Traveling with pets: 6 must-do things before you go

Planning a vacation starts with understanding where you want to go and how you're going to get there. Can you reach your destination by car or do you need to take a flight or ferry? Traveling with a pet by plane involves a lot more formalities and you need to check the specific airline rules to ensure you and your furry friend can board without problems.

Once you know your target country and means of transportation, it's time to create a list of all the necessary documentation, microchips, and vaccines for your pet, as well as carrier specifications. Some countries may also require blood tests and parasite control.

Scheduling regular visits to the vet is a good practice in general but if you're planning a trip with your pet, it's a must. Airlines often require a health certificate proving your cat or dog is ready to travel, or else you won't be able to go past the check-in.

Yet, regardless of your means of transportation, it's good to consult with a specialist first to clear any concerns about your pet's well-being while traveling and get advice on how to ease such things as motion sickness and travel anxiety. Use the opportunity to inquire about any additional medication your furry companion might need during the trip.

The vet will also be the only person to microchip your friend and give all the required vaccines. As some of the necessary procedures may take several days or even weeks to complete, don't postpone the vet visit until the last minute.

Who doesn't like to feel comfortable and safe while traveling? Our pets need that too. So, if you decide to fly to your destination, your dog or cat will certainly need a carrier. Double-check with your airline on the particular specifications to ensure you meet their requirements.

A carrier could also be useful when you travel by car as your cat or dog may be urged to move around while the vehicle is in motion and endanger both the passengers and themselves. Familiarize your furry friend with the carrier first at home by leaving it open and putting some treats and their favorite blanket inside. Your pet will learn to relax in the carrier and feel less stressed as you embark on your trip.

If your pet has never traveled anywhere, consider going on a few trial trips beforehand to get them used to the unknown. This will help you see their reaction to traveling in a car or a carrier and identify potential issues or even understand how many breaks you might need. Of course, these trial trips won't do much if your main trip entails flying.

Shorter trips can also help your furry companions get used to a different routine and learn specific behaviors. For example, cats can be extremely sensitive to traveling and catnip could calm them down, but you should test their response first.

Pets like humans prefer to follow their daily routine, so try to stick to it as much as you can during your journey. An empty stomach and long periods of inactivity may create additional stress and inconvenience to your doggy or feline companion. Therefore, plan feeding, bathroom, and exercise breaks ahead and as often as needed.

Before heading out, make sure you pack your pet's regular food, water bowl, snacks, toys, blankets, and medication. Don't forget about the leash especially if you're planning to visit public places. Finally, consider taking a pet emergency kit with you and write down the contact details of a few vet clinics on your way just in case.

While we may like to think that our dogs and cats are the most lovable pets in the world and they should be allowed everywhere, not all places are pet-friendly.

When planning your trip, book accommodation that welcomes dogs or cats and ask questions to ensure your pet can feel at home. The same goes for cafés and other planned activities, like hiking trails or venues — research them beforehand using apps, e.g. BringFido, and other online resources to enjoy all the activities together.

Traveling with your favorite furry companion is an exciting and enriching experience that also comes with several risks. While following the tips outlined above can help you make the trip enjoyable for both you and your doggy or cat, something can sometimes still go out of hand — your pet may get injured, sick, or even lost.

When something unexpected happens to your best friend, it's good to know you have pet insurance to rely on. Travel insurance is useful for both of you when exploring new places, but do not forget about pet insurance – so you can enjoy a sense of security together every step of the way.