting, but for pet owners, it comes with a unique set of challenges. From the guilt of leaving them behind to the sheer amount of stuff they require, taking a trip feels more like a military operation than a vacation.
If you’ve ever felt like canceling a trip just to stay home with your pet, you’ll relate to these 10 travel struggles only pet owners understand.
1. The Guilt of Leaving Them Behind
Nothing triggers guilt faster than those eyes staring at you while you pack. Whether you’re leaving them with a sitter or at a pet hotel, it feels like abandonment—even if they’ll be spoiled while you’re gone.
Let’s be honest: sometimes it’s harder to say goodbye to your pet than to your human family.
2. Packing Their Stuff Before Your Own
You can throw a few clothes in a bag and be fine—but your pet? They need food, treats, toys, a bed, meds, a backup leash, their favorite blanket, and an emotional support stuffed animal.
By the time you finish packing for them, your suitcase is an afterthought.
3. Checking in on Them More Than Your Family
Sure, you could call your mom to check in—but first, how’s the dog doing? Pet owners are known to send more “How’s my baby?” texts to the sitter than they do to their own relatives.
Bonus points if you request photo updates every few hours or leave detailed care instructions longer than a medical report.
4. Panicking Over Their Well-Being While You’re Gone
Even if they’re with the best sitter in the world, your brain can’t help but spiral into worst-case scenarios.
- What if they run away?
- What if they think I abandoned them?
- What if the sitter doesn’t cuddle them enough?
Meanwhile, your pet is probably napping peacefully and not missing you at all.
5. The Struggle of Finding a Pet-Friendly Hotel
Not all hotels are created equal—some charge outrageous pet fees, others have weight limits, and some claim to be “pet-friendly” but barely tolerate animals.
Finding the perfect hotel that actually welcomes pets without extra hassle is like winning the lottery.
6. The Anxiety of Flying with a Pet
Flying with a pet is a logistical nightmare. From airline restrictions to worrying about their safety in cargo (if they’re too big to ride in the cabin), every step feels like a high-stakes mission.
And if you have a brachycephalic breed (like a pug or Persian cat), good luck—airlines will fight you on bringing them at all.
7. Road Trips Taking Twice as Long
A regular road trip? Easy. A road trip with a pet? Say hello to frequent bathroom breaks, snack stops, and a backseat ruler who demands the AC at a specific temperature.
And don’t even think about driving past a park without stopping—they will notice.
8. The Fear That They’ll Get More Attached to the Sitter
The only thing worse than the guilt of leaving them? Coming home to a pet who barely acknowledges you.
Your dog is suddenly best friends with the sitter, and your cat has decided they like their new human better. Betrayal.
Read More: 10 Tips for Staying at a Hotel with Your Pet
9. Seeing Another Dog on Vacation and Missing Yours Instantly
You thought a break from pet parenthood would be nice… but then you see someone else’s dog, and suddenly, you’re overwhelmed with separation anxiety.
Cue an entire vacation spent showing strangers pictures of your pet and saying, “I miss them so much.”
Read More: 10 Tips for Flying with Your Dog
10. Considering Canceling the Trip Altogether
The emotional rollercoaster of planning a trip often leads to the inevitable thought—”Wouldn’t it just be easier to stay home with my pet?”
And honestly? Yes. But your pet would want you to go and have fun… right?
Read More: The 10 Best Pet-Friendly Hotels in the US
