Fifty-six percent of Canadians plan to travel in 2023 – and there’s a good chance many of them will be taking a furry friend. There are many reasons you may want to bring your dog or cat with you on your next trip, such as wanting companionship, needing help managing anxiety, wanting to take great Instagram photos (like Bodhi) or you simply don’t want to leave your pet.
However, as Lauren Gumport, VP of communications at Travel insurance Faye, He explains, it is important that you act responsibly when you take your pet with you on a trip. Accommodating the needs of your furry best friend will ensure a more pleasant and enjoyable trip for everyone.
Consider transportation needs and comfort
The first thing that Gumport advises is to calculate the transport. “Whether you’re going on a road trip or taking a flight, traveling with pets can be tricky,” she says. “First, you need to make sure that you adhere to all applicable regulations to keep your pet safe, such as the cash requirements for traveling with your pet on an airplane. Failure to comply with these regulations could prevent you from being able to board the your flight Check with your airline, car rental company and any other transportation you plan to use to find out what is required.
In addition to knowing the rules for transporting your pet, you should also take steps to ensure that their journey is as comfortable as possible. Direct, shorter flights tend to be better for pets, especially since many animals have experienced stress and anxiety during air travel. You can help relieve your pet’s stress and stomach by providing blankets, treats and toys to make them feel comfortable during their journey.
Add pet coverage to your travel insurance
Approximately 38 percent of travelers buy travel insurance to protect your trip in case of problems such as unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies or other interruptions. You also have options if you plan to bring Fido-Gumport recommends adding pet coverage to your travel insurance policy. (Many providers offer this as an add-on.)
“Pet care add-ons can be quite robust, providing cover for veterinary expenses for illness or injury while traveling together,” he explains. “Travel means exposing your pet to new places, foods and experiences – and sometimes these things can combine to cause illness or injury. A pet care add-on to your travel insurance allows you to look assistance and getting reimbursed under covered circumstances, so you can have peace of mind and not worry about wild costs if things go south.
It’s worth noting that pet care add-ons can also cover the costs of boarding when you don’t take your pet on your trip and unexpected delays require your pet to stay in a facility of caring for dogs longer than anticipated. The extra layer of protection provided by pet coverage can give you much-needed reassurance, regardless of whether or not you’re traveling with your pet.
“I myself landed in Europe with my puppy only to need to go to the vet the next day for an eye infection he picked up on the flight,” says Gumport. “I submitted my claim via the Faye app within minutes and was reimbursed within a couple of working days.”
Choose the appropriate accommodation for the animal
The large number of travelers who bring their pets with them has led to an increase in places that offer pet-friendly accommodation. As Gumport explains, however, even when looking for pet-friendly accommodation, you should always do your research before making a reservation.
“Many accommodations that accept pets still have limitations on the type of animal you can bring,” he says. “For example, you can be limited to dogs under a certain weight or cats are not allowed at all because of the high number of people who have allergies to cats. And many places limit the number of animals you can bring. Always double check.”
While many pet-friendly accommodations typically have higher cleaning fees if you bring your furry friend, some offer pet supplies and other helpful amenities to make your trip even easier. It’s also a good idea to check your accommodation’s damage policy, as even the best pets can damage furniture, carpets or other areas. Vacation Rental Damage Protection, often offered for purchase when purchasing travel insurance, could help prevent such incidents from increasing your travel costs.
Pack the essentials for your pets
Finally, pet owners should be sure to make a list of all the things their pets need for their trip. “Just like you have your own packing list, you need to make a checklist for pet essentials,” says Gumport. “Things like identification and vaccination papers, medication, a leash or harness, a crate or carrier, the bed, toys, treats and bath bags and pads are all essential. where and how you travel, you probably want to pack water and food.Basically, think about all the things your pet needs for everyday life at home and make sure you can provide them while you’re away.
For convenience, consider packing all of your pet’s items in a separate bag. This will make it easier to keep everything organized during your trip, especially if you need to locate items quickly during an emergency.
Travel fun for everyone
With responsible planning, you can feel confident that you will bring your pet on your next travel adventure. You can enjoy time together and create amazing memories without any stress that can arise when you are not prepared.
KO Media’s newsroom and editorial staff were not involved in the creation of this content.
