Traveling with Fido

This summer season, millions of Americans will be hitting the roads to spend time with friends and relatives, vacationing in cities and national parks, and many will be bringing their companion animals with them. It turns out that more than 70 percent of us go on vacation or travel with our pets on a regular basis. There are hotels and places you can stay in that are pet-friendly, which make it a bit easier, but you still need to do some basic planning yourself.

Is it a Good Idea to Bring My Pet?
While it's tempting to want to bring your pet with you, some animals aren't suited to travel. So before you bring your 'best friend' with you, go through the following checklist first:

• Is it safe if I bring my pet with me?
Honestly evaluate your animal's health and his ability to travel.

• Is my pet used to traveling?
If your dog runs and hides when you open the car door, consider hiring a pet sitter and leaving him at home.

• Will this trip be appropriate for my pet
Some destinations just are not pet-friendly.

If, after answering these questions, you feel that the trip is in your pet's best interest, or if it is necessary because you are moving, taking the proper precautions can minimize the risk to your 'best friend'.

• Do Your Homework
If your pet's only experience in a car has been a trip to the vet, you will want to acclimate him to riding in the car a few weeks before your trip. Start with short trips, such as 5 or 10 minute drives. When you get home from these short trips, don't forget to give him a treat , then start lengthening the next trips.

• Road Safety
If you travel with your kids, you always fasten their seatbelts. Do the same for your pets. For your animal's safety, always restrain him when traveling. A variety of restraints are available that offer added mobility and provide an option to the traditional metal travel crate. Think safety harnesses that can attach to any seatbelt, or even safety gates that will allow your pet some mobility in their own space, as you travel. If you do need crates for example, for the smaller animals such as your cats, make sure they are well ventilated.

RV's offer pet-owners more freedom and interaction with their animals, but it's still important to pet-proof these rolling homes. Make sure all items, such as food or medicine, are properly stowed and secured inside your RV. Use gates to block off space for smaller pets, to minimize injuries as you do sudden stops or turns. Whether you drive an RV or a regular vehicle, make sure you do regular pit stops for your pets. Also make sure your pets have their leash as you open your vehicle's doors when you go for these pit stops.

• Travel Kit
Always pack a separate bag for your pet. Make sure you bring his favorite food to avoid upset stomachs, and to bring some water too since the water in other places may not suit him at all . For cats, it's a good idea to bring a disposable litter box. It should come in handy for those emergencies or overnight stops. You will also need to bring a pet first-aid kit and some extra towels, in case of accidents. And a favorite toy or pillow will give your animal a sense of familiarity. And last but not least, bring your pet's health certificate especially if you are traveling across state lines, as most states might sometimes ask for it.

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