How can you travel with peace of mind with your pet?

Updated May 31, 2024
Fact checked by
Alexandrine Bertrand
Alexandrine Bertrand

Alexandrine Bertrand

Alexandrine Bertrand
An avid solo traveller, Alexandrine is an expert on loyalty programmes such as Aeroplan, Avios, AIR MILES, Flying Blue and Marriott Bonvoy. With a budget-conscious approach, she helps travellers make the most of their points and miles to experience affordable, off-the-beaten-path getaways. She also shares a love of gastronomy and enjoys exploring local flavours and culinary traditions.
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dog travel insurance car
To the point Here are our recommendations to allow you to travel with peace of mind with your pet.

Living with a pet is usually a source of daily joy. To always have your dog or cat by your side, you can take it with you when you travel, including trips abroad, keeping in mind all the risks it entails.

The best way to protect yourself against these risks is to apply for pet insurance. This will limit the expenses related to veterinary care and ensure proper treatment of your pet in case of illness or accident.

dog car travel insurance

Why insure your pet when you go abroad?

It is recommended that you apply for pet insurance before you travel for a variety of reasons. A trip abroad is synonymous with a change of environment. Just like a human being, the animal will first have to adapt to this new place. This could have an impact on its health.

To keep your pet healthy, it will need medical follow-up. Without insurance, all veterinary expenses will be your responsibility. With insurance, the owner will be reimbursed for all or part of the expenses incurred for the pet during the trip. This will allow you to have some peace of mind during your trip abroad. Leaving with peace of mind also means choosing the right travel insurance in Canada before your departure.

Pet insurance allows you to guarantee your dog, cat, or any other animal receives the best possible care. It also allows you to have control over your budget. By taking out pet insurance, the owner can also benefit from free services even when abroad.

Most insurance companies offer emergency telephone assistance. This service is available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day. The owner will therefore benefit from valuable advice to take better care of their companion throughout the trip, especially when it comes to nutrition.

cat travel insurance

When should I apply for pet insurance and what does it cover in case of a problem?

It is best to apply for pet insurance as soon as possible. Don’t wait until the vacation starts or the week of travel to look for insurance for your dog or cat. Pets are at risk of accidents and diseases even at home.

The ideal time to apply for pet insurance is when the dog or cat is adopted, which is when it is two or three months old. This will allow the pet owner to pay a lower fee. This early application also gives you more choice in terms of insurance companies and the opportunity to compare quotes.

The other advantage of insuring your pet quickly is that you won’t be faced with sudden and large expenses. The cost of a dog x-ray abroad can reach over $150. A sick pet that already has coverage will be taken care of more easily. It is important to remember that veterinary costs are often quite large.

By applying for pet insurance, you can more easily cover the costs in the event of illness, accident, or hospitalization. It also helps to avoid insurance exclusions.

dog travel insurance

Depending on the plan you choose, pet health insurance covers all benefits related to surgery, accidents, and illness. These include:

  • consultations
  • x-rays
  • emergency consultations
  • blood or other tests.

With broader coverage, pet insurance can also cover preventive services (screenings, dietary treatments, vaccinations, spaying and neutering, etc.). The coverage can be complete, i.e. 100% depending on the formula chosen.

Travelling with your pet: choosing the right destination

To allow your companion to stay in better conditions during the trip and to preserve their health, it is best to prepare for a trip in advance. The first thing is to choose a suitable destination. You should make sure that the owner of the premises accepts all pets, whether it is a campsite, a guest house, or a hotel.

For example, first and second-category dogs are generally not accepted by property owners. It is therefore in the pet owner’s interest to be aware of the acceptance conditions before choosing a destination. You may also need to pay extra. After choosing your destination. It is in your best interest to do everything possible to minimize the risks associated with the change in environment.

In addition to that, you must also provide the necessary equipment for your trip. To travel with a dog, for example, the owner must provide:

  • the animal’s health record
  • a first aid kit containing antiparasitics, booties, DIY balm, protective socks, and more
  • two bowls (for food and water)
  • the collar and harness with a tag
  • a mat or blanket
  • food in sufficient quantity according to the number of days away.

If you are going on vacation with your four-legged friend, calculate how much you will be paid during your vacation.

english cocker spaniel gebff

For example, travelling in Europe with your pet comes with certain conditions. It should be noted that countries in the EU (European Union) have a common regulations for cats, dogs, and ferrets. For other animals, you should be aware of the regulations of your destination country.

When a person travels with a pet, the animal must be up to date on certain vaccinations, including the rabies vaccine. The passport has been the only official document that attests to the rabies vaccine since January 1, 2009. The owner must therefore carry this document issued by a veterinarian.

The pet participating in a trip must be identified with a microchip or a legible tattoo. The identification number must match the number on the passport. The animal must also undergo certain treatments a few days before the trip.

This is the case, for example, the treatment against worms must be administered between 120 hours and 24 hours before entering the country of destination. Some countries require a minimum age for animals. All of this should be verified before you take your pet on board.

In conclusion, it is best not to leave your pet alone for an extended period of time. It is possible to travel with your dog, as long as the ideal arrangements are made. Once you arrive at your destination, you will have to take good care of your pet. Pet insurance is also essential for peace of mind and managing your budget in case of emergencies.

Come to discuss that topic in our Facebook Group!
Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine

Jean-Maximilien Voisine
Jean-Maximilien, President and Founder of Milesopedia, is a recognized expert in rewards programs, credit cards, and travel in Canada and France. Approaching forty and a father of two, he has travelled to over 100 countries, half of them with his children and his wife, Audrey. Specializing in top loyalty programs like Aeroplan, American Express Membership Rewards, and Marriott Bonvoy, he guides travellers to maximize their benefits across North America and Europe.
All posts by Jean-Maximilien Voisine

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