Planning on hitting the road with your furry friend this summer? Well, there are few things you might want to consider before you taking your pet along for the ride.

Traveling with your pet can be great fun if he or she loves to travel as much as you do. But even though you enjoy spending time with your pet, if he or she doesn’t enjoy new places and people, you might want to consider a pet sitter or pet resort instead of taking them along with you.

But if your pet is just as adventurous as you, then here’s a short check list before you and your furry BFF go off the beaten path this summer.

1. Plan ahead. Even though part of the run of a road trip is finding those out-of-the-way spots to explore, you’ll want to make sure that you have a few pet-friendly hotels, motels, or bed & breakfasts locked in.
2. Have your pet’s health records on hand. Make sure vaccinations are up-to-date and that you pack a copy. Some hotels do ask for them and, in case of emergency, you’ll want to have them available.
3. Research emergency veterinary clinics along the way. Make sure that you know where emergency vet clinics are located along your route. You can check with the American Veterinary Medical Association
4. Make sure that your pet’s bags are well-stocked with all the essentials: a secure and comfortable carrier and/or harness, up-to-date ID tags, your pet’s records including a photo, a pet emergency kit, and your pet’s favorite blankets, food dishes, and food. Travel can be stressful, so be sure to bring items that your cat or dog consider calming. You might also want to purchase some Feliway spray or Bach’s Rescue Remedy for stressful situations like traffic jams and other long delays.
5. Take it slow. Traveling with a pet means frequent stops for dogs. Most interstate rest areas do have dog walks, but some less than appealing. Research local dog parks and other dog-friendly areas where you and your pet can enjoy some quality time on your trip.

Not every accommodation accepts pets. You might even want to rent an RV or mobile home for your journey or invest in some good camping gear. Most camping sites do accept pets, but they may ask for vaccination records before booking. You can check out the AAA Petbook for a few suggestions.

Even though kitties don’t necessarily need a ‘walk in the park,’ you will need to stop to change out your pet’s litter and provide some water and treats. A few breaks along the way will make the journey easier for your pet and more fun for you both. And the more you can stick to your pet’s normal feeding schedule, the less stressful the trip will be.

Have a great summer and safe travels to you all.