Traveling with your pet can feel like an emotional rollercoaster — for both of you. One minute, your dog is wagging their tail in the back seat, the next they’re panting, pacing, or crying in distress. Or maybe your cat disappears the moment the carrier comes out, wide-eyed and trembling long before you’ve left the driveway.
I’ve been there. My dog, Bella, used to shake at the sight of the car. And don’t even get me started on my old tabby, Luna, who would wail from the carrier like he was auditioning for an opera.
Pet travel anxiety is real, and while CBD gets a lot of attention these days, it’s not the only option — or even the best one for every pet.
So today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned through personal experience, expert insights, and gentle trial-and-error. If you’re looking for natural, non-CBD solutions that truly help pets feel calmer on the road or in the air, you’re in the right place.
What Does Travel Anxiety Looks Like in Pets
First, let’s see what we’re working with.
Per Dr. Nicholas Dodman, veterinary behaviourist and author of Pets on the Couch, travel anxiety may stem from motion sickness, a traumatic event, smell, or sometimes just feeling stuck.
Signs of travel anxiety include:
- Heavy panting or drooling
- Whining, barking, howling
- Shaking, trembling
- Pacing, an unusual amount of restless energy
- Vomiting, or drooling (mostly dogs)
- Peeing or pooping (mostly cats)
Even if your pet seems fine at first, subtle signs include lip licking, yawning, freezing in place or tensing up.
Natural Options Beyond CBD
While CBD may help some pets, it’s rarely regulated, and the outcomes vary. So, let's get into some natural, vet-choice solutions that don’t lend themselves to the pet supplement space — or alternatives that are widely studied and gentle.
1. Desensitization: start slow and safe
This was a game-changer for Bella. Instead of jumping straight into long car rides, I started with:
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Step 1: Letting her sit in the parked car, doors open, with treats and praise
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Step 2: Starting the engine but going nowhere
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Step 3: Short drives around the block with her favourite toy
The key? Pair every step with positive associations (chicken works wonders!) and stop before anxiety kicks in.
Expert tip: “Gradual exposure is one of the most effective tools,” says Dr. Lisa Radosta, veterinary behaviourist. “But it must be done at the animal’s pace. Rushing increases fear.”
2. Use familiar smells and items
Cats especially are comforted by scent. When traveling:
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Place a worn T-shirt or blanket that smells like you inside the carrier
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Use your pet’s regular bed or crate if possible
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Spray or rub the interior with calming scents (more on that next!)
3. Pheromones that actually work
Pheromones are natural chemical signals that animals use to communicate calm or safety. Products like Adaptil (for dogs) https://amzn.to/4o29Qk9 and Feliway (for cats) https://amzn.to/415RXHh are backed by science and recommended by many vets.
You can use:
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Spray (on blankets or car upholstery)
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Diffuser plug-ins (for pre-travel prep)
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Collars (for dogs, lasts several weeks)
These aren’t magic fixes, but they can significantly lower anxiety when used consistently.
4. Classical conditioning: make travel predictable
Animals feel safer when they know what to expect. Build a routine like this:
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Carrier comes out = treat time
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Harness on = walk to the car = favourite toy appears
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Car door opens = frozen Kong https://amzn.to/44WnkFo is waiting on the seat
Soon, these small rituals become signals of safety — not fear.
5. Natural supplements and calming treats (non-CBD)
There are non-CBD supplements that have been shown to help calm pets, especially when used 30–60 minutes before travel:
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L-theanine: An amino acid found in green tea that promotes relaxation. (Check vet-approved brands like Anxitane) https://amzn.to/3UvYpn7
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Zylkene: A calming supplement made from milk protein (alpha-casozepine). https://amzn.to/40wsqXx
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Chamomile & Valerian-based treats: Often found in holistic pet chews. https://amzn.to/4eXY6Lg
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Rescue Remedy (for pets): A flower essence blend used by some pet owners (results vary, but it’s gentle and natural). https://amzn.to/4f42Uij
Always talk to your vet before starting a new supplement, especially if your pet is on medication or has health concerns.
6. Create a travel den or safe space
Instead of letting your dog or cat roam freely (which can actually increase anxiety), create a “travel den” that feels cosy and secure.
For dogs: A familiar crate with a soft mat, favourite toy, and a breathable cover to reduce visual stress.
For cats: A sturdy carrier lined with fleece, with minimal light and noise. Covering it with a light towel often helps.
Bonus: Drive smoothly, use calming music, and keep windows cracked slightly for fresh air (just make sure pets are secure!).
7. Don't forget you matter too
Pets are incredibly sensitive to our emotions. If you’re tense, frustrated, or rushing, your pet will pick up on it — especially during travel.
Before you even grab the leash or carrier, take a few deep breaths. Speak softly. Slow down your movements. A calm human often makes a calm pet.
What about flights?
Traveling by air adds complexity, but many of these tips still apply.
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Use airline-approved carriers that fit under the seat
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Acclimate your pet to the carrier weeks in advance
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Line the carrier with calming items and freeze-dried treats
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Ask your vet about prescription anti-anxiety meds for long-haul flights if needed (especially for anxious cats or brachycephalic breeds)
Important: Never sedate a pet for air travel without a veterinarian’s guidance — it can be dangerous.
Summary: Anxiety is not misbehaviour - it is fear.
More than anything else, remember: your pet isn't trying to be unmanageable. Anxiety is not disobedience it's fear, pure and simple.
The best "treatment" is time. With time, gentle exposure, and appropriate tools you can have many pets that travel without stress.
For example, Luna no longer hides or cowers in the car, she jumps into the back seat and falls asleep before we leave the corner of the house. It took some time, but worth every minute of the journey.
So, if you are facing travel fears with your pet, know this - you aren’t alone, and it will get better.
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