Top tips for travelling with your pet

6/19/2024

Travelling with your pet is a wonderful experience but it’s important to plan ahead to guarantee their safety, comfort and happiness. For starters, you’ll want to make sure they have a restful ride, book pet-friendly accommodations and pack their essential travel gear.

Planning a trip to the US with your dog? Make sure you’re aware of updated border-crossing rules that come into effect on August 1, 2024.

Here’s our helpful pet travel guide to ensure a stress-free vacation for you and your furry friend.

Find pet-friendly lodgings and activities

Build your itinerary around pet-friendly destinations and activities, including parks, trails, beaches and outdoor dining. Researching ahead ensures you find accommodations and restaurants that welcome your furry friend with open arms.

Here’s a few ideas of where to find:

For some destination ideas close to home, check out our pet-friendly travel ideas for your next weekend getaway in BC.

Remember to plan and pack for local weather conditions. It’s always a good idea to bring a rag or old towel to clean up dirty or wet paws and keep your pet, and the accommodation owners happy!

Dog crate secured with seat belt in car for safe travel

Bring their faves and the right size crate

Whether you're hitting the highway or heading to the airport, keep your pet comfortable by packing the right essentials. Bring their favourite foods, toys, plenty of water and good clean bedding. Check out (and download) the BC SPCA’s Pet Travel Checklist for everything you need.

If you’re flying with your pet in cargo, here’s how to pick the right pet carrier or crate for a good, safe flight. If you’re touring the US together, here’s how to keep your pet safe when you travel by car, plane, ship or train.

A dog and a cat is ready to go on a trip

Do your homework before you go

Before you leave home, make sure you’ve handled all your pet's travel requirements. Update their vaccinations and pack their necessary documents, like health and vaccination records. Here’s what to know before you travel internationally with your pet.

In case of an emergency, you’ll definitely want to research local pet services at your destination before you go, and it’s always useful to pack pet insurance.

Give yourself peace of mind with insurance

Pet Insurance
Protecting your pet with insurance can save your vacation budget from being blown, should something go wrong. BCAA Pet Insurance, sold in partnership with Pets Plus Us, provides accident and illness coverage beyond the Canadian border into the US too. If unexpected circumstances mean you have to head home early, BCAA Pet Insurance covers up to $1,000 of your trip cancellation costs.

You can also relax on your vacation knowing you have access to round-the-clock veterinary tech care with PetHelpFone™ with BCAA Pet Insurance. Call PetHelpFone™ to talk with qualified veterinary technicians who are available when your veterinary practice is not, giving you 24/7 emergency support.

Better yet, BCAA Members save 13.5% on BCAA Pet Insurance*, giving you unbeatable value and peace of mind.

Car Insurance
For extra safety, consider adding BCAA Optional Car Insurance. If your pet is injured in a car accident, we’ll cover their veterinary expenses up to $1,000.

Travel Insurance
If you choose BCAA Travel Insurance’s Optional Pet Coverage, your pet’s boarding, kennel costs or return flight home is covered if you get hospitalized on your trip or if you need to be medically transported back. It also pays for veterinary fees if your pet is injured during the trip up to $600.

When you plan your next holiday, follow these handy tips to make your vacation paws-itively perfect.

Good, calm travel is all about comfort and routine

Travel is exciting but that excitement can also stress your pet. Stick to their regular routine as much as possible. Keep their normal feeding and exercise schedule, as this will give them a sense of familiarity despite their new surroundings. Remember: a well-fed, well-exercised and well-rested pet is a happy traveller.

^{* BCAA Members receive a preferred rate of 13.5% off. Non-members receive a preferred rate of 9% off}
^{All pet insurance plans have limitations and exclusions. Specific products, features, rates, and discounts may vary by province and territory, eligibility, and are subject to change. Medical Conditions that are noted, symptomatic or diagnosed prior to enrollment, or during a waiting period are pre-existing to Coverage and not eligible for reimbursement. Waiting periods, annual deductible, co-insurance, benefit limits and exclusions may apply. This advertisement is an outline only; policy terms and conditions 'User Guide' will prevail. For all terms and conditions visit: https://www.petsplusus.com/service-claims/brochures-guides.}
^{Pet insurance is sold and administered (including with respect to claims) by PTZ Insurance Services Ltd. (PTZ), a licensed insurance agency and is underwritten by Northbridge Insurance (Northbridge). The insurance transaction is between the customer and Northbridge. B.C.A.A. Holdings Ltd., dba BCAA Insurance Agency, receives commissions from PTZ for referrals of potential customers for pet insurance. PTZ receives fees and commissions from Northbridge for sales and administration of pet insurance.}
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