Traveling With Pets 101: Travel Wellness, Calming Oils & Must-Know Safety Tips
Whether you're hitting the open road, boarding a plane, or taking your RV cross-country, traveling with pets adds an extra layer of joy — and responsibility. Our animals rely on us to keep them safe, calm, comfortable, and regulated during unfamiliar situations.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know to help your dogs and cats travel well, avoid unnecessary stress, and enjoy the journey just as much as the destination.
HOW TRAVEL AFFECTS PETS: Understanding Their Stress Signals
Travel impacts animals differently from humans, but the mechanism of stress is surprisingly similar. Pets experience:
Nervous System Overload
New sounds, vibrations, motion, people, and smells = sensory overwhelm.
This may show up as:
Panting
Shaking
Whining
Hiding
Hypervigilance
GI upset
Motion Sensitivity
The inner ear regulates balance, and pets feel motion more intensely than humans.
Symptoms include:
Drooling
Nausea
Pacing
Vomiting
Digestive Changes
Stress can slow digestion or make pets more sensitive to rich foods or new environments — especially during car or RV travel.
Environmental Stressors
Temperature changes, dry cabin air, and strange surroundings can be taxing on their comfort.
Understanding the why helps us support them better.
Travel Restoration for Pets:
How Essential Oils Support Their Well-Being
Safe essential oils can support:
Emotional regulation
Relaxed breathing
Travel comfort
Environmental stress
Motion sensitivity
Overall calmness
BUT — pets metabolize oils differently, so safety is key.
Below are the gentlest, most widely accepted oils for travel.
SAFE ESSENTIAL OILS FOR PET TRAVEL
(Young Living Oils ONLY)
For Dogs
Dogs tend to tolerate oils well when used correctly.
Calming Oils (Use 1 at a time):
Lavender
Stress Away®
Peace & Calming®
Valerian (strong but effective)
How to Use for Dogs:
Diffusion (best): 10–15 minutes in the car with a waterless diffuser like the Wanderful.
Aromatherapy Cloth: 1 drop on a cotton pad placed near the crate (but not touching the dog).
Topical (optional): 1 drop diluted heavily (1 drop oil : 1–2 tsp V-6 carrier), applied to your hands, then gently pet the chest or shoulders.
Great for:
Stress, whining, pacing, anxiety, motion discomfort.
For Cats
Cats require MUCH more caution. Stick to the gentlest oils only.
Cat-Safe Oils:
Lavender
Stress Away®
Vanilla
Cat Safety Rules:
Apply topically with caution; best to get consult first
Use only light, intermittent diffusion
Keep the carrier door open at home so they can choose to leave the scent
Ensure good airflow in the car
Avoid citrus oils
Great for:
Anxiety, travel stress, environmental changes.
ROAD TRIP & CAR TRAVEL TIPS
Traveling by car or RV? Here’s how to set your pet up for success.
Pack This Road-Trip Ready Kit
Must-Haves
Poop bags
Portable water bowl
Fresh water
Healthy treats
Favorite blanket or bed
Extra leash
Crate or harness
Towels (for muddy paws OR nervous tummies)
Wellness Add-Ons
Wanderful Waterless Diffuser
Perfect for gentle Lavender or Stress Away
Thieves Household Cleaner Spray Bottle (diluted)
For accidents, spills, or quick clean-ups
Essential oils for calming (Lavender, P&C, Stress Away, Valerian)
DiGize® (use aromatherapy cloth for motion stomach upset)
Slique Gum (for humans to stay alert + for ear pressure changes in the mountains)
Car Travel Safety Tips
Buckle pets in with a seatbelt harness or secure crate
Make stops every 2–3 hours for water & stretching
Never leave pets in the car unattended
Crack windows or keep AC running for temperature control
Bring familiar items (blankets, toys) to reduce anxiety
Use essential oils before leaving home so pets associate scents with safety
Keep your travel diffuser on low, intermittent mode
AIR TRAVEL WITH PETS:
Calming & Comfort Tips
Flying can be intense for animals. Here's how to soften the stress.
Before the Airport
Add Lavender, Stress Away, or Vanilla to a cotton pad near their carrier
Play calming music
Keep routine as normal as possible
Line the carrier with an absorbent towel or disposable pee pad (accidents happen! )
In the Airport
Use your calming oil cloth (outside the carrier, not inside)
Keep treats handy
Use a Thieves Household Wipes–perfect for on-the-go unexpected messes
Offer water but avoid letting them drink too much at once
On the Plane
Keep the carrier covered with a light, breathable blanket
Use gentle airflow (not blowing directly into carrier)
Avoid strong diffusing — use only pre-scented cloths
ALTITUDE OR PRESSURE CHANGES
(Cars or Planes)
Pets may experience:
Ear sensitivity
Mild nausea
Irritability
Sense of pressure or restlessness
Helpful Oils (Dogs Only):
Lavender
Copaiba
Lemon (NOT for cats)
Peppermint (dogs only; not near face)
How to Support Them
Chew time during climbs/descents (for dogs)
Rub jaws gently to help pressure equalize
Keep diffusing very light
Offer breaks if you’re driving through mountains
BONUS: Pet-safe Travel Wellness Routine
Night Before Travel
Diffuse Lavender or P&C at home
Let pets explore their crates without pressure
Day of Travel
Apply calming oil via cloth
Pack water, towels, cleaner, treats, comfort items
Use Wanderful diffuser on low intermittent mode
After Arrival
Let your pet decompress in a quiet space
Offer water and a gentle walk
Use Lavender or Vanilla diffuser if needed
Final Thoughts: You know your pet best!
Every animal is unique. Some need just a scented cloth and a cozy blanket. Others benefit from calming oils, structured breaks, and stable routines. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s comfort, safety, and helping your pet feel secure wherever the road (or sky) takes you.
With the right tools, a little preparation, and pet-safe aromatherapy, traveling with your animals can be smooth, joyful, and deeply connected.
Educational Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Essential oils, natural wellness practices, and holistic travel tips shared here are supportive tools, not medical treatment. Always consult your veterinarian for questions regarding your pet’s health, medical conditions, or suitability of any wellness support before use.
Young Living Purity & Quality Statement
All essential oil recommendations in this guide are based on Young Living’s Seed to Seal® standards, ensuring unmatched purity, safety, and quality. Young Living oils are rigorously tested, free from synthetic fillers, and responsibly sourced for the highest degree of potency and plant integrity. For pets, purity is essential — only use 100% therapeutic-grade oils from trusted sources like Young Living.