Best Tips For Frequent Traveler To Traveling With Pets!
Traveling with pets is easier said than done. Knowing all the airline pet policies, finding pet-friendly hotels, and having everything your pet needs on hand can make for a stressful travel experience. Frequent travel with pets doesn’t have to be a hassle. In fact, traveling with your four-legged friend can help take some of the travel-related stress away. So here are the best tips for frequent travel to traveling with pets.
- Know On Which Airline You Can Fly With Which Pets
Each airline has their own policies while there are mandates on how and which types of animals can fly. United may allow domesticated cats, small dogs, rabbits and birds to travel accompanied in the cabin on most flights within the US. Others only allow certain cats and dogs, while still, other airlines forbid pet travel in the cabin. Do the research, and make sure to book well ahead of time, even calling the airline to have the latest information on hand to prepare for your trip.
- Know Pet Laws Of New Destinations You Visit
In addition to knowing airline policies, it’s equally important to know the policies of the destinations you’re visiting especially when you are heading to a new country. In some destinations, pets are subject to quarantine, while special permits and documents are often required. Furthermore, know expectations and etiquette for things like dog parks, walking your dog, cleaning up after your pet, etc.
- Stay Up-To-Date On Vaccinations & Veterinarian Visits
This is perhaps the most important part of frequent travel with pets. If you don’t have the required vaccinations and a health certificate for your pet, then your pet won’t be allowed to travel. The policies on this can vary by airline and destinations, so do the research ahead of time, and do veterinarians check-up prior to the trip.
- Have Proper Identification & Tags For Your Pet
When you are traveling with your pet, you should have proper identification of your pet, is imperative. This includes having info on their tags like their name, a contact phone, and home city, which should also be on their carrier or crate. Many countries are now also requiring microchips implanted to identify your pet.
- Keep A Pet Travel Kit On Hand
The travel delays are going to happen when you are traveling with your pets. So, you have such carry-on bag with the essentials that could last for at least a couple days. Your pet’s travel kit should include things like a leash, traveling bowls, pet waste bags, grooming supplies, medication, first aid kit, food, toys, and treats.
- Have A Safe, Comfortable Carrier For Your Pet
Some airlines allow pets in the cabin, while others require them to be in the cargo hold. This will dictate what type of carrier you will want. Have a carrier that falls within the airline’s requirements, while also keeping your animal safe and with enough room to move around comfortably.
- Look For Most Pet-Friendly Hotels
Many hotels advertise themselves as “pet-friendly” while there are simply some that are much more pet-friendly than others. Look for hotel brands that have special perks for pets, like Kimpton, which has a long list of pet perks at many of their hotels. Kimpton’s pet perks include pet beds, courtesy bags, a concierge list of nearby pet-friendly businesses, and no additional deposits and charges for pets.
- Earn Reward Points For Your Pet
Lastly, earn reward points for your pet as you would for yourself. JetBlue, for example, has a free pet program, JetPaws, which includes a special carrier bag tag and 300 TrueBlue points on each flight segment with your pet. Korean Air’s a frequent flier pet reward system, SKYPETS, in which pets receive stamps, used to pay for pet fees or to even pay for a flight after a certain number of stamps.
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