How to Travel With Pets and Avoid Bringing Fleas Home

Travelling with pets can be a wonderful experience — but it also creates opportunities for fleas to hitch a ride back to your home. Whether you're staying in a hotel, visiting friends, or taking a long road trip, different environments can expose your pet to hidden flea hotspots. Knowing how to travel with pets and avoid bringing fleas home helps protect both your pet and your home from unwanted pests.

Below are essential steps every pet owner should take before, during, and after a trip.

Treat Your Pet Before You Travel

Apply your pet’s monthly flea treatment at least 48 hours before departure. This ensures the active ingredient has fully absorbed into the skin and is ready to protect your pet against fleas in new environments.Spot-on treatments are ideal for travel, because they provide continuous coverage without needing to pack additional products.

Bring Your Own Clean Bedding and Supplies

Hotels, guest rooms, Airbnbs, and holiday cottages may not always provide pet-safe or hygienic bedding. Fleas can hide in:

• blankets

• carpets

• soft furnishings

• borrowed pet beds

To avoid risks, always pack your own freshly washed bedding, blankets, toys, and a familiar pet mat. This creates a clean, controlled space for your pet wherever you go.

Keep Your Car Clean During and After the Trip

Cars are one of the most common places fleas hide when travelling. Fleas or eggs can drop into seat gaps, fabric crevices, or carriers without you noticing.

After returning home:

• vacuum all seats, footwells, and crevices

• wash removable covers

• clean carriers and travel bags

This simple routine can stop fleas from spreading into your home.

Wash Everything Immediately When You Return

As soon as you are back home:

• wash your pet’s bedding

• wash the car blanket

• wash toys and carriers (if washable)

Use hot water when possible. This helps eliminate any flea eggs or larvae collected during the trip.

Monitor Your Pet for Scratching After the Trip

Even with protection, it’s a good idea to observe your pet closely for 5–7 days after returning. Watch for:

• increased scratching

• nibbling at the tail base

• red bumps

• flea dirt in the coat

If you notice any signs, follow up with cleaning, combing, or a vet consultation if needed.

With consistent preparation and post-travel care, you can enjoy your trips safely while preventing fleas from entering your home.