There’s no denying that the holidays are here! And while it's the season of friends and family, even in the most celebratory circles, holiday stress can loom large.

From planning perfect menus to buying gifts to making extensive travel plans, there’s more than Santa’s list to keep our minds busy. If your holiday adventures include taking your pet on any plane, train, or automobile, these 4 tips from your friends at Whistle will help reduce stress and anxiety for you and your pet.

1. Make sure your pet has ID.

Before you travel, make sure to verify and update your pet’s identification. It doesn’t matter if you use traditional ID tags, microchipping, or both. Emails, addresses, and phone numbers can change, so it’s vital to confirm that contact information is accurate and up to date. Confirming details like these can make a huge difference in an emergency and offer lots of peace of mind for you, too.

Be sure that physical ID tags are clearly visible and firmly attached.  Even better, use a punchy, vibrant tag that is easily identifiable.

Should your pet get out, your Whistle device has you covered with real-time tracking and alerts right on your phone.

2. Use a carrier.

Whether you’re traveling short or long distances, it’s important to select the best carrier for your pet. A good carrier should be solidly built with plenty of room and cushioning for your furry friends to sprawl out. To ensure your pet’s comfort and safety, it’s important to measure the height and weight of your pets before selecting a carrier.

If you plan on flying with your pet, check with your airline in advance to make sure your carrier meets their specific requirements. 

3. Add a new Safe Place, as necessary.

If you have plans to spend extended time at a friend or family’s house, you’ll want to make sure that this location is reflected as a Safe Place in the Whistle app. It’s easy to designate up to 10 unique locations as a Safe Place for your pet. In order to communicate with your Whistle Health & GPS and Health & GPS+ trackers quickly and accurately, each Safe Place should have a reliable Wi-Fi network.

With your Safe Place settings up to date, you’ll be set for plenty of holiday excursions. In case you need it, here’s a quick guide with easy instructions.

4. Make sure holiday treats are nice, not naughty.

While it may be tempting to sneak a few seasonal treats from your plate to your pet’s dish, it’s best to avoid it. While traveling, it’s just as important to keep your furry bestie on the same diet they’re used to. A consistent meal schedule and food source can aid in easing stomach issues caused by travel stress and reduce (or eliminate) unexpected accidents while you’re away from home.

Because holiday indulgence is par for the course, we recommend packing your pup’s favorite treats so that you’re well prepared when temptation strikes, and keep your eye on any changes in licking, sleeping and scratching – a great new feature included with all Whistle Health & GPS and Health & GPS+ trackers! This data is especially helpful during times of stress or change, making it perfect for travel.

At Whistle, we want to extend warm holiday wishes to you and your furry friends. We’re glad to be a part of your lives, and hope that Whistle inspires meaningful, active, and quality time with your pets.

We wish you and your pet a safe and comfortable holiday and New Year.

Happy Travels!

P.S. Remember, Health & GPS trackers make outstanding gifts for every pet parent!