A Smart Checklist for Travel With Your Pet

You and your pet are inseparable, right?

If you are one of the many pet owners that can’t bear to leave their dog, cat or other type of pet, you’ll be glad to know that the trend to take your furry friend along on a vacation is on the upswing. Many, in fact, are choosing to include pets on travel plans.
But like any good thing, taking your pet with you on a trip can go awry if you don’t plan things right.

The travel insurance people know about planning. That’s why we’ve put together 6 important tips that will help you and your pet enjoy vacation time together as a team without the risk of mishap.

So, here we go with the smart guidelines, any seasoned traveler with a pet should review and follow.

Six Essential Things to Do Before Travel with a Pet

• For a road trip: Keep your dog or cat in a special carrier designed for travel. If that doesn’t work, make sure your pet’s movement is restricted to the back seat. This way, he or she can’t bother you while your concentration should be only on driving, following road signs and getting safely to your destination. Remember to take frequent rest stops where you and your pet can stretch limbs, exercise and relieve yourselves. Follow the rule about vehicles: never leave a child or pet inside alone because cars can heat up quickly to become death traps – a vehicle of tragedy.

• When traveling by airplane, make all the inquiries about rules regarding taking your pet with you. It’s best to have your pet in the cabin with you while on the plane, but if that is not a choice, select a direct flight that has fewer risks than a connecting one. Have a picture of your pet on you at all times so that you will have visual proof of identification.

• Arrange for all the necessary id paperwork. If you can get your pet microchipped, that’s an excellent way to confirm identification. Ensure the tag on your pet has your current contact information, including your cell phone number. And it’s a good idea to have the pet’s vaccination and medical records in your possession.

• Don’t forget to place all of your pet’s necessary items inside your luggage. This should include preferred toys, pad to sleep on and snacks.
• The hospitality industry has become more and more pet-friendly, so make plans to stay at a hotel that welcomes you and your pet. You can also find vacation property landlords that will be happy to rent to those with pets, as well as home-sharing companies that will accommodate your pet needs. Be sure to be up-front about bringing your pet along, though so you won’t run into any bumps when arriving.

• No use in bringing your pet along on vacation to just sit in the hotel room. Ensure all your fun is pet-appropriate, and do the research about restaurants and recreational spots so that your pet will be allowed access.

• Confer with an experienced professional insurance agency about the best travel insurance in regard to you and your pet.