It is possible to register your pet as an emotional support animal which is covered under some sections of the American’s with Disabilities Act (ADA). This allows you to take the animal with you to places that normally do not allow dogs. Emotional support animals may fly inside an airplane cabin and you cannot be charged an additional fee. You may be required to provide proof that your pet is an emotional support animal in the form of a doctor’s letter or registration paperwork. You may also have to provide notice 48 hours or more before you fly that you are bringing a support animal.

Pet insurance can help cover the cost of medical treatments for your pet. This allows you to choose the best treatment and not base the decision on family finances. Most pet insurance companies reimburse up to 80 percent of the cost after deductibles, allowing you to better budget pet care costs.

If you plan to travel with your pet, you will need to invest in a good pet carrier. Airlines may require that an animal be placed in a carrier for boarding and disembarking the aircraft. It is also safer for your pet to ride in a pet carrier in your car than sitting in the seat or floorboard with no restraints. A carrier may also be helpful if you must leave your animal in a hotel room for a few hours.

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of pet food brands available today. When choosing pet food, you want to be sure you choose foods that are healthy for your pet but also food they will enjoy. Consider how active your animal is, their breed and whether they are spayed or neutered. Check for fresh ingredients and read the nutritional adequacy statement that is available on pet food labels.

It is now possible to purchase GPS collars for your animals that use satellites through a Global Positioning System (GPS) to locate your pet no matter where they are. Most trackers use apps or online technology to allow you to track your pet. GPS collars are designed to help you locate your pet should they get lost, stolen or stuck somewhere they cannot escape.

Even healthy pets need to take regular medication. There are daily and monthly medications that prevent heartworms as well as those that keep your pet from being infested with fleas or ticks. Of course, there are also medical conditions that require medication for your pet as well. It is now possible to order many of these medications online and have them delivered to wherever you are. If you are traveling and forget to bring your animal’s medication, you can order it online and have it delivered to your location.

There is evidence that shows positive reinforcement is the best way to train your pet. Providing a treat when your animal does what they are supposed to do creates a stronger bond as well as builds mutual trust and respect. Punishing an animal for doing the wrong thing can lead to miscommunication and could make your animal afraid of you rather than correct the behavior.

Many national chains now offer accommodations that are pet friendly. Hotels like Aloft, Red Roof Inn, Motel 6, La Quinta Inns and Suites as well as many of the Hilton properties now allow you to bring a pet with you when you travel. Some have size requirements, such as dogs less than 50 pounds, while others charge an extra fee for an animal in the room. Some, like many of the La Quinta locations, have “dog walking areas” near one of the entrances to make it easy to give your dog a bathroom break.

If you are traveling from a warm location to a much colder location, your pet may need to have some additional protection from the cold. Although animals have fur, the growth of their fur adjusts to the climate they are accustomed to, so if you live in sunny Florida, your animal may not be able to stay warm if you travel to Vermont in February. Investing in a jacket or sweater is a good way to keep your pet warm in colder temperatures.