Traveling Safely with Your Dog or Cat

Some cats love to travel in cars. Others, not so much.

If you’re a cat or dog owner, you probably consider your pet to be part of the family. Our pets share our lives – good times and bad – and they’re always happy to see us when we get home after being gone. In some cases, our pets become so close to us they’re almost like our children.

Most pets see some sort of car travel during their lives. Some just take the occasional trip to the vet, while others are constant car companions. Let’s take a look at where pets fit in regards to coverage through typical car insurance policies, and we’ll end with a few tips on how to keep your precious cargo safe when traveling.

Are My Pets Covered by My Car Insurance Policy?

Regardless of the situation, when your pet gets hurt in an accident while on a trip, it can be devastating. The bad news is that car insurance companies do not normally cover pets as part of a regular policy.

No matter how deep our feelings for our pet companions run, in the eyes of the law, they’re personal property. This applies to an injury that occurs when they’re in your car, or they’re walking on the road.

Pets don’t have the rights afforded to human pedestrians. That means they’re subject to being declared a total loss by a car insurance company when a claim is made on one.

Since pets are classified by definition as personal property, there are some differences when a pet is injured in a collision when traveling in your car. The way they would be treated depends on the claim:

• You can make a third party claim – this means a claim on another driver’s insurance policy – for your pet’s medical bills. That goes to the concept that states liability insurance must place you back where you were prior to the accident.
• If you were at fault for the accident and have to turn to your collision coverage, check the policy. Collision will pay for the repairs on your car, but there may be exclusions or exceptions to damage of personal property. If that exclusion is present, your claim for pet medical bills will not be paid, meaning you’ll be out of pocket for those medical expenses.
• If your pet is killed, you most likely will only be able to make a claim for the market value of the pet, just like any other piece of property.

There are options available if you’d like to ensure your pet is protected and afforded coverage. Many insurers now offer policy options to cover pets. Call your insurance agent or your insurer to see if they offer such options.

Items Needed for Safe Travel for Pets

To travel safely with your pet, you’re going to need a few things. We recommend the following items for either a cat or a dog that will be traveling with you:

Pet carrier, barrier and/or harness

Why not give your pet unlimited access to the interior of your car? We can think of plenty of reasons. An errant pet can be a safety hazard as you drive, keeping your eyes off the road, and potentially stopping you from being able to complete the task of driving.

Using a carrier, barrier or harness can keep your pet safe in the case of sudden stops. And in the event of an accident, it will keep your pet from becoming a projectile bouncing through the car, causing harm to themselves or others, and preventing damage to your car. And in a worst case scenario, they can prevent your pet from being ejected from the car.

Tags and immunization records

Your pet should be wearing its registration tags, and it’s a great idea to have copies of their immunization records, too.  Some pet-friendly hotels and almost all pet-friendly resorts require them at check in.

Microchip Implant

These passive RFID chips are placed under the skin of your dog or cat. In the unfortunate event your pet is lost or separated from you while on the road, they can be a godsend in getting your pet back home.

Pet Luggage

We’re not suggesting you buy your pet their own set of luggage, but you should have a single place where all essential items are organized and at hand. A basic duffle bag with pockets, or a backpack with multiple pockets fills the bill nicely.

Water and Food Bowls

Pets are just like us, they have to eat and drink, even while on the road. While collapsible models are available, it’s a bit more economical to just select a normal bowl. Don’t forget a reusable bottle to keep water for your dog or cat handy.

Leashes 

Most cat owners don’t harness and leash train their cats, it is an item you simply must have if you’re traveling distances that require bathroom breaks. Rest area stops often have pet walks, but due to their proximity to the road and the rules and regulations in place at most, you’ll need to have your animal under your control for their own safety, as well as the safety of others.

GPS/Pre-mapped bathroom breaks 

If your trip is long enough that you and your pet will need bathroom breaks, it’s a good idea to either pre-map them before you leave, or to use a GPS to find suitable stops. Like drivers and passengers, pets will need a chance to exercise and escape the confines of a car. If you’re planning on staying in hotels or motels overnight, you’ll also want to pre-map pet-friendly choices.

Special toys/possessions

If your pet has a stuffed animal, sock toy or item that they sleep or play with or otherwise is a significant part of their lives, you might want to bring them along to help keep your pet relaxed and calm.

Share this post