Are you traveling with pets? Here’s how to ensure your trip is stress-free.

Cats and dogs are not just pets. These sweet, four-legged creatures have become our closest companions and confidantes more than half of U.S. pet owners now report that they view pets as much a part of their family than a human member.

So it’s not surprising that more and more pet parents want to take their furry friends with them on trips, even during the holidays. In response, the travel industry is now rolling out the red carpet for people and people alike And pet guests, with offers ranging from pet-friendly hotel packages to flights designed specifically for dogs.

“There has been a significant increase in the number of travelers wanting to take their pets with them, and they are sparing no expense,” said LaDell Carter, a Baltimore-based luxury travel consultant and founder of Royal Expression Travels. “It’s no longer just a niche market, it’s a full-blown trend.”

If you need advice on making the right decision whether or not to take your pet with you and are looking for tips on keeping your pet happy and healthy while traveling for the holidays or an upcoming trip; Animal and travel experts offer some guidance.

Put your pet’s well-being first

Long before you start drawing up a packing list, consider your pet’s well-being. Although You Your pet may be excited at the prospect of taking your dog or cat on a trip, but your pet may not feel the same way – and traveling can be detrimental to their health. This is especially true for older pets or people with existing medical problems. You know your pet best, but it’s always a good idea to check with your vet, he says Lilian Wonga veterinarian and clinical skills instructor at Oregon State University’s Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine.

In addition to your pet’s health, also consider its preferences and personality. Are they an anxious homebody who thrives on routine, or more of a social butterfly who loves to explore? “It really depends on the animal,” says Wong. “Some animals have an adventurous spirit and love to travel, while others do not.”

Certain types of trips are also better suited to taking pets than others, for example a weekend camping outing versus an international one business conference. Imagine the entire travel experience – from the moment you leave home to the moment you return – from your pet’s perspective.

(Related: More travel tips on how to travel safely with animals on a plane.)

Determine when you should travel without your pet

Sometimes going it alone is the right decision. If you know that traveling will make your pet uncomfortable or that the trip simply won’t be pet-friendly, consider hiring a sitter or booking a kennel at a boarding facility. (And if you’re traveling during the holidays, make these types of appointments as early as possible, as they tend to fill up quickly.)

Wong recommends making a list of pros and cons. “Often loving pet parents have the best intentions, but traveling can be stressful for some animals,” she says. “Animals may not understand all the sights and sounds of an airplane or a new city.”

Consider the mode of travel

If you have decided to take your pet with you, the next decision is how to reach your desired destination. If possible, Wong recommends road tripping. “You can take as many breaks as you and your pet need,” she says. “You can drive to a nearby animal hospital if there is a medical emergency. When you travel by plane, you don’t have that flexibility.”

Driving isn’t always possible or practical, so you might consider flying. But air travel for non-service animals can be complicated because each airline has its own rules and requirements – and those rules can also vary depending on departure and arrival destinations, weather, type of animal or breed, pet’s age and vaccination status, and more.

Generally, your pet will have to fly in the cargo hold of the plane unless it is small enough to fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight. “This is a deal breaker for many (pet parents),” said Brandi Munden, a spokeswoman for the American Kennel Club.

If you are flying internationally (or to certain domestic locations such as Hawaii), you should also read local laws regarding animal imports. Many countries require pets to be quarantined, so depending on the length of your stay, it may not be wise to bring your pet with you. Additionally, most airlines can only accommodate a handful of pets per flight, so book early and call to ensure there is a spot for your pet.

If you can afford it, another option is private or semi-private flights, which Carter recommends to all her clients. This way of traveling offers “the ultimate peace of mind,” she says. “Your pet can sit on your lap or sometimes even roam freely in the cabin, without worrying about crates, size restrictions or last-minute changes at the gate.”

A handful of airlines, including Bark Air And K9 jetsoffer private, pay-per-seat charters specifically designed for pets and their owners. Private jet companies like NetJets And VistaJetmeanwhile, also happily accepts pets. But be warned: these flights are not cheap and often cost several thousand dollars each way. The private charters, which are usually cheaper than a completely private plane, also only fly on certain routes.

(Related: To travel with pets abroad: a guide to some quirky rules.)

Planning a pet-friendly itinerary

Getting there is only a small part of planning a pet-friendly trip. Once you arrive, you’ll also need to think about accommodations, logistics, social dynamics, and other factors. “Consider whether you can handle the added responsibility of caring for your pet while traveling,” says Munden.

Ask yourself these and other questions:

• Are pets allowed in your hotel or vacation rental? And if so, are there any special fees or rules? Many hotels only allow a certain number of pets per room, and some have breed restrictions. Others prohibit pets from being left alone in rooms, meaning you have to take your pet with you everywhere.
• What’s on your itinerary and how pet-friendly is the destination? Will your pet be cooped up in a strange place all day while you’re on the road, or can you take him to shops, restaurants and activities?
• If you are staying with family, do they have a facility that is conducive to pets (and, more importantly, does your family even like pets)? How does your pet react around children or other animals?
• If your pet has a medical problem, where is the nearest vet and how to get there?

Preparing for the journey

Once you’ve finalized the details, give yourself plenty of time to prepare pet friendly trip. If you’re traveling internationally, you’ll probably need one U.S. Department of Agriculture Accredited Veterinarian who can sign the necessary health certificates, says Wong. This process can take weeks or months, so start early. “Many pet owners don’t realize how much advanced planning is involved,” she says.

Next to packing your thingsDon’t forget to leave room for your pet’s necessities, Munden says. This includes food, treats, any medications, leashes, harnesses or collars, water bowls, dog beds, toys, litter and litter boxes, and any crates or carriers. Also bring a paper or digital copy of your pet’s vaccination records, as well as any necessary documentation for traveling with a pet.

Especially if this is your first time traveling, it helps to familiarize your pet with the situation ahead. For example, if you purchased a new travel carrier, start using it at home. Before you travel, spend some time driving around so your pet feels comfortable in the car. Once you arrive, give them some time to acclimate and immediately unpack their favorite blankets or toys to make the space feel more like home, Munden says. Make sure you pet-proof the area too, and always keep poop bags on hand for dogs. “Block any area you don’t want them to have access to,” Munden adds. “Be respectful when cleaning up after your pet.”

Be flexible

A common phrase that travel professionals often say: “Grab your patience.” This saying is especially true when traveling with pets, which are living, breathing creatures with minds of their own. Go on a trip knowing that at least one thing will go wrong (or at least not exactly as you expected) and always have a backup plan. Set your expectations appropriately so you don’t get frustrated or disappointed and do more research than you think is necessary.

And if you don’t want to leave anything to chance, Carter recommends working with a travel advisor. She explains: “We ensure that all logistics are taken care of, so that we can only enjoy the trip together.”