Essential Items for Smooth Pet Travel: Comprehensive List
Traveling with your cherished pet can elevate any road trip, as nearly 91% of dog owners and 68% of cat owners are choosing to pack their fur babies for their vacation adventures. However, a successful pet-centric journey calls for some extra planning. Worry not, because we're here to help you with an all-encompassing checklist! From good eats to ID tags and calming essentials, this list ensures you'll never overlook a must-have item!
To make your pet-friendly adventures as smooth as can be, check out these helpful tips:
- Wise Forethought: Take some time to research pet-friendly accommodations, eateries, and activities beforehand. The more prepped you are, the better your holiday will be.
- Building Confidence: Give your pet some dress rehearsals in their carrier or harness to help them feel comfortable and ready for their grand adventure.
- Sticking with Familiarity: If possible, strive to maintain your pet's usual feeding, walking, and sleeping routines while on the go.
- Know the Rules: Make sure to double-check the pet guidelines for airlines, hotels, trains, and destinations to dodge any unwanted surprises.
Essential Pet Protection
Remember that your pet is part of the family, so don't forget to safeguard them as well while planning your trip. Our website offers a pet care add-on, which allows you to journey worry-free, confident that your beloved companion is protected. This add-on covers up to $2.5k in veterinary expenses (both for pet sickness or injury) and kenneling costs up to $250 if your return is delayed. Because your pet's journey is just as important as yours!
Secure My Pet
Before venturing out, take these precautions to ensure your pet's wellbeing:
- Comprehensive Vet Check: Confirm that your pet is current on their vaccinations, preventive measures for fleas and ticks, and has a recent health examination. Obtain a copy of your pet’s medical records for emergencies[1].
- Identification Essentials: Ensure your pet wears a collar with an up-to-date ID tag and consider microchipping for extra safety[1].
- Select Pet-Friendly Lodgings: Seek out hotels with pet-friendly policies such as Kimpton, La Quinta, Best Western, and Motel 6[1]. For more options, explore Airbnb, but always confirm the host’s pet policies[3]. If traveling by train, verify that pets are allowed, as policies can vary[3].
- Familiarizing Yourself with Travel: Begin by trying shorter rides to help your pet adjust to being on the road[2][3]. Also, practice maintaining regular feeding, exercise, and rest routines to minimize stress levels[2].
- Stomach-Friendly Eating: Feed your pet at least three hours before travel to prevent motion sickness[2]. Also, plan stops every 2-4 hours for dogs to stretch and relieve themselves[3].
- Know Your Pet's Destination: Verify that your destination is pet-friendly, and research local pet regulations to comply with restrictions.
Travel with Peace of Mind
Though not explicitly mentioned, pet insurance offers peace of mind by covering unexpected veterinary expenses during travel. Consider the following options for adequate coverage:
- Pet Insurance: Companies such as Figo Pet provide insurance to cover unforeseen veterinary expenses during your travels[3].
- Travel Pet Insurance Add-Ons: Explore travel insurance plans that include add-ons for pet coverage, which may cover veterinary expenses and kenneling costs if needed.
- When choosing hotel accommodations for your pet-friendly vacation, consider hotels such as Kimpton, La Quinta, Best Western, and Motel 6 that have pet-friendly policies.
- Before embarking on your journey, ensure your pet is wearing a collar with an up-to-date ID tag and has been microchipped for extra safety.
- To maintain your pet's wellbeing during travel, feed them at least three hours before departure to prevent motion sickness, and plan frequent stops every 2-4 hours for dogs to stretch and relieve themselves.
