You'd be surprised to know that the level of pet owners travelling by air dramatically increased between 2006 and 2016 from 20 per cent to 40 per cent, as per a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association. Good news is that now there are a lot more travel options than there were ever before. With the right precautions and steps, your furry child can tag along for a long distance travel with you.

Here is a checklist that you can maintain before setting off your trip with your pet.

Ensure your pet is ready for the trip

 ‘Are you sure your pet wants to travel with you?' You must answer this question suggests Patricia B. McConnell, Ph.D., a learned animal behaviourist, and author of the famous book, 'The Education of Will’. She says, 'I have come across people who were confident that their dog or cat wants to travel with them when in reality the poor creature was afraid of travelling and noises.

Book your tickets ahead of time.

Travelling out of the country? Don't forget to call your hotel or your new apartment building to confirm if they accommodate pet-friendly rooms and services. Most of the times hotels have little or no rooms for a pet at all, claims Amy Burkert founder and CEO of GoPetFriendly.com.

Aeroplanes and trains also have a limited set of seats available for pets, so book a seat for you and your pet before it's too late.  Before booking a trip with your pet, take them to a vet to ensure if they are healthy and ready to travel by air, ship, train or land. 

Invest in a pet ID.

Get your pet a name tag, with your phone number and your permanent address. In case it gets lost, someone can contact you and bring your pet to you.

Purchase an approved Pet case

Before taking off, contact your airline for pet carrier approval. Most of the airlines are kind enough to offer you a free and luxurious carrier to ensure the comfort of your pet.

Label the carrier as “Live Animal” to prevent anyone from mistaking it as a regular carrier.  

Pretend it's just another regular day

Animals, especially dogs are quick to know there is something fishy going on. To avoid your pet from freaking out, pretend like it's just a regular day. Feed your pet at the same time you would do every day. Don't overfeed them before a long trip. 

Keep them away from junk eating

Pack your pet's food from home and prefer bottled water. A sudden change in diet can cause an upset stomach.

Stay within your territory

When you arrive at your destination, don't leave your pet alone. Give them some time to settle in and get used to the new place. Unpack in front of your pet, so they know this is their new home and there is no going back.