BREA, Calif., July 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Family vacations have gone to the dogs -- and cats. Veterinary Pet Insurance (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, recently polled 7,854 of its policyholders and Web site visitors to find out how people care for their pets while they are on vacation. Nearly a quarter of those polled (23.7 percent) take their pets with them when they travel. In addition, 36.4 percent have a friend or relative watch their pet, 20.3 percent board their pet in a kennel/hotel, 15.1 percent hire a pet-sitter, and 4.4 percent leave their pet at home alone.

"For many pet owners, traveling with their pet is an appealing option," said Dr. Carol McConnell, director of veterinary education for VPI. "People worry about their four-legged family member and want to make sure that their pet receives the best possible care. Pet owners may feel guilty if they leave their pet at home or at a boarding kennel, especially since being separated can cause some pets to become overly stressed."

As an increasing number of people decide to fly with Fido, more hotel chains are providing pet-friendly accommodations. Some hotels offer pet amenities such as pet beds, toys, treats and dog walking. Others assure pet owners ground floor rooms with easy access to sidewalks, trails or paths for dog walking. A few companies publish pet-friendly travel guides and most travel Web sites offer pet-friendly search options.

"The key to traveling comfortably with a pet is preparation," said McConnell. "Make sure your plans include pet-friendly lodging, and try to avoid activities that could be excessively disruptive or threatening to your pet. If you are traveling by airplane, you may need a health certificate, and if you are traveling by car, it is important to properly secure your pet. No matter how you travel, be sure to give your pet easy access to water and regular walks."

Additionally, keep in mind that a foreign environment can present risks for a pet away from home. While traveling, pet owners should avoid drastic changes in their pet's diet or schedule, keep their pet on a leash and always know the location of the closest veterinary clinic during the day and veterinary emergency clinic at night. If the trip includes time in the wilderness, knowledge of area wildlife and any prospective dangers could prevent a costly accident or illness.

One way to help cover a potentially expensive trip to the veterinarian while on vacation is to protect your pet with a VPI Pet Insurance policy. VPI Pet Insurance policies defray pets' medical costs and allow pet owners to use any licensed veterinarian worldwide. Policies are portable and provide pet owners assurance that, no matter what the destination, their pet will receive optimal medical treatment.

"If your pet becomes sick or injured while away from home, it is important to seek treatment right away," said McConnell. "A VPI Pet Insurance policy covers a multitude of treatments and conditions, and can provide pet lovers with peace of mind knowing their pets are protected."

About Veterinary Pet Insurance

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation's oldest and largest pet health insurance company. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional Pet WellCare Protection(SM) for routine care is also available.

Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 1,600 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

CONTACT: Brian Iannessa of Veterinary Pet Insurance Co.,
+1-714-989-5662, cell, +1-714-981-2056, biannessa@petinsurance.com

Web site: http://www.petinsurance.com/