Do you want to travel with your pet? Here's how to make sure your trip is stress-free:

Cats and dogs aren't just pets. These adorable four-legged creatures have become best friends with our closest companions. More than half of American pet owners report that they consider their pets to be part of their family.

So, not surprising, I would like to bring some furry friends with me while I travel. In response, the travel industry is currently rolling out red carpets for both human and animal guests, from pet-friendly hotel packages to flights designed for dogs .

“We've got a lot of money to come and see,” said Ladell Carter, a Baltimore-based luxury travel advisor and founder of Royal Expression Travels. “It's no longer a niche market, it's a full-scale trend.”

If you are unsure whether to bring your pets while traveling, or are looking for tips to keep them happy and healthy during future trips, these animals and travel experts will provide useful guidance. Masu.

Put your pet happiness first

Long before you start drafting your packaging list, consider your pet's happiness first. You may be excited by the prospect of taking your dog or kitten for a trip, but your pet may not feel the same – and travel is harmful to their health It might be. This is especially true for senior pets and pets with existing medical problems. You know your pet best, but touching the base with your veterinarian is always a good idea, says Lillian Wong, veterinarian and clinical skills instructor at Carlson Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University Masu.

Beyond your pet's health, think about their preferences and personality. Are they anxious home bodies that thrive on a daily basis or a social butterfly that loves to explore? “It really depends on the animal,” Wong says. “Some animals have an adventurous spirit and love to travel, while others don't.”

Certain types of travel can also help bring pets more than other species. For example, weekend camping holidays and international business conferences. From your pet's perspective, imagine the entire travel experience from the moment you leave the house to the moment you come home.

(Related: Travel Tips on How to Travel safely with Animals by Airplane.)

Decide when to travel without pets

Sometimes the right decision may be moving on its own. If you know that travelling will make your pet uncomfortable or that travel won't be pet-friendly, consider hiring a pet sitter at the boarding facility instead or booking a kennel. (And if you are traveling during busy times, make arrangements for these types as soon as possible.

Wong recommends writing down a list of pros and cons. “In many cases, parents of your beloved pets have the best intentions, but travel can be stressful for some animals,” she says. “Animals may not understand all the sights and sounds of planes and new cities.”

Consider travel modes

If you decide to take your pet, the next decision is how to reach your desired destination. Wong recommends road trips if possible. “You and your pet can take as many breaks as you need,” she says. “If there's a medical emergency, you can go to a nearby veterinary hospital. When you're traveling by plane, you don't have the flexibility.”

Driving is not always possible or practical, so you might consider flying. However, air travel for non-service animals can be complicated as each airline has its own rules and requirements. These rules also vary based on the destination of departure and arrival, weather, animal or breed type, pet age and vaccination. Status etc.

Generally speaking, they need to fly in the airplane cargo hold unless your pet is small enough to fit in a carrier under your seat in front of you for the entire flight. “This is a contract vandal for many (the parents of pets),” says Brandi Manden, spokesman for the American Kennel Club.

If you are flying internationally (or to certain domestic locations like Hawaii), you should also read the local animal import laws. Many require pets to quarantine, so bringing pets may not be pointless depending on the length of your stay. Plus, most airlines can only accommodate a handful of pets per flight, so book early and call to make sure your pet has a location.

If you can afford it, another option is to fly private or semi-private. Carter recommends to all her clients. This travel mode offers “ultimate peace of mind,” she says. “Your pets may sit on their laps or roam freely in the cabin. You don't have to worry about wooden frames at the gates, size restrictions, or last-minute changes.”

A small number of airlines, including Bark Air and K9 Jets, offer private pay-per-sheet charters specifically designed for pets and their owners. Meanwhile, private companies such as Netjets and Vistajet are also happy to house pets. However, that applies. These flights are not cheap and often cost thousands of dollars each way. Private charters tend to be more affordable than fully private planes, only flying on certain routes.

(Related: Traveling with your pet overseas: A guide to some quirky rules.)

Plan your pet-friendly itinerary

Only one person will arrive there planning a pet-friendly trip. You also need to consider accommodation, logistics, social dynamics and other factors once you arrive. “Think about whether you can manage your pet's responsibilities while traveling,” Manden says.

Ask yourself these and other questions:

Do your hotel or vacation rentals allow pets? And if so, do they have special rates and rules? Many hotels only allow a certain number of pets per room, and some have variety restrictions. Others prohibit pets from being left alone in the room. This means you need to take your pet everywhere. What is on your itinerary and how pet-friendly is your destination? Your pet can take you with you while you're out and you can take it with you to shops, restaurants, activities, or you can bring it with them? Pet-enhancing setup (and, more importantly, your family loves pets)? How does your pet respond to children and other animals? If your pet has medical issues, where is the closest vet and how do you get there?

Travel preparation

Once you have confirmed the details, give them plenty of time to prepare for your pet-friendly trip. If you are traveling internationally, you may need to find and visit a USDA-approved veterinarian who can register with the required health certificate, Wong says. This process can take weeks or months, so start early. “Many pet owners don't understand how much advanced planning is involved,” she says.

In addition to packing your belongings, don't forget to leave room for your pet's essentials, says Munden. This includes food, treatment, drugs, melting, harness or collar, a bowl of water, a dog bed, toys, trash, trash cans, boxes and carriers. Also, bring your pet's vaccination record paper or digital copies, as well as any documents you need to travel with your pet.

Especially if this will be their first trip, it will help your pet to become more familiar with the situation ahead. For example, if you purchased a new pet carrier, start using it at home. Before your road trip, spend some time roaming around to make your pet feel comfortable in the car. Once you arrive, give them time to adapt and quickly unpack your favorite blankets and toys to help make your space feel like home, says Munden. Make sure to pull your pets too. If you're a dog, always prepare a poop bag. “Block areas you don't want to access,” adds Manden. “Please pay respect by cleaning your pets.”

Become flexible

A common phrase often used by travel experts: “Stick your patience.” This saying is especially true when traveling with pets breathing living creatures in their own minds. Join the trip with the mindset that at least one thing is wrong (or at least not as you expected) and that you always have a backup plan. Set your expectations appropriately so that you can't be frustrated or disappointed or do more research than you think is necessary.

And if you don't want to leave anything to happen, Carter recommends working with a travel advisor. She said, “We make sure all the logistics are being handled, so we make sure everything that remains is enjoying the journey together.”