During a family vacation in Europe, a traveler had to cut her trip short due to a sudden medical emergency. She was concerned about leaving her dog at a local boarding facility. But since her travel protection plan included the Pet Return benefit, we worked with the plan’s travel assistance service provider to coordinate transportation for her pet back home.

Our team communicated with the boarding facility, helped arrange flight details, and ensured that all required documentation was prepared. Her pet arrived safely, and she was able to focus on her situation without managing logistics from abroad. This is how the Pet Return benefit helps when eligible travelers are unable to return home with their pet due to a covered event.

~ Lin, Licensed Travel Assistance Agent with AXA

When Does Pet Return Coverage Apply?

The Pet Return benefit applies when a covered event during your trip prevents you from returning home with your pet. This benefit can help coordinate and reimburse eligible transportation costs to return your pet to your residence when you are unable to do so yourself. Examples of covered events may include, subject to plan terms and conditions:

• A medical emergency that requires your hospitalization
• A covered trip interruption that forces you to return separately or unexpectedly
• Evacuation or relocation due to safety concerns
• Extended travel delays or disruptions that leave your pet stranded
• Other events explicitly covered under your plan documents

To be eligible, the benefit must be active during the incident, and your pet must be in a licensed boarding facility or care provider. If approved, reimbursement may be provided for eligible pet transportation expenses, up to plan limits, and subject to documentation requirements.

Note: This material is for informational purposes only and does not describe all coverage details. Coverage is subject to terms, conditions, limitations, and exclusions of the policy. Not all benefits are available in all states. Refer to your plan documents for full coverage details.

What Does Pet Return Coverage Include?

The Pet Return benefit may help coordinate and reimburse eligible transportation costs when a covered event prevents you from traveling home with your pet. This benefit supports travelers in situations where their pet must be returned separately due to an emergency or trip disruption. Depending on your travel protection plan, the Pet Return benefit may include:

How Do You File a Pet Return Coverage Claim?

If a covered event prevented you from returning home with your pet, you may submit a claim for eligible transportation expenses under the Pet Return benefit. To begin the process, follow these steps:

Review Your Plan Benefits

Check your travel protection plan documents to confirm that the event qualifies as a covered disruption and that the Pet Return benefit is included in your selected plan.

Gather Your Records

Collect all related documentation, including transportation invoices, coordination records, and confirmation of the covered event that prevented you from traveling with your pet.

Submit Your Claim

Access AXA’s claims portal or contact the claims team. Complete the claim form and upload receipts, travel disruption documentation, and any required supporting materials.

Respond to Any Follow-Up Requests

A claims representative may request further details or clarification. You can track your claim status through the portal or by contacting the AXA claims team directly.

Preparing for a Trip and Want Support for Unplanned Pet Travel Needs?

The Pet Return benefit in AXA Travel Protection can help cover eligible transport costs if a covered disruption prevents you from traveling home with your pet.

Common Exclusions in Pet Return Coverage

While the Pet Return benefit helps with eligible transportation costs when covered travel disruptions occur, certain situations typically fall outside the scope of this benefit:

FAQs About Pet Return Coverage

1.What does Pet Return Coverage typically include?

The Pet Return benefit may include coordinating and reimbursing eligible transportation costs to return your pet to your home or a designated caregiver when a covered event prevents you from returning as planned.

This can involve ground or air transport arranged through approved service providers, along with support for required documentation. The benefit is intended for situations where your pet cannot remain safely at the destination due to a disruption outlined in your plan. Coverage and reimbursement depend on your travel protection plan’s terms, conditions, and benefit limits.

2.When is Pet Return Coverage usually triggered?

The Pet Return benefit may be triggered when a covered event occurs during your trip and prevents you from returning home with your pet. Qualifying events generally include a medical emergency, evacuation, or trip interruption as defined in your travel protection plan.

For the benefit to apply, the event must occur within the coverage period and meet all eligibility requirements. Reimbursement and coordination depend on the plan’s terms and the documentation provided. Claims must be reviewed and approved before transportation costs are reimbursed or coordinated through approved service providers.

3.Does Pet Return Coverage apply to all types of pets?

The Pet Return benefit typically applies to domesticated household pets, such as dogs or cats, though eligibility depends on the definitions provided in your travel protection plan. Some plans may also cover small domestic animals, while exotic, aggressive, or unvaccinated pets are generally excluded due to transport limitations.

The benefit requires proof of ownership or health documentation to confirm eligibility. Always review your travel protection plan’s terms to determine whether your pet qualifies under the benefit during a covered event. If you're traveling with your pet, also review the Pet Kennel benefit and Pet Medical benefit to understand how each may apply during different types of travel disruptions.

4.How is pet transportation coordinated under the Pet Return benefit?

If eligible under your travel protection plan, transportation for your pet can be coordinated through the plan’s travel assistance service provider using approved carriers. This can include licensed pet relocation services or ground transport teams, depending on your pet’s needs, location, and applicable regulations.

The assistance provider evaluates the situation and selects an appropriate transportation method based on policy terms and the nature of the covered event. All arrangements must follow legal, safety, and documentation requirements, and reimbursement is subject to plan limits and approval.

5.Can the Pet Return benefit be used if my pet is traveling with someone else?

The Pet Return benefit generally applies when a covered event prevents the named traveler from returning with their pet. If your pet is traveling with another person, the benefit may not apply, unless that individual is also covered under the same travel protection plan and the event affects their return. Eligibility is based on the traveler's plan terms and who is listed on the policy.

6.What documents are typically required when filing a Pet Return claim?

When submitting a Pet Return claim, you’ll usually need to provide proof of travel, documentation of the covered event, and records confirming pet ownership and eligibility. Required materials generally include policy details, boarding receipts, transportation invoices, veterinary records, and any relevant reports explaining why you could not return with your pet.

In some cases, estimates from approved service providers also be needed for reimbursement. Providing complete and accurate documentation supports claim review and helps ensure the benefit is applied according to your plan’s terms.

7.How does Pet Return Coverage differ from standard pet travel services?

The Pet Return benefit applies only when a covered event prevents you from returning with your pet, as outlined in your travel protection plan. It is triggered by specific, unexpected disruptions, such as medical emergencies or evacuations. In contrast, standard pet travel services handle routine or voluntary transportation, which is not tied to a covered incident or insurance eligibility. Pet Return provides support for eligible, event-driven situations, while traditional services can be arranged at any time, regardless of trip disruptions.

8.How do international travel rules affect Pet Return Coverage?

International pet returns are subject to local laws and regulations, including vaccination requirements, import permits, quarantine rules, and airline-specific policies. If a covered event triggers the Pet Return benefit, transportation must comply with these legal requirements, which impacts timing, documentation, or the method of transport. In some cases, your pet could require temporary boarding until clearance is granted. While the benefit helps cover eligible transportation costs, adhering to international travel regulations is necessary for coordination and reimbursement.

9.What should pet owners do to prepare for potential emergencies during travel?

Before traveling, pet owners should ensure health and vaccination records are up to date, carry copies of important documents, and confirm their pet’s eligibility under their travel protection plan. It's helpful to identify a designated caregiver at home, research local veterinary services, and review emergency procedures provided by the travel assistance service. Preparing in advance can support faster coordination and help avoid delays if a covered event prevents you from returning with your pet. Good planning also helps streamline claim documentation if the Pet Return benefit is needed.

10.How quickly is pet transportation arranged after approval?

Once a Pet Return claim is approved, transportation coordination may begin through the plan’s travel assistance service provider. Timing depends on several factors, including location, transport availability, airline schedules, required documentation, and compliance with animal transport regulations. In some cases, temporary boarding might be needed while logistics are finalized. While efforts are made to arrange transport promptly, all arrangements must follow legal, health, and welfare standards before travel can proceed.

Travel Assistance Wherever, Whenever

With over 65 years of travel assistance experience, AXA supports millions of travelers across 164 countries. Our licensed representatives are available 24/7 to guide you through medical needs, trip concerns, or questions about your plan. You’ll always speak with real people who are here to help, wherever you travel.

855-327-1441