Cats and dogs are not just pets. These adorable four-legged creatures have become our closest companions and confidants, along with more than half of American pet owners now say they consider pets as much a part of their family as a human member.

So it’s no surprise that more and more pet owners want to take their four-legged friends along when they travel, including on vacation. In response, the travel industry is now rolling out the red carpet for both humans and And pet guests, with deals ranging from pet-friendly hotel packages to flights designed specifically for dogs.

“There has been a marked increase in travelers looking to bring their pets with them, and they are sparing no expense,” says LaDell Carter, a Baltimore-based luxury travel advisor and founder of Royal Expression Travel. “It’s no longer just a niche market, it’s a real trend. »

If you need advice on making the right decision about whether or not to take your pet with you and are looking for tips on keeping them happy and healthy when traveling for vacation or an upcoming trip; animal and travel experts offer some advice.

Prioritize your pet’s well-being

Well before you start writing a packing list, think about your pet’s well-being first. However You may be excited about taking your dog or kitten with you for the trip, your pet may not feel the same way and the trip could be harmful to their health. This is especially true for older pets or those with existing health problems. You know your pet best, but it’s always a good idea to contact your veterinarian, says Lilian Wongveterinarian and clinical skills instructor at the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University.

Beyond your pet’s health, think about their preferences and personality. Is he an anxious homebody who thrives on routine, or more of a social butterfly who loves to explore? “It really depends on the animal,” says Wong. “Some animals have an adventurous spirit and love to travel, while others don’t.”

Certain types of trips are also better than others for transporting pets, such as a weekend trip. camping getaway against an international business conference. Imagine the entire travel experience, from the moment you leave home until you return, from your pet’s perspective.

(Related: More Travel Tips on How to Travel Safely with Pets on a Plane.)

Determine When to Travel Without Your Pet

Sometimes the right decision may be to go it alone. If you know that traveling will make your pet uncomfortable or that the trip simply won’t be pet-friendly, consider hiring a pet sitter or reserving a kennel at a boarding facility instead. (And if you’re traveling during the holidays, make these types of arrangements as early as possible, as they tend to book up quickly.)

Wong recommends making a list of pros and cons. “Often, loving pet parents have the best intentions, but traveling can be stressful for some animals,” she says. “Animals might not understand all the sights and sounds of a plane or a new city.”

Consider the mode of travel

If you have decided to take your pet, the next decision is how to reach the desired destination. If possible, Wong recommends taking a road trip. “You can take as many breaks as you and your pet need,” she says. “You can go to a nearby veterinary hospital in case of a medical emergency. When you travel by plane, you don’t have this flexibility.

Driving isn’t always possible or practical, so you might consider flying. But plane travel for non-helping animals can be complicated, as each airline has its own rules and requirements. These rules may also vary depending on departure and arrival destinations, weather, type of animal or breed, age and vaccination status of the animal, etc.

Generally speaking, unless your pet is small enough to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you for the duration of the flight, they will need to travel in the hold of the plane. “It’s a deal breaker for a lot of (pet parents),” said Brandi Munden, a spokeswoman for the association. American Kennel Club.

If you are fly internationally (or to some domestic locations like Hawaii), you will also need to inquire about local animal importation laws. Many require pets to be quarantined, so depending on the length of your stay, it may not be wise to bring your pet. Additionally, most airlines can only accommodate a handful of pets per flight, so book early and call to make sure there is a place for your pet.

If you can afford it, another option is to take a private or semi-private flight, which Carter recommends to all of her clients. This mode of travel offers “the ultimate peace of mind,” she says. “Your pet can sit on your lap or even sometimes move freely around the cabin, without worrying about crates, size restrictions, or last-minute changes at the door.”

A handful of airlines, including Bark Air And K9-Jetsoffer private pay-per-seat charters designed specifically for pets and their owners. Private jet companies like NetJets And VistaJetAs for him, he will also happily welcome pets. But be careful: these flights are not cheap and often cost several thousand dollars one way. Private charters, which tend to be more affordable than a fully private plane, also only serve certain routes.

(Related: Travel with animals abroad: a guide to some original rules.)

Plan a pet-friendly itinerary

Getting there is just one small part of planning a pet-friendly trip. You’ll also need to think about accommodation, logistics, social dynamics, and other factors once you arrive. “Determine if you can handle the added responsibility of caring for your pet while you travel,” says Munden.

Ask yourself these and other questions:

• Does your hotel or vacation rental allow pets? And, if so, do they have any special fees or rules? Many hotels only allow a certain number of pets per room and some have breed restrictions. Others prohibit pets from being left alone in rooms, meaning you’ll have to take your pet everywhere you go.
• What’s on your itinerary and how pet-friendly is the destination? Will your pet spend all day cooped up in a strange place while you’re out and about, or will you be able to take them with you to stores, restaurants, and activities?
• If you’re staying with family, do they have a pet-friendly environment (and, more importantly, is your family even as pets)? How does your pet react in the presence of children or other animals?
• If your pet has a medical problem, where is the nearest veterinarian and how can I get there?

Preparing for the trip

Once you have finalized the details, give yourself plenty of time to prepare your pet friendly travel. If you are traveling abroad, you will probably need to find and visit a Veterinarian accredited by the United States Department of Agriculture who can sign the required health certificates, says Wong. This process can take weeks or months, so start early. “Many pet owners don’t realize how much advanced planning is necessary,” she says.

In addition to pack your thingsJust remember to leave room for your pet’s necessities, says Munden. This includes food, treats, medications, leashes, harnesses or collars, water bowls, dog beds, toys, litter and litter boxes, and any crates or carriers. transportation. Also bring a paper or digital copy of your pet’s vaccination record, as well as any documents required to travel with a pet.

Especially if this is their first trip, this helps familiarize your pet with the situation ahead. If you bought a new pet carrier, for example, start using it at home. Before a road trip, spend some time driving to make your pet feel comfortable in the car. Once you arrive, give them time to acclimate and immediately unpack their blankets or favorite toys to make the space feel more like home, says Munden. Also be sure to pet-proof the space and, for dogs, always keep poop bags within reach. “Block off any area you don’t want them to access,” adds Munden. “Be respectful when cleaning up after your pet. »

Be flexible

A common phrase travel professionals often say: “Be patient.” This adage is especially true when traveling with pets, who are living, breathing creatures with minds of their own. Start the journey thinking that at least one thing will go wrong (or at least not exactly as you planned) and always have a backup plan. Set your expectations appropriately so you don’t get frustrated or disappointed, and do more research than you think is necessary.

And if you don’t want to leave anything to chance, Carter recommends hiring a travel advisor. She explains: “We make sure all the logistics are taken care of, so all that’s left to do is enjoy the trip together. »