For Pet Parents: Travel With Heart (and a Plan)
Because home has paws, whiskers, and wet noses. In my instance, they do, but maybe in your instance they don’t, and that’s okay. This page is dedicated to all animals.
Before I was a travel advisor, I was a Poodle momma. And I still am.
This page is lovingly dedicated to my forever fur babies—Desiré and Tucson—who were with me through love, loss, healing, and joy. They taught me that our pets aren’t “just animals.” They’re family. They’re routine. They’re home. And when we travel, we don’t just leave our house—we leave the heartbeat inside it.
That’s why I don’t just plan trips—I plan peace of mind. As your travel advisor, I help you navigate your travel plans with your pets included, because they’re family, too. Consider it the extra touch that makes everything feel right.
Whether you’re gone for a weekend or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, your peace of mind matters—and your pet’s comfort does too. Oh, and Cowboy, my sweet senior poodle, still keeps me on a schedule (and insists on approving all my travel suggestions with a sniff).
Over the Rainbow Bridge🌈 In Loving Memory Desiré & Tucson
Cowboy
Still here, still ruling the house. Thank you for reminding me that joy can be found in the everyday (especially if it includes a biscuit). You’re my sweet senior and the best reminder to slow down and love big. Extra snuggles are required, and early morning cuddles are sometimes a must. My precious boisterous little man for a pupperoni, if I ever did see one. Loves chicken like his momma!
🌈Desiré (Rainbow Baby)
Gentle soul, sunshine in fur form. You taught me how to love slowly and sweetly. Your presence softened every day, and your loyalty was unmatched. She was the fiercest, independent, and stubborn girl that DID NOT like being told what to do. She hated kisses, being hot, and LOOKING YOU IN THE EYE (see below for better understanding). She did love having her belly rubbed on her terms.
🌈 Tucson (Rainbow Baby)
My OG. My ride-or-die. You carried me through heartbreaks, school crisis, and evolving into the young adult I was when I started college. You were small but mighty—pure resilience in a tiny frame. He was very independent before I knew what independent was. He was a loyal poodle, with the heart of a rottie. He was my fierce protector AT ONLY 10 POUNDS LOL!! (No available photos).
🐾 What You’ll Find on This Page
I’ve gathered my best resources for animal lovers and fellow pet parents—including what I personally use, and what I offer my clients.
✦ Personalized Pet Care Planning
I help you prep all the behind-the-scenes details:
- Tailored pet care checklists for your trip
- Vet & emergency contact templates
- Airline pet policies (because yes, it’s a maze)
- Custom pet sitter notes for easy handoff
- Emotional prep tips (for you and your pet)
Trusted Housesitters: My #1 Travel Companion
Vetted sitters. Peace of mind. One beautiful exchange.
I’ve used TrustedHousesitters for years to care for my poodles while I travel. The concept is simple and brilliant: verified animal lovers stay in your home for free in exchange for lovingly caring for your pets. No kennels. No guilt.
Bonus: If you’re booking a trip through me, your TrustedHousesitters membership is 25% off.
Just use this referral link and let me know you signed up!
Pet Prep Tools You Can Request
- Pet Sitter Notes Template🐾
- Perfect for house sitters, neighbors, or family.
- Pet Sitter Instructions – Includes:
- Food & water schedule
- Vet & Emergency Information
- Walk/potty break times
- Where to find supplies (leash, meds, bags)
- Emergency contacts
- Daily rhythm / personality tips
- “Things to Know” (e.g., don’t touch the favorite toy unless you’re ready to play for 45 minutes)
- Let me know when you book—I’ll customize this for your sitter and trip.
✈️ Flying with Pets: What You Should Know
Here are policies for a few major U.S. airlines (always double-check before flying, as rules change frequently):
| Airline | In-Cabin Pets | Cargo Pets | Max Weight (In-Cabin) | Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Delta | Yes (dogs, cats, small birds) | Yes (limited) | 20 lbs incl. carrier | $95 one-way |
| American | Yes (dogs, cats) | Yes (via American PetEmbark) | 20 lbs | $125 one-way |
| United | Yes (dogs, cats) | Cargo only via PetSafe | 20 lbs | $125 + $125 for layover |
| Southwest | Yes (dogs, cats only) | No cargo | Carrier must fit under seat | $95 one-way |
| JetBlue | Yes (JetPaws program) | No cargo | 20 lbs incl. carrier | $125 one-way |
Pro tip: I can help you navigate airline-specific policies, get the right carrier size, and choose pet-friendly flight times.
💞 Emotional Prep for Your Pets (and You)
Let’s be real: leaving them is hard. But we can make it easier on everyone:
For Your Pets:
- Start your suitcases early so they get used to them.
- Keep routines steady in the days leading up to your trip.
- Do a meet-and-greet with your sitter if possible.
- Always try to do up to a week early so they are acclimated to your new sitter.
- If using Trusted Housesitters, schedule your sitter to arrive at least a day early to get acclimated to their new companions.
- Leave something that smells like you (blanket, worn tee).
- Use calming tools like pheromone diffusers or calming chews if needed.
For You:
- Print out your sitter notes and vet info—no scrambling last-minute.
- Check in once a day via sitter photos/videos and then unplug.
- Leave guilt at the door—you’re doing right by them.
- Know that your fur baby is safe, cared for, and loved… and you’ll be home with stories, snuggles, and maybe a new squeaky toy.
Let’s Make Your Trip Worry-Free
Your pets are part of your story. I’m here to help you travel in a way that honors that.
Book a trip with me and let’s take care of your whole family—furry ones included.