Vacation Planning When Traveling with Your Pets

As summer comes, most Americans embark on their annual travel routine to visit friends and family, and a lot of them will be bringing not just the kids but also their pets. 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.

Should I Bring My Pet?
While it's tempting to want to bring your pet with you, some animals aren't suited to travel. Before heading out on the road with your four-legged friend, ask yourself the following questions:

• Is traveling safe for my pet?
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
For some destinations, you can tell right away that it's not good for your pets.

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'.

• Preparation
If your dog's only travel experience has been going to the vet, you may want to practice him on the art of traveling in a car, preferable a few weeks before you really take him on long trips. You can start by taking him on short trips first, for example, when you shop for groceries and when you do your errands. And always remember to end the trip with a positive reward, such as a special treat or fun activity. Slowly lengthen the trips to 30 minutes or one hour.

• Road Safety
We fasten our seatbelts, so why not our pets? It's a must for you to restrain your pet as you travel. 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. All objects, including food and medicine, should be properly stowed, and all closet and cabinet doors should be securely closed. To avoid injury to loose animals during sudden stops and turns, block off small areas with baby gates. No matter what type of vehicle you drive, you will need to stop every few hours for a pet pit stop. 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. A pet first-aid kit is a must, 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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Monica is a student who is trying to make a little pocket money promoting a varied collection of sites, such as this one on the Bellagio Hotel Las Vegas where she hangs out when she has enough money, or at the Imperial Palace Las Vegas where she goes when the budget is tight.

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