The Post-Trip Cooldown: Helping Your Pet Readjust to Home

The adventure isn’t over the moment you walk back through your front door. Just as travel can be disruptive, so can the return. Helping your pet readjust to being home is the final step in a successful journey.
Give them space and time to decompress. After being in a carrier and new environments, your pet will likely want to explore their familiar territory to ensure everything is as they left it. Let them sniff around the house and yard at their own pace. Some pets may be clingy, while others may want some quiet time alone. Follow their lead.
Get back to their normal routine immediately. Re-establish their regular feeding, walking, and sleeping schedule right away. This quick return to predictability is the fastest way to help them feel settled and secure. Wash their travel bedding and toys to remove the unfamiliar smells of the journey.
Monitor their health. Keep an eye on their eating, drinking, and bathroom habits for a day or two after you return. Travel can sometimes be taxing on their system. If you notice anything amiss, don’t hesitate to contact your vet. Rewarding them with affection and a calm environment makes coming home a positive end to the adventure.