Road Tripping with Pets During Holidays

Hitting the Road with Pets: How to Travel Safely + Why AnimalKeepers Matters

Traveling with your pet over the holidays can be a joy, but it also brings added risks and responsibilities. Whether you’re relocating rescue animals, transporting pets for adoption events, or simply bringing your furry family members along, careful planning is key. McNeil & Co’s AnimalKeepers program offers insurance and risk management built for organizations that care for animals.

Smart Safety Tips for Road Trips with Pets

Here are essential practices to keep animals safe and comfortable on the road:

• Crate or Restrain Properly
  Use a secure, ventilated carrier or crash-tested harness. Secure it so it won’t shift in a sudden stop.
• Prepare a Pet Travel Kit
  Bring food, water, bowls, leash, waste bags, familiar toys/blankets, medicines, and a first aid kit.
• Feed Light, Early
  Offer a light meal 3-4 hours before departure. Avoid feeding while the vehicle is moving to reduce motion sickness.
• Plan Frequent Breaks
  Stop every 2-3 hours so pets can stretch, relieve themselves, and hydrate.
• Keep IDs & Records Handy
  Ensure collars, tags, or microchips are up to date. Carry vaccination and medical records.
• Don’t Leave Pets Unattended in Vehicles
  Even in mild weather, internal car temperatures can become unsafe quickly.
• Acclimate Pets Gradually
  Take short trips beforehand so animals get used to motion, restraint, and car environments.

These steps reduce stress, prevent injuries, and help ensure that your pet remains secure and comfortable throughout the journey.

Why Animal Transportation Needs Thoughtful Insurance

Transporting animals, whether pets, rescues, or shelter residents, introduces unique liabilities:

• Animals may become anxious, injured, or escape during transit.
• Collisions or shifting crates can harm animals or people, triggering claims.
• Organizations must manage damage to property, veterinary costs, liability, and more.

That’s where AnimalKeepers comes in: a McNeil & Company program built for shelters, rescues, humane societies, and animal transporters.

What AnimalKeepers Covers

AnimalKeepers provides tailored protection designed for organizations that care for animals:

• Property & Personal Property: Buildings, equipment, and the assets used in animal care.
• Liability & Risk Management: Coverage for operations, volunteers, and exposures unique to animal welfare work.
• Specialized Experience & Support: Underwriting professionals familiar with shelters, rescues, and animal transport.

With the right insurance backing, organizations can focus on mission execution, not fear of financial fallout from accidents during transport.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Holiday road trips with pets can be rewarding, but they demand preparation, protection, and care. For organizations handling animal transport or care, don’t settle for general insurance that misses the nuances.

AnimalKeepers is the program built for your challenges, ensuring the animals you move, house, and serve are insured and that your organization is safeguarded.