If you’re sneaking in a last minute vacation before winter or already scheduling your holiday getaway, thinking about how your pets factor into your traveling is an important aspect of your planning.

How do you travel with your pets? If you haven’t done it before, how will you handle it? Here you will find some guidance for taking a pet-friendly vacation!

Call Ahead

As you make your plans, call ahead to your destination to find out how they handle pets. For instance, Yellowstone National Park doesn’t allow pets into the park, and you don’t want to get all the way out there before you find that out!

Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics, especially when it comes to things like airlines and hotels. By learning all the details in advance, you minimize the chance of being surprised by an unpleasant inconvenience along the way.

Get a Check-Up

Before you pack up, take your pet to the vet to make sure they are road ready. A good check up and an A-OK from the doctor goes a long way in making sure your pet will enjoy the trip.

The headache of trying to get a pet treated for an unexpected concern while traveling can often be prevented with a quick check-up before you go.