Traveling with pets is a growing trend -- so much that there's now a pets-only airline! (See PetAirways.com.) But even the most precious pet does not necessarily a good traveler make. Whether or not you bring your pet along for the trip is not so much a question of "can you?" but a question of "should you?"

No one knows your pet better than you, so no one is more qualified to answer that all-important question. If the answer is a resounding yes, keep reading -- we've compiled a list of tips and resources for all you pet lovers who can't bear to leave the little ones behind.

GENERAL PET TRAVEL TIPS

Check Whether Pets Are Allowed
Many destinations don't permit easy entrance for pets. Hawaii, for instance, has a quarantine period for dogs and cats of up to 120 days, as Hawaii is free of rabies. However, dogs and cats meeting specific pre- and post-arrival requirements may qualify for a five-day or less quarantine, or even a direct release, at Honolulu International Airport after inspection.

Don't Underestimate the Cost
With crates, air and hotel surcharges, toys, extra food, unexpected vet bills away from home, and more, traveling with your pet can add up. Be aware of the costs and allow a little wiggle room in your budget. (Our Travel Budget Calculator can help you estimate your expenses.)

Use Proper Identification
Put a tag on your pet's collar that includes rabies vaccination information, your name, your address and phone number, and local contact numbers. It could save your pet's life.

Train Your Pet
A pet that responds to your commands will save you considerable trouble while on the road. From the airport to the hotel, a pet that is friendly and obedient is the most pleasant traveling companion.

Learn About Your Pet's Health
Knowing a little about your pet's normal temperature, pulse and respiratory rate, prescription medications, and other health issues can save you time, worry and money on the road. Consult your vet, and make a checklist of these issues.

Bring a Pet First-Aid Kit
A pet thermometer, tweezers, gauze, antibiotic ointments, ear drops and other items available at most stores will work; consult your vet for a complete list.

Poll: Do You Travel with Your Pet?

Buy a Crate
A pet crate is not something to skimp on. The crate should be sturdy and correctly sized for your pet. A crate that is too small will be very uncomfortable; a crate that is too large could allow your pet to be tossed around during handling. If you're bringing the animal on a plane, be sure to read your airline's requirements regarding size, weight, material and design. Airline-approved crates must have ventilation on the sides (in addition to the door) and have food/water trays that are refillable from the outside in the case of a delay.

Most crates come with stickers indicating that an animal is inside. If your pet is house-trained, consider putting a blanket, liner or cushion in the crate for comfort. If she's not house-trained, a clean carrier floor is best.

"Crate Train" Your Pet
A long flight or a lonely hotel room should not be the place your pet becomes acquainted with a traveling crate. Buy your crate well before traveling, and work with your pet until he's familiar and comfortable in the crate. Normal training techniques should work, such as the use of food, praise and other incentives to get your pet used to staying in the crate.

CAR TRAVEL TIPS

Don't Leave Your Pet Unattended
This is one of the great "don'ts" of pet ownership. Even when temperatures are mild, a car can get dangerously hot or cold. In most situations, you are putting your pet at risk by leaving her alone in a car.

Some Other Don'ts

Don't let your pet hang his head out the window.

Don't leave your pet loose in the vehicle. Use a leash tied to a seat or a stable crate.

Don't let your pet ride in the passenger's seat. It's dangerous for the animal and potentially distracting for you as a driver.

Walk Your Pet Frequently
Plan to stop the car on a regular basis. Many pets love to get out and explore, and they may need to be taken outside to relieve themselves more often while traveling than at home.

Five Travel Ideas for Pet Lovers

Provide Adequate Food and Water
You should always keep food and water with you in the car -- the heat of the car, the stress of traveling and your pet's excitement often cause increased thirst.

Fend Off Carsickness
Pets are as prone to carsickness as humans, if not more so. Partially open windows and frequent walks help, and there are many remedies available from pet stores and vets as well. Consult your vet for more information.

LODGING TIPS

Find Pet-Friendly Hotels
Many hotels gladly accept pets, such as Homestead Studio Suites. Find a list of additional pet-friendly properties at PetsWelcome.com, PetsontheGo.com, BringYourPet.com and PetFriendly.ca.

Stay on a Lower Floor
It's far easier to get your pet in and out of the hotel without incident if you are on the ground floor -- no elevators, stairs or altercations with other guests.

Keep Your Pet Clean
If you take your pet outside, you should wipe mud, dirt and water off her fur before bringing her back into the hotel. Some pet dirt can stain floors and linens, and you might have to pay for cleaning or replacement costs.

Keep Your Pet in a Crate
Hotel employees, neighbors and your pet are probably best served by this step. Your pet can relax in familiar surroundings, the room stays clean and you can relax as well. Don't leave your pet loose and unattended.

Top Tips for Choosing a Hotel

Use the "Do Not Disturb" Sign
If you do have to leave your pet in your room, put the "Do Not Disturb" sign on the door so hotel employees don't enter and become frightened -- or get accosted -- by your pet.

Turn on the Radio
Many animals are comforted by familiar music. While you are out, play your pet's favorite station.

Walk Your Pet in Approved Areas
Ask hotel management where they would prefer that you walk your pet.

Clean Up After Your Pet
Most hotels don't consider their rooms and halls to be dog walk paths.

Consider a Home Exchange
GoCat.travel is a home exchange network for pet owners. Instead of paying to put your pet in a kennel, the travelers staying in your home will also care for your pet -- while you stay in their home and care for their furry bundle of joy. No, it's not the same as traveling with your own pet, but if you're going too far for Fifi to come along, at least you'll still have a friendly animal to cuddle.

Get Our Best Travel Deals and Tips!

PACKING CHECKLIST

Health documentation

Leash and muzzle

Bed and blanket

Food, snacks and water (bowls included)

First-aid kit

Toys

Crate

Grooming tools

*Source: The Humane Society of the United States

AIR TRAVEL TIPS

Consult Your Vet
Many pets are simply not suited to air travel due to health, age or breed concerns. (Breeds that have restricted breathing, including pug-nosed dogs such as Boston terriers and bulldogs, as well as Persian cats, are considered at risk when flying.) Animals under 8 - 12 weeks, or older than 10 years, might not be physically prepared for the stress of air travel.

Should Pets Be Allowed on Planes?

Get the Required Documentation
You need a health certificate if you want to get your pet on an airplane, usually issued within 10 days of your flight. Most veterinarians can supply you with everything you'll need. Similarly, if you're on the road and your pet gets into a fight or bites someone, you'll want documentation that the pet has had rabies and other vaccinations.

Watch the Temperature Range
Airlines will not transport pets if the temperature is below 45 degrees or above 85 degrees. For this reason, it is best to travel early in the day during the summer, and at midday during the winter.

Purchase Nonstop or Direct Flights
Your pet is at the most risk for mishandling during connections, especially tight connections. A direct or nonstop flight is your best safeguard against these types of problems.

Take a Large Plane
Most 747's and other wide-body jets have forced air ventilation in their cargo holds, while many smaller planes, such as 737's and 727's, do not. Check with your airline or travel agent at the time of purchase to determine which type of plane you will be flying.

Investigate Airline Requirements
Airlines have very specific requirements for pet transport. Make sure you observe all requirements -- an airline can refuse carriage if you don't.

Feed with Caution Before Air Travel
Avoid feeding your pet large meals before flights. A small meal will stave off hunger, and you can feed your pet again at your destination.

10 Ways to Survive a Long-Haul Flight

Exercise Your Pet
A tired pet is a happy pet, especially if she is cooped up in an airplane for a long time. Dogs in particular will be more content if you exercise them before traveling.

Stop to Walk Your Pet
Imagine if you had to be inside a cargo hold with no bathroom for a long flight. Your pet will be most comfortable if you take him out as close to flight time as possible. Similarly, walk your pet immediately upon arrival.

Get to the Airport Early
Arrive well in advance of your flight to allow time for any necessary special handling by the airline and for a last-minute walk. Your pet may also need a little extra TLC if he's nervous or afraid when flying.

Remember the Porter
Airlines must provide facilities for your pet, but keep in mind that many airport porter services are independently owned -- that is, they are not directly employed by the airlines. As a result, the airlines have less clout to force porters to take your pet down to baggage handling. It'll get done, but it might take some work and time. Remember to tip the porters; the reason many are reluctant to transport pets is that they lose precious time at curbside, where they can earn a tip every couple of minutes.

Administer Drugs Carefully
Sedatives for pet air travel do create risks for some animals, including difficulties at high altitudes and with temperature regulation. Consult your vet. If you decide to give your pet a sedative, the timing and dosage are critical. Bring your veterinarian's instructions with you to the airport.

Prepare the Crate
Colorful, large, easy-to-read labels; sufficient water and food; and perhaps a favorite blanket or toy are essential for your pet's well-being. Some travelers label crates with their pet's name, and you should always make sure that your pet, as well as her crate, has identifying information -- such as a baggage address label and a name tag on the animal's collar including your contact information both at home and at your destination.

Follow Crate/Kennel Requirements

Kennels must be enclosed, with enough room for the animal to sit, stand and lie down. The crate must be strong enough to withstand normal travel usage.

If the crate has wheels, they must be removed before travel.

Kennels must have a leak-proof floor that is lined with some absorbent material.

Kennels must be well ventilated, with openings that make up at least 14 percent of the total wall space, and have rims that prevent ventilation openings from being blocked.

Kennels must have handles or grips that do not force handlers to put their fingers inside the crate in order to move it.

Kennels must be marked with the words "live animal" or "wild animal" in lettering at least one inch high, with directional arrows indicating the proper orientation of the kennel.

Airlines may have additional restrictions on the number of animals per kennel, as well as other requirements. For specific policies, visit your airline's Web site (listed below).

Keep Your Pet in Its Carrier
Airlines sometimes permit pets weighing 10 pounds or less to fly in the cabin, usually not more than two pets per flight. Fees may be $100 or more. All requirements for health certificates and other precautions remain in effect.

If your pet is traveling as a passenger, remember that many people are allergic to pet hair, or simply do not care to be forced to deal with an animal during a flight. Be considerate and keep your pet in his carrier for the duration of the flight.

Airline Pet Policies
Air Canada * AirTran * American * Continental * Delta * JetBlue * Pet Airways * Southwest * Spirit * United * US Airways

You May Also Like

Finding a Vacation Rental

Write About Your Latest Trip!

How to Get the Best Airplane Seat

The First 10 Minutes of Your Car Rental

Get the Free Independent Traveler Newsletter