It's time to prepare for an adventure with your pet. So much to do! Find requirements to import your pet to another country, make airline reservations, get crates or carriers, pack; it is overwhelming! But one thing you must not forget to do is to visit your pet's veterinarian. 

Even if you are not traveling, visits to the veterinarian are an essential part of keeping our pets healthy. However, for many of our furry friends, the experience can be overwhelming. There are unfamiliar people, strange smells and equipment they do not recognize. Most of all, they will be handled in ways they don't understand, and this can create a great deal of anxiety and stress for them and you. The good news is that with a calm mindset and proper preparation, vet visits can be calmer, less frightening and even a positive experience. Whether you have a nervous, senior or happy-go-lucky pet who just needs a bit of reassurance, these tips can lead to happy vet visits.

A visit to the vet is important for many reasons. Your dog or cat must be in good health to travel. It's a great time to check its vaccination records, get them a microchip and stock up on any medications they may be taking. It's no fun to travel with fleas or ticks either, so have your veterinarian check for them and recommend products to protect your pet from these nasty creatures.

Nails in need of clipping? Now's the time to get that done as well. You can discuss mild sedation with your veterinarian if your dog is the nervous type or you do not feel they will travel well. 

Ask your veterinarian to issue rabies and health certificates if you are traveling or relocating. Keep in mind that many countries have their own health certificate and they have a validity period. Also endorsement by a government vet may be required, so timing is crucial. Other tests and treatments may be required such as rabies titer tests and tapeworm treatments. Find pet import requirements for your destination country.

Start with positive experiences at home.

• Gently touch their paws, ears, and tail while giving them treats
• Practice opening their mouths or lifting their lips before rewarding them with praise or a favorite snack.
• Acclimate them to their travel crate or carrier long before the vet visit.

These small, intimate moments will help your pet feel more comfortable with the types of handling they will experience at the vet.

Keep the car ride calm.

• Always use a secure harness, crate, carrier or booster seat
• Play calming music.
• Bring a blanket or favorite toy that smells like home
• Hold off on feeding right before the trip.
• If your pet is anxious in the car, take short rides to fun places before the ride to the vet. Pets learn from previous experiences.

Keep them isolated if possible.

The more your pet can see that it is in a strange environment, the more stressful it is for them. A privacy carrier for cats or small dogs is great for this.

Choose a veterinarian that prioritizes fear-free care.

Not all clinics are the same. Many modern veterinary practices now use Fear Free® or low‑stress handling techniques, such as:

• Treat‑based distraction
• Slow, gentle handling
• Examining pets on the floor instead of a table
• Allowing owners to stay close
• Using pheromone diffusers in exam rooms

A clinic that understands your pet’s emotional needs can make a world of difference.

Treat them generously

Treats are powerful tools for creating positive experiences. Bring something special - chicken, cheese, freeze-dried liver or whatever your pet loves the most. Use treats to reward:

• Getting into the car
• Entering the vet's office
• Standing on the scale
• Being handled by the vet or vet tech
• Staying calm during the visit

A vet visit filled with snacks becomes a vet visit your pet will remember.

Be an advocate for your pet's emotional needs

No one knows your pet better than you do. Speak up if you see that:

• Your pet needs extra time
• They prefer being examined on the floor
• They’re afraid of certain tools or procedures
• They do better with you nearby
• They need breaks during the exam

Use calming aids if needed

Some pets (especially cats) benefit from additional support, such as:

• Pheromone sprays (like Adaptil or Feliway)
• Calming chews
• Anxiety wraps
• Prescription anxiety medication (for severe cases)

Talk to your vet about what’s appropriate for your pet’s age, health, and temperament.

Celebrate when it's done.

End the experience on a high note. After the vet visit, take your pet somewhere they love:

• A visit to their favorite park
• A car ride to a local pet store
• A special treat once at home
• Extra cuddle time

This helps your pet associate vet visits with positive outcomes.

Be patient. Progress takes time. Every positive step results in confidence in your pet. A vet visit doesn’t have to be stressful. With preparation, patience, and the right support, you can help your pet feel safe, confident, and cared for during every appointment. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s progress. And every positive experience strengthens the bond between you and your pet, resulting in happy vet visits.

Find more great tips on lessening the stress of a visit to the vet before traveling with your pet.