Traveling with our Furry Companions

People consider their dogs to be part of the family. It should be no surprise that they want to take their furry friends along with them on their travels. These days, vacation packages are actually being designed around animals and their owners, with the sales these packages jumping with 30 percent.

It’s also not easy traveling with pets, as it requires additional preparation and planning to ensure the safety and comfort of your furry friend. If you are planning to take your pet along on your next vacation, you should read the following safety tips.

Your pet’s temperaments and travel logistics must be considered before packing up and heading out on your trip. Sometimes, it may be better to leave your pet at friends, or at home in the care of a trusted sitter.

Get permission from your vet

Visit your vet before embarking on your trip, to ensure that your pet is ready. The older your pet is, the more it becomes important to never leave your home without a vet health certificate issued by your vet. If you have a pregnant pet, you should be given a proof that they will not give birth mid-air. Documents such as copies of their current medical and vaccination records will also be needed by the airline personnel for boarding your pet.

Organize travel files and documents

Just like us humans, there will be documents specific to your pet that you need to bring when travelling with them. The paperwork needs to be organized ahead of time, as airline and accommodation companies need these files for documentation and compliance purposes.

Plan and prepare ahead

Obviously, your pet's comfort will be your top priority when planning your trip with your furry friend. Traveling during the summer or midday may not be the best option for example, since the heat can stress them out.  Winter or late-night flights in the cold should also be avoided.

If you have a trained pet, it will be beneficial. Not all pets are born travelers, as some can get very stressed out when placed in an unfamiliar setting. 

Insurance

People forget about insurance most of the time. Even if you have pet insurance, you should make sure that its actually valid for the destination you’re traveling to. Before you embark on your travels, make sure to read the small print and check for policy restrictions.

Know your limitations

Every airline has a different set of rules when it comes to transporting pets. These rules vary from airline to airline, but there are typical policies that are common, which should be known to every pet owner.

With so many do's and don’ts out there, it’s really important to plan ahead and be sure that you know whether your furry friend can join your flight.

Of course, pets need a break or vacation, too, but as a pet owner, you need to be mindful of important things. Be mindful of the different things they your pet may need to ensure that they are safe, secure and fit to take on this journey.