Cats and dogs are not just pets. These cute, four-legged creatures have become our closest friends and confidants. more than half of American pet owners report that they now view their pet as just as much a part of their family as a human member.

So, not surprisingly, pet parents want to bring their furry friends with them when they travel, including during holidays. In response, the travel industry is now rolling out the red carpet for people and people alike. And Pet guests are offered a variety of deals, from pet-friendly hotel packages to flights specially designed for dogs.

“There is a significant increase in travelers wanting to bring their pets with them, and they are sparing no expense,” says LaDell Carter, a Baltimore-based luxury travel consultant and founder. Royal Expression Travels. “This is no longer just a niche market but a full-blown trend.”

If you need advice to help you make the right decision about whether to take your pet with you and are looking for tips for keeping them at home happy and healthy when traveling for vacation or an upcoming trip; animal and travel experts offer some guidance.

Put your pet’s health first

Long before you start making a packing list, consider your pet’s health first. Again You While you may be excited at the prospect of bringing your dog or cat along for the trip, your pet may not feel the same way and the trip may be detrimental to their health. This is especially true for older pets or those with existing medical problems. You know your pet best, but it’s always a good idea to check in with your veterinarian, he says Lilian WongD., a veterinarian and clinical skills instructor at Oregon State University’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine.

Beyond your pet’s health, also consider their preferences and personality. An anxious homebody who thrives on routine, or 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, some don’t.”

Some types of trips are more amenable to bringing a pet than others (such as weekend trips) camping getaway against an international business conference. Imagine your entire travel experience from your pet’s perspective, from the moment you leave home to the moment you return.

(Related: More travel tips on how to travel safely with pets on the plane.)

Determine when to travel without your pet

Sometimes the right decision may be to go it alone. If you know the trip will make your pet uncomfortable or the trip won’t be pet-friendly, consider hiring a pet sitter or booking a kennel at a boarding facility instead. (And if you’re traveling during the holidays, make such arrangements as early as possible because reservations fill up quickly.)

Wong recommends jotting down a list of pros and cons. “Most of the time, loving pet parents have the best intentions, but traveling can be stressful for some animals,” she says. “Animals may not understand all the sights and sounds of an airplane or a new city.”

Consider travel mode

If you’ve decided to bring your pet with you, the next decision is how to get to your desired destination. If possible, Wong recommends hitting the road. “You can take as many breaks as you and your pet need,” she says. “If there is a medical emergency, you can go to a nearby veterinary hospital. “You don’t have that flexibility when traveling on a plane.”

Driving is not always possible or practical, so you may want to consider flying. However for air travel decommissioned animals It can be complicated as each airline has its own rules and requirements, and these rules can also vary depending on departure and arrival points, weather, type of animal or breed, pet’s age and vaccination status, and more.

Generally speaking, your pet will have to fly in the cargo hold of the plane for the entire flight unless it is small enough to fit in the carrier under the seat in front of you. “This is a deal breaker for a lot of (pet parents),” says spokeswoman Brandi Munden. American Kennel Club.

if you international flight (or to certain locales like Hawaii), you will also need to read up on local animal import laws. Many require pets to be quarantined, so depending on the length of your stay it may not make sense to bring your pet. Additionally, most airlines can only accept a handful of pets per flight, so book early and call to make sure there’s room for your pet.

If you can afford it, another option Carter recommends to all his clients is to fly private or semi-private. This form of travel offers “the ultimate peace of mind,” he says. “Your pet can sit on your lap, sometimes even roam freely in the cabin without worrying about crates, size restrictions, or last-minute changes to the door.”

Including a handful of airlines Shell Air And K9 JetsWe offer private, pay-per-seat rentals designed specifically for pets and their owners. For example, private jet companies NetJets And VistaJetBy the way, it will also happily accommodate pets. But be forewarned: These flights aren’t cheap, often costing several thousand dollars one way. Private charters, which are more affordable than a fully private plane, also fly only on certain routes.

(Relating to: Trip With pets abroad: A guide to some interesting rules.)

Planning a pet-friendly itinerary

Getting there is only a small part of planning a pet-friendly trip. You will also need to consider accommodation, logistics, social dynamics and other factors upon arrival. “Consider whether you can handle the extra 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? If so, are there 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 guest rooms; This means you have to bring your pet with you wherever 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, or will you be able to bring him or her to shops, restaurants, and activities?
• If you’re staying with family, do they have a pet-friendly environment (and more importantly, like pets)? How does your pet react around children or other animals?
• If your pet has a medical problem, where is the nearest vet and how do you get there?

Preparing for the trip

Once you have finalized the details, give yourself enough time to prepare. pet friendly trip. If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll probably need to find a place and visit it. US Department of Agriculture approved veterinarian Wong says who can sign the required health certificates. This process can take weeks or months, so start early. “Many pet owners don’t realize how much advanced planning is required,” she says.

In addition packing your belongingsRemember to leave room for your pet’s needs, says Munden. This includes food, treats, medications, collars, harnesses or leashes, water bowls, dog beds, toys, litter and litter boxes, and any crates or carriers. Also bring a hard or digital copy of your pet’s vaccination records and any documentation required for traveling with the pet.

It helps your pet get used to the upcoming situation, especially if this will be their first trip. For example, if you bought a new pet carrier, start using it at home. Before you go on a road trip, spend some time walking around to make your pet feel comfortable in the car. When you arrive, give them some time to adjust and immediately unpack their favorite blankets or toys to help the space feel more like home, says Munden. Make sure the area is pet-proof and always have poop bags ready for dogs. “Close off any areas you don’t want them to access,” adds Munden. “Be respectful by cleaning up after your pet.”

Be flexible

A common phrase that travel professionals often say: “Pay up your patience.” This adage is especially true when traveling with pets, who are living, breathing creatures with a mind of their own. Go into the trip with the expectation that at least something will go wrong (or at least not exactly what you expected) and always have a backup plan. To avoid being disappointed or disappointed, set your expectations appropriately and do more research than you think is necessary.

If you don’t want to leave anything to chance, Carter recommends working with a travel advisor. “We make sure all the logistics are taken care of, so all that remains is to enjoy the journey together,” he explains.