1. Plan ahead for all travel arrangements
If you are planning to fly with your pet, you should make reservations at least 2-3 months prior to your journey as many airlines limit the number of pets flying on each plane (both in the cabin and in the hold).
Many accommodations do not accept pets and some that do have only a limited number of rooms available to pet owners, so do some research and book well in advance. Guide books and hotel directories are a great resource, but pet policies change often so you should always verify the current policy. If your pets will be staying with you in your room here are some of the questions you should ask when making your reservation:
Do you accept pets?
Are there any pet fees or deposits? Are they per pet or per room? Are they daily or one time only? Is the deposit refundable?
Am I limited to certain type rooms?
Are there any areas that I can’t go with my pet?
Do you offer anything special for pets?

2. Make sure all the paperwork is in order
Make certain that all vaccinations are up to date and that all paperwork is in order. You will be required to have these if your pet is traveling by air. Also, you may need to board your pet unexpectedly and many kennels will not accept pets without these certificates. And, if your pet does require emergency medical care, these will allow this to take place much more quickly. Bring along your vet’s phone number-it’s a lot easier (and cheaper) to call your vet with a non-emergency concern than to try to find a local vet who doesn’t know your dogs.

3. Make sure your dog can be identified if lost
Many pets become separated from their people while traveling and often collars are not on pets when they are recovered at shelters. Seriously consider having your pet microchipped – animal hospitals, humane societies and kennels nationwide are using scanners that will read these implanted chips and let you be reunited with your lost pet. Microchip procedures are safe, quick and very common. Your veterinarian can tell you more about this procedure.

Your pet should wear a secure collar at all times with tags showing your name, address, and phone number in case your pet becomes separated. Make a set of temporary paper tags with the address and phone number at your destination.

4. Start your trip with a clean, healthy pet
Be honest about your pet’s ability to travel. If your pet is very old, or is ill, it may be better for all concerned to look into a pet sitter or kennel rather than take a chance on injuring your pet by taking it with you. If you are in doubt, ask your veterinarian.

Check in with your veterinarian at least one week before you begin your trip to be sure your pet is healthy and all vaccinations are current. Your vet can also alert you to any special problems that may exist in the area you are planning to visit. If your pet becomes carsick or restless when traveling, ask your veterinarian about appropriate medications or treatments.

Wash your dog, clip the nails, brush the teeth, clean the ears ; in short give your dog a full grooming so that you start your vacation with a spotless dog!

5. Things to bring
A leash.
An extra collar.
An old blanket or sheet for the back seat of your car or wherever the pet’s carrier will be secured to make cleanup easier.
Two old sheets to cover bedding and furniture at your destination.
Your pet’s bed or carrier with some of your pet’s bedding
Food. If you do not feed a brand you are certain will be available at your destination and along the way, bring enough for the whole trip. If you feed canned, bring a can opener and spoon.
Bottle of water to give during the trip
Food & water bowl set.
Portable water bowl or bottle for use when away from your lodging.
Treats and toys or chew items.
All required medications
First aid kit, including tweezers to remove foreign objects from fur or paws.
Brush or comb.
Baby wipes or moist towelettes to wipe off paws.
Waste removal bags.
Old towels, carpet cleaner, disinfectant spray, and trash bags for accidents.

6. While You’re Traveling
Try to create a traveling environment that is as “close to home” as possible.
This means trying to feed your dog the same food at approximately the same time you feed her at home. Bring your dog’s bed, or if you pet sleeps in a crate at home, bring it along.
Keep fresh water available for your pet at all times.
Avoid sudden changes of diet. If you are unable to obtain your pet’s normal brand, switch gradually over to the new food over a period of four or more days.
Obey all leash laws and make certain to keep your pet on a leash or in a carrier at all times when not securely in a room.
Clean up after your dog-please! No one actually likes this task but it is necessary. The more people pick up after their dogs, the more welcome all dogs will in public places.