Traveling with pets

Julieakin • November 15, 2018

Make sure your pets travel well for the holidays

 

A dog is sticking its head out of a car window. The holiday season is here and that means it’s time to eat good food and join together with loved ones. For many who have families far away, this is also is the time to pack up and get out of Arizona.

If you are gearing up to travel and have pets at home, you’re probably considering their holiday options, perhaps a dog sitter, cat spa or kennel. If you just can’t bear leaving your furry friends behind, you’re in luck! We here at Budget Insurance understand that pets are a part of the family and how hard it can be to leave them behind.  With the following tips, you and your cuddly companions can travel with you — via car, plane or train — in safety and comfort.

 

  • Pre-travel honesty . Before you consider making Fido your backseat driver or your wingman, consider whether he will feel safer en route or at home. Some pets simply don’t like to travel, while others are more versatile.

 

  • Trial run . Before embarking on a long trip, take some shorter drives to see how your pet responds. Does he get anxious? Car sick?

 

  • Keep heads and paws inside . Your dog may enjoy sticking his head out the window, but riding this way could cause ear damage or expose your pet to lung infections, according to the ASPCA.

 

 

  • Pet papers . If you’re traveling outside the country, find out what vaccinations your pet will need and if quarantine is required. Consult this database of animal import requirements for more information.

 

  • Comfort your four-legged friends in flight . Before you book your flight, make sure the air carrier allows pets in the cabin or if they need to ride in cargo. Research weight requirements ahead of time, and check the airline’s website for additional regulations.

 

  • Pack their bags with care . Pack a travel bag for your pet, just as you do for yourself and your family. Consider items like food bowls, leashes, treats and favorite toys, as well as immunization records and identification tags.

 

  • Put the pedal to the metal . If you have a choice, travel by car. This way you can stop as frequently as necessary for potty stops and feedings.

 

  • Avoid accidents . Regardless of your mode of travel, be cognizant of the duration of your journey. Gauge how much your pet eats and drinks according to the length of the trip. If you’re traveling by train, find out in advance if there are stops when you and your pet can get out and get relief.

 

At Budget Insurance we hope you and your pets have a comfortable, safe journey wherever you travel for the holidays.

May 9, 2025
To update you on what is happening at the Lukeville/Sonoyta border crossing for our insureds traveling to Rocky Point: Depending on the officer, Mexican authorities (Guardia Nacional) are enforcing the FMM and passport requirements, but not consistently. Some travelers have reported crossing as usual without passports, and officers simply waived them through. Others have reported obtaining FMMs at the border, with all travelers carrying passports. If travelers are transparent and declare any alcohol they’re bringing into Mexico, they are being charged a 114% tax. However, some people reported having alcohol but were waived through by officers and did not pay the tax. It appears enforcement depends on the officer, and tourists are currently taking their chances. It comes down to each traveler’s level of confidence and risk tolerance, as enforcement is not yet consistent. Our company’s recommendation is to follow the law: Process the FMM online Print the form Stop at the INM (Immigration) office at the border to get it stamped Reminder: The FMM tourist permit is only for foreign citizens, not for individuals with dual citizenship. Here is the link to obtain the FMM online (in case travelers ask where to process it before crossing the border): https://www.inm.gob.mx/fmme/publico/en/solicitud.html The INM Immigration Office is located in the Aduana building. For your reference, the Gastrak/Sanborn’s location in Lukeville and the Aduana building (just to the left after crossing the border) are highlighted. Additional reminders for this border crossing: All vehicles must have a current, original, valid registration OR the original title/notarized copy. Digital copies or images are not accepted. If the vehicle is not owned by the driver (e.g., a company vehicle, borrowed from family or friends), a notarized letter of permission from the owner is required to take the vehicle into Mexico. Border Hours: U.S. and Mexican authorities have agreed that the Lukeville–Sonoyta border crossing to Rocky Point (Puerto Peñasco) is open daily from 6 a.m. to 8 p.m., with extended hours on Fridays (6 a.m. to 10 p.m.) from March 7 to October 10, 2025.
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