How to stay safe with your pet during holiday trips

Many pet parents travel during the holidays to celebrate with friends, family and loved ones. Bringing your pet to visit grandma can be exciting for both you and your fur-kids, but it can also present some challenges—and even some hazards.

If your host is gracious enough to open their home to your pet, there's more than just a bigger packing list to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help keep your pet safe in an unfamiliar setting.

Be mindful of your pet’s habits

Each pet is unique in their own way. However, your hosts may not know your pet’s quirks like you do, which can lead to unfortunate mishaps.

Take for example Rolex, a conure bird who was accustomed to perching freely at home. This habit turned dangerous when a visit to a friend's house led to Roley getting shut in a closing door. Fortunately, Rolex got the care she needed for her injuries, and Nationwide helped with her eligible veterinary expenses.

It can be helpful to share your pet’s habits when you arrive, so everyone's aware of where they’ll be and what they like to do. Other things to potentially share with your host: What can or can't be eaten, relevant information about routines like feeding times, and how to best interact with your pet.

Watch for roaming

It can be tempting to let pets, especially well-behaved pets, do their own thing as usual. But new areas can cause curious pets to test their boundaries, like Zimba did when her rooftop explorations led to a scary tumble through a skylight.

Luckily, Zimba landed on a steel beam a safe distance below where she could be rescued. She was rushed to the emergency vet, where she got care for her injuries quickly. Her eligible veterinary expenses were reimbursed by Nationwide, too.

Even well-trained dogs can act unpredictably in new environments (like on the roof). A short leash or familiar boundaries like a portable pet fence or playpen can create safe zones where they can enjoy their new setting safely.

Play it safe

Even in more common settings, unfamiliar spaces can throw pets for a loop—especially when they are focused on playing with their humans. Josie is a high-energy pup who loves playing fetch. But when the thrill and intensity of the game outweighed her ability to quickly navigate a new outdoor area, it led to a snoot-smashing surprise that abruptly ended playtime. Fortunately, she was brought to the veterinarian, and her eligible expenses were covered by Nationwide.

To avoid a mishap, watch for uneven terrain, sharp objects or decor in unfamiliar areas that could put a dent in playtime. Consider gentler play or walks in new areas (the new smells on a stroll could even outweigh the excitement of chasing a toy).

Be ready for holiday hazards

Even short holiday trips require a lot of planning. The easiest thing to pack? Nationwide pet insurance. If the unexpected happens, your coverage can be used at any vet, anywhere—including emergency centers and specialists.

When you have questions about your pet’s health, the 24/7 Nationwide VetHelpline® is always available, even during the season when many veterinary offices are closed. Access to this telehealth service is included with every Nationwide pet insurance policy. Members can download the app for free from the App Store or Google Play.*

To learn more about pet insurance and customize a plan for your pet, visit petinsurance.com.

*Except where prohibited by state law. VetHelpline is not a substitute for a visit to your primary veterinarian.