Traveling with your favorite four-legged buddy can be a lot of fun if everything is well planned in advance. Here are a few tips to ensure that you and your pet make the most of your vacation together.

1. Always visit with your veterinarian before you leave on a trip. Ask your vet about any flea, heartworm, Lyme disease, giardia or tick risks for areas you will be traveling to. If you think that your pet may become carsick or restless, ask your vet about medications or treatments that you can give to your pet to help calm him.
2. It is a good idea to carry a health certificate for each animal traveling with you if traveling state to state or crossing international borders. This can be arranged through your vet.
3. Be sure to check with your airline carrier before heading for the airport in case policies have changed since the last time you traveled by air.
4. Invest in an airline-approved crate that has enough room for your pet to move around easily, stand up and lie down. Keep your identification clearly labeled on the side.
5. Invest in a car carrier for your pet if you will be driving long distances. A 2 mile trip to the vet is very different from a 400 mile expedition, especially if Fido prefers the driver's seat! Car carriers prevent driver distractions and protect your pet in the event of an accident. The best ones are secured by seat belts and are fitted with harnesses for your pet. Let your pet get used to the carrier a few weeks before you leave by letting him go in and out as he pleases. Use rewards to praise your dog for good behavior.
6. Don't roll down a car window enough for a dog to stick its head out, just enough to get a good whiff of fresh air is plenty.
7. Feed your pet a few hours before leaving to avoid carsickness.
8. Never leave an animal alone in a closed car. Keep the air-conditioner going while traveling. Also, keep your animal warm if leaving it alone in a car in cold weather.
9. Keep in mind how long you will be traveling and make sure to bring at least one bowl of fresh water for your pet to drink. If traveling long distances or an extended period of time, add one or two more, just in case.
10. Always check the pet policies at the hotel, motel, inn, or even campground you plan to stay at. Treat your accommodations like you would your own home and please always clean up after your pet. Accommodations that allow you to bring your beloved pet make special allowances and we should not abuse the privilege.
11. Check out your accommodations thoroughly for proper places to walk your dog and distance to busy streets before making reservations. Treat the areas where you walk as if it were you own yard. Your courtesy will spread to others.
12. When in a hotel room, keep a "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door to avoid a maid being injured or allowing your pet to escape.

Finally, always remember to bring the following on trips:

• Medications, supplements, and preventatives
  
• Waste removal bags
  
• A sturdy leash and extra collar
  
• An old blanket or sheet to make cleanup easier wherever the pet's carrier will be secured
  
• Old sheets to cover bedding and furniture once you reach your accommodations
  
• Some of your pet's own bedding
  
• Two gallons of extra drinking water from home
  
• Food & water bowl set
  
• Treats
  
• Toys or chew items
  
• Brush or comb and lint remover
  
• Old towels, carpet cleaner, disinfectant spray, and trash bags for accidents
  
• Flashlight for those nighttime walks