Quite often, animals are like family, and you want to be able to spend as much time with them as possible. It can be stressful to think of your pets at a boarding facility while you're off having fun. This sometimes translates into bringing them along on vacations and trips!

We see more and more travelers taking their pets with them on vacation, said Brian Murray, director of travel for AAA Western and Central New York. Planning and packing accordingly are big parts of making it a successful experience for the whole family.

AAA offers the following tips to help keep your pets happy and comfortable, and that's the key to an enjoyable vacation for everyone.
    

BEFORE YOU GO

No matter how you're traveling, be sure to tire your pet out with a walk or a play session right before you leave. A tired (but not sedated) pet will have a much easier time traveling. While some think that a sedated pet travels better, sedation can actually be more stressful on the animal. Talk to your veterinarian before you leave to ask what they recommend for your pet, and never give your pet any medication without consulting with your vet first. 

If you're heading to a new destination for you and your pet, do some research. Look up dog parks, outdoor restaurants that allow dogs, local animal hospitals and any potential restrictions. Familiarizing yourself with what's available for your pet will make it easier once you arrive.

Last, but not least, call the hotel and/or airline a few days before you leave to ensure their policies haven't changed. Some hotels may have rules against leaving pets unsupervised or require them to be crated when unattended. In situations like this, consider what is best for your pet. Will they enjoy the trip as much as you? If they'll spend most of the time cooped up in a hotel room, it might be better to leave them in the care of a sitter or boarder back home.

CAR TRAVEL

Some pets love car rides, while others associate them with dreaded vet trips. If you'll be in the car for a long time, try to build up your pet's tolerance for car rides slowly. Make sure they're comfortable and safe in the back seat and use a carrier or car-safe harness so they're secure. A light meal about four to six hours before leaving will help alleviate any car sickness your pet might experience.

Try to avoid giving them water or food in a moving vehicle. Plan to pause at a rest stop about every two hours so your pet can stretch their legs, get a drink of water and go to the bathroom. Never leave an animal unattended in a parked car, especially in extreme temperatures.

AIR TRAVEL

Before booking a plane reservation for your pet, speak with your vet and do your research on the airline. Policies vary, and you want to make sure you have all the information before booking to ensure a safe flight for your pet. Take into consideration that cats and certain breeds of dogs are more susceptible to respiratory difficulties during a flight.

 If you have a smaller pet, they may be able to stay with you in the passenger cabin. However, larger pets usually must fly as checked baggage. If they must fly in the cargo hold, make sure you are on the same flight and that their crate or carrier is labeled with all your contact information. Nonstop flights are best. In the summer, try to fly early in the morning or late at night when the temperatures are cooler.

There are lots of pet-friendly places in the United States and Canada. You'll find hotels, restaurants, dog parks, pet-friendly attractions, and emergency animal clinics almost anywhere you want to go. Talk to a AAA Travel Consultant today to start planning your trip.

AAA's Packing Checklist for Your Pet:

1. Carrier or crate
2. Sturdy, well-fitting collar or harness, license tag, ID tags, leash
3. Veterinary documents (proof of rabies, distemper and kennel cough vaccinations)
4. Food and water dishes days
5. Ample supply of food, including a few days' extra
6. Medications, if necessary
7. Healthy treats
8. Blanket or other bedding
9. Toys
10. Litter supplies & plastic bags

Find pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, attractions and campgrounds from AAA-rated properties across the country.

Bring Your Pet