Traveling With Your Pup Just Got Smarter: Meet Lauren Anders, CEO of PadsPass

At Las Motherpuppers, we love sharing tools, stories, and tips that make our lives as dog moms easier and today’s feature is one we know you’ll love. We sat down with Lauren Anders, founder of PadsPass, a game-changing platform designed to take the stress out of traveling with your pet.

Lauren is not only a seasoned pet traveler (75+ flights with her dog Pads!) but also someone who turned a nightmare experience into innovation. After her dog was wrongly seized at a border crossing due to paperwork errors, Lauren knew there had to be a better way—and PadsPass was born.

Photo of Lauren with suitcase walking with her dog Peru

Close-up of her dog Peru next to her suitcase

Lauren sitting next to her dog Peru and a suitcase

The #1 Mistake Dog Moms Make When Traveling

According to Lauren, the most common mistake is booking flights before researching pet policies.

“I’d never book a flight without doing a deep dive into the pet policy,” she says. “Some airlines don’t allow carriers on certain aircrafts. And sometimes miles flights just aren’t the best choice for your pup.”

The lesson? Always prioritize your dog’s comfort and safety—even if it means parting with those precious airline miles.

Must-Have Travel Docs

Lauren recommends always having:

• A Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (with your dog’s microchip & travel health clearance)

• International Health Certificate for overseas travel (required for places like Bermuda or Puerto Rico)

Even if not always enforced, having proper documentation protects you—and your pupper—from travel hiccups.

Tips for First-Time Flyers (Fur Edition)

If your pup is small enough (under 20 lbs), Lauren recommends starting carrier training early.

“Managing your pet and your luggage is an Olympic sport. Carriers keep everyone safe. Try different styles to see what works for both of you.”

Bonus tip? Bring your dog in their carrier during errands—like airport drop-offs—so they get used to that environment.

Most Pet-Friendly Destinations Right Now

Lauren gives a shoutout to New York City:

“Every time I go back to NYC, I’m shocked at how much more dog friendly it’s become. From the subway to boutique hotels in the Hamptons—there’s so much to explore.”

But she also reminds us that summer heat makes pet travel harder anywhere, so always consider the weather.

Dog Mom Travel Kit Essentials

Lauren’s top picks?

• Roverlund or Snoozer carriers

• Springer water bottle

• A metal-free leash (coming soon from PadsPass—perfect for breezing through TSA!)

• And don’t forget a travel towel—great as a blanket, a mop-up tool, or a drying cloth post-swim

What Is PadsPass?

PadsPass is a digital health passport for pets, launching this September on the App Store & Google Play. It:

• Stores your dog’s health info

• Ensures you meet all travel requirements

• Gives you peace of mind (no more frantic Googling or last-minute vet calls)

Lauren explains, “It takes something stressful and makes it simple.”

PadsPass will initially support travel between the U.S., Bermuda, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Mexico—with more destinations to come.

Final Thoughts from Lauren

Lauren’s biggest advice?

“Not all trips are made for pets. Always ask: is this in my dog’s best interest? If yes, plan thoughtfully and make unforgettable memories together.”

One of her most memorable trips? A last-minute move to Bermuda during the 2020 pandemic, where Pads (yes, the OG) helped make it possible to say “yes” to a new chapter.

Why We Love This?

At Las Motherpuppers, we’re always looking for ways to make life easier, safer, and more joyful for our community. PadsPass is one of those tools we can’t wait to start using—and we know you’ll love it too.

👉 Follow @digitalpetpassport and sign up for their newsletter to be the first to know when the app launches in September.

To travel with a loved one is everything—whether they have two legs or four!