Video: 14 Tips for Traveling with Dogs and Cats—By Plane, Train and Car

If you're embarking on a road trip with your furry friend, there are a number of factors to consider. You'll want to ensure your pet is comfortable and safe by following these tips:

1. Travel Safe
Use a crash-tested pet carrier and ensure that it can be strapped into the backseat. Here are some top rated pet travel carriers for car, train or plane. 

 2. Acclimate Your Pet
To ensure your pet is comfortable with car rides, make a few test drives before your trip. 

3.  Identify Your Pet
Pets should always wear ID tags when traveling. You may want to invest in a pet tracking GPS device, in case they get loose. 

4. Be Prepared
Make sure your travel checklist includes enough food, water, and medication. 

5. Take Breaks
Making regular pit stops will help your pet avoid accidents in the car and can help relieve anxiety—yours and theirs! 

6. Be Alert
Check for signs of overheating, excessive panting and increased salivation, as these could indicate dehydration or worse. 

Also read: Top 10 Dog-Friendly Vacations Around the World

1. Do Your research
Some airlines may require a health certificate from the vet. Be sure to check your individual airline specifications. If you intend to travel internationally, be sure to contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country as they may have specific travel regulations for pet travel. 

2. Prepare Your Pet for Travel
Feed your pet about four hours before traveling. Otherwise, a full stomach could cause nausea. 

3. Fly Direct 
Booking a direct flight can help you avoid the hassle of an anxious pet during connections. When flying with your pet, the less time in transit, the better. 

4. Shipping Large Animals 
If you're shipping large dogs, cats or other animals, or putting them in the cargo hold, use a well-ventilated crate. 

5. Flying with Small Pets
Small pets can often travel in the cabin if the carrier fits under the seat. Regulations vary from airline to airline, so check before you fly. 

6. Identify Your Pet
Make sure your pet's tag and its crate or carrier is labeled with your pet's name, flight info and contact details.

7. Choose Your Airline Wisely
Airlines have different rules for what pets are allowed to fly, how much their ticket costs and how they can be transported. ThePointsGuy.com has a good summary of the guidelines for major airlines and notes that Delta was rated the best airline for flying with pets.

1. Be Prepared
Carry your pet in a tight carrier and make sure you have enough food and water for the duration of the trip. 

2. Take Breaks 
Exercising during stops can help keep Fido from getting restless. 

3. Do Your Research
Check carrier restrictions before traveling as some train operators may have weight and size restrictions. 

1. Dog Travel Apps

• Bring Fido: helps you find dog-friendly places around the world (parks, stores, hotels, restaurants, events, hotels, etc.)
• Dog Park Finder Plus : specifically helps you locate dog parks so you can keep up your exercise and social time for your dog when you’re on a trip
• Red Cross Pet First Aid: helps you fix doggy health problems you might encounter on your trip or find a suitable veterinarian near you
• Dog Vacay: if you are doing an activity that your dog can’t participate in, this app will help you find a qualified dog sitter where you are traveling

2. Puppy Pads
Carry along some absorbent pads that you can place in your carrier, car or accommodation so any accidents your dog might have won’t stain.

3. Keep them Calm
Pheromones that mimic smells that soothe your dog, such as Adaptil™, also known as Comfort Zone. Chamomile is known to reduce anxiety in dogs and help them sleep. You can soak a treat in Chamomile tea when traveling. Check with your veterinarian before trying either of these methods.

1. Cat Scents
Place a towel or blanket that they’ve laid on already into the car or carrier so their scent is already present.

2. Exploration
When traveling by car, allow your cat to explore the inside first.

3. Happy Kitty
Consider taking along a product like Feliway, that helps make cats feel comfortable and secure. Check with your veterinarian first to be sure your cat will react well.

4. Car = Food
Feed your cat in the car and give them nice treats for a week before you leave so they associate good things with the car.

Getting a travel insurance plan from Generali Global Assistance gives you access to coverages and services that could help when traveling with pets or service animals. Especially if you're planning a trip around destinations that cater to your dog or cat, consider how a travel insurance plan might help on your trip.

• Travel Delay coverage: If you experience a delay lasting six or more hours, you can be reimbursed up to the amount listed in the Schedule of Benefits for meals, telephone calls, additional parking charges, and even pet kennel fees. 
• Traveling with a service animal? Our Trip Cancellation and Trip Interruption coverages include service animals in the case of sickness, injury or death. 
• Pet services locator: Need help finding pet-related services? Our concierge services can help you find veterinarians and pet sitters while you are away from home. 

While taking a vacation with your dog or cat can be a challenge, taking the necessary precautions can make travel with your pet more than worth it.