A smart checklist for traveling with your pet

You and your pet are inseparable, right?

If you’re one of the many pet owners who can’t bear to leave their dog, cat, or other kind of pet behind, you’ll be happy to hear that the trend of taking your furry friend on vacation is on the rise. Many, in fact, choose to include pets in their 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.

Travel insurance people know about planning. That’s why we’ve put together 6 top tips to help you and your pet enjoy the holidays together as a team without the risk of mishaps.

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

Six essential things to do before traveling with a pet

• For a road trip: Take 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 focus should be on driving, following traffic signs, and getting to your destination safely. Remember to make frequent rest stops where you and your pet can stretch limbs, exercise and relieve themselves. Follow the rule about vehicles: never leave a child or pet alone inside because cars can quickly heat up and become death traps – a vehicle of tragedy.

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

• Organize all necessary identification paperwork. If you can get a microchip for your pet, it’s a great way to confirm identification. Make sure your pet’s tag has your current contact information, including your cell phone number. And it’s a good idea to have your pet’s medical and vaccination records in your possession.

• Do not forget to place all the necessary items for your pet inside your luggage. This should include favorite toys, a sleeping pad, and snacks.
• The hotel industry has become increasingly pet-friendly, so plan to stay in a hotel that welcomes you and your pet. You can also find vacation property owners who will be happy to rent to people with pets, as well as home-sharing companies that will accommodate your pet’s needs. Be sure to be upfront about bringing your pet, though, so you don’t run into any problems when you arrive.

• It is no use bringing your pet on vacation to sit in the hotel room. Make sure all of your fun is pet-friendly and research restaurants and recreation venues that your pet can access.

• Consult an experienced professional insurance agency about the best travel insurance for you and your pet.