Take a trip with your furry friend

Sara Boisvert at InsureMyTrip discusses how to travel safely with your pet on holiday.

ver the past two

Oyears, animal shelters, rescues and breeders have all reported an increase in interest in dog ownership, as socially distancing Brits turned to canine companionship.

As the vaccine rollout continues and worldwide travel restrictions have begun to relax, many new dog owners have a renewed interest in travel and are looking to take their four-legged friends with them on holiday. These top tips will help you to have a safe and enjoyable petfriendly holiday.

PREPARATION IS KEY

Before leaving for your trip, make sure you have packed all the essentials for your furry friend. A sturdy lead, harness, waste bags, identification tags, treats and pet food are a few important items to include on your packing list. Most of these items are commonplace and may be available at your destination should you forget them.

Copies of your dog’s medical records and travel documents may help to prove ownership, health and history of vaccinations for your dog should the need arise or if officials ask to see them. Also, if your dog requires any medications, these should be labelled clearly and packed in a secure place.

A microchip registration may also be considered for your dog prior to departing. An exciting new environment with new areas and scents to explore may increase the chances of an adventurous dog getting lost, so owners may want to take this extra precaution in keeping them safe.

AEROPLANE TRAVEL

If you decide to travel by plane, be sure to carefully review the airline’s pet policy before booking your reservation. Policies and prices do vary between airlines and can sometimes depend on the country you’re travelling to (domestic or international) and the size and breed of your pet.

Travellers may also consider contacting the airlines directly to confirm their policies in the airport and on the plane to limit any dayof-travel issues at the airport. Some airlines are more pet-friendly than others, so it’s important to plan ahead.

SECURE YOUR PET

If travelling by car, the safety of both you and your pet are top priorities. Use a special seat belt or harness for your dog to ensure they’re not able to roam around the vehicle and distract the driver.

A pet carrier is also a good option. Be sure it’s sized correctly for them, as they should be able to stand up and lie down comfortably. These options will help protect your pet not only from being able to distract the driver, but also in case of a sudden stop.

REGULAR BREAKS

Just like humans, our pets need frequent stops for water, toilet breaks and to stretch their legs. We recommend you build these stops into your travel itinerary. Consider another human travel partner to help share the driving and pet care responsibilities.

CREATURE COMFORTS

Once all the essentials are packed and the health and safety checks are done, it’s worth packing some of your pet’s favourite items. Bring a pet bag with their favourite food, treats, toys and a blanket. Once you’re ready to go, leave them with a favourite toy to keep them busy for as long as possible, especially if they’re a nervous pet.

DO YOUR RESEARCH

If you’re travelling to a new destination, make sure you do your research to ensure there will be plenty of dog-friendly outdoor spaces. For example, certain beaches only allow dogs at specific times of the year.

For more information on InsureMyTrip travel insurance, visit: insuremytrip.com