4 pet travel trends for 2019

It’s 2019, and it’s getting even easier to bring along your pet when traveling. New accommodations, cool knick-knacks and an increasingly welcoming industry is making pet travel a trend in itself. And if you’re gearing up to take a four-legged friend with you on a dream vacay this year, these trends may end up enhancing the overall experience.

1. Airport Perks.Since the Department of Transportation began requiring airports to have convenient relief stations for service dogs in 2009, there’s been a surge in overall pet amenities over the past decade. Perhaps the hardest thing to figure when taking your pup through the terminal is the “potty” logistics, but many airports, such as ones in LA and Birmingham, have you covered.

While some bathroom areas are outdoors, it’s not uncommon to see indoor turf nooks with decorative hydrants and disposal bags. Owners often find hoses for a quick spray down, making clean up simpler. It’s an amazing trend that is spreading worldwide.

2. New Gadgets.Tagg GPS Pet Tracker clips right on to your pet’s collar and can help you locate them quickly if they wander off in an unfamiliar place, or even just at home. This can be extremely useful while traveling, as pets can get a little more spooked causing them to run off.

Upgrade your pet’s leash to make travel even easier, and we don’t mean simply getting a snazzy new color, or one that’s ‘blinged” out. Practical features like light up collars and leashes for night visibility, and even an umbrella leash are little tweaks that make for a safer, more comfortable walk about your destination.

Just for giggles, we have to include this Dog Treat Pez Dispenser, a hilariously nostalgic way to occupy your pup when on a long road trip or plane flight.

3. Luxury Accommodations.Hotels have been slowly merging over to becoming pet friendly, but it doesn’t stop at on site dog parks, cushy pup beds and treats. Pets are getting their own hotels in addition to posh accommodations at human establishments. We’ve leaped from simple boarding to full on resort mode, and pet owners around the world are loving it. Check out this luxury dog hotel that will even send you photos from your pup during their stay, or this upscale cat joint in the UK.

4. Apps.Pet First Aid from American Red Cross could save your dog’s life at home, or on the road. The app provides immediate information on a variation of situations that could occur, and “how to” videos to quickly help you remedy an issue. The app will also help find a vet or hospital, if things are more dire. Definitely a good idea to keep this one on hand, at all times.

Puppr is completely fresh to the market and is a handy tool for training your dog. Basic commands can be a lifesaver when taking public transportation or exploring your vacation destination. Photo instructions and an included clicker will help you nail those staple tricks.

Tip: Depending on your preferred method of travel, records may be required. Also, in case of a pet emergency, you have them on hand. Additionally, the Figo Pet Cloud can help you locate veterinarians and emergency clinics throughout the US.

Hopefully these budding trends will make for a seamless, and extra fun travel experience for you and your fluffy friend in 2019. We expect that with each progressing year, more exciting gadgets and amenities will be popping up. Safe travels!

Karyn Wofford is a “Mom” to her fluffy, sweet dog Halli. She spends much of her time traveling and advocating for Type 1 diabetes—and Halli sometimes accompanies her on her adventures. You’ll find Karyn’s work on sites like Mother Earth Living, and in magazines such as Diabetes Forecast.