Traveling with your dog can add new dimensions to your journeys, whether those involve a day trip or a two-week vacation. Just as with traveling with any other family member, though, traveling with a dog is most successful with a little pre-trip preparation.

Plan with Your Dog in Mind.

As you make your trip plans, make sure your dog is an integral part of those plans. Dogs do well on trips that include plenty of hikes, beach walks, or other outdoors fun; if your trip plans mostly include theme parks, museums, and shops, Fido is going to be left out of the fun. Before your trip, talk with your hotel concierge or check online for local kennels for your dog to use during times he can’t be with you.

Start early.

Overnight dog travel shouldn’t be a spur of the moment event; you’ll want to do your research and make your plans. When researching hotels, it’s not enough to learn if they accept dogs but if they accept dogs like yours. Some hotels have size restrictions and some also have breed restrictions so be specific about the size and type of your dog when you make inquiries.

If you’ll be flying, you’ll need to start especially early in booking your flight. Small dogs that fit comfortably under the seat can fly in the cabin but airlines restrict the number of dogs per flight. Larger dogs that fly in the cargo section of the plane will need to fly in an approved crate; it’s especially important to book your flight early for these dogs to minimize the number of connections and subsequent chance of delays. Booking early morning flights are the best way to ensure a smooth trip.

Whether traveling by car or plane, you’ll want to visit your veterinarian before the trip to get the necessary paperwork and to make sure your dog is healthy enough to travel. Dogs need proof of a current rabies vaccination and, in general, flying dogs need a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Check with your airline for details, especially if you’ll be traveling internationally.

Tag Your Dog.

Whether you’re headed out on a day trip in the car or a cross-country vacation via airplane, make sure your dog is properly tagged at all times during the trip. If you and your dog should become separated (even for just a few minutes), it’s all too easy for your dog to become disoriented in a strange place and lost.

Microchipping your dog is a fairly inexpensive way to ensure that he’ll always have identification; if lost, a quick scan will reveal his unique number. The microchip, about the size of a grain of rice, is implanted by your vet and gives your dog a lifelong identification. You’ll need to register that microchip number, though, with a subscription service such as HomeAgain, including your current contact information.

Another high-tech tagging option is a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device. A GPS for dogs includes a special GPS tracking collar that will help you locate your dog, either with a handheld device (no monthly charge) or a subscription service (monthly charge) that generally helps you locate your dog via cell phone.

Even if you’ve microchipped your dog, be sure he’s got an old-fashioned dog tag as well. Always include your name, your home address, and your phone number. A cell number is extremely handy to include as well. If you’ll be on vacation at one location, consider getting a tag with your local vacation contact information as well as your permanent home phone number. Dog tags are priced as low as $3 from self-service machines.

Safety First.

Whether you’re traveling by car or plane, you’ll want to make sure you’re traveling safely. In the car, dogs need to be restrained with a seatbelt harness specially made for dogs or in a dog crate; both make it far safer in case of a sudden stop or even an accident. If you’re flying, you’ll need an airline-approved carrier, either a carry-on model for small dogs or a kennel for larger dogs. Both car crates and airline cargo carriers can double as in-room crates for your dog, a familiar home base in your hotel room. If it’s new, start acclimating your dog to his new crate or carrier weeks before your trip, offering him treats in the crate and making it a fun place to be.

Pack for Your Pooch.

Just like packing for traveling with a young child, packing for your dog involves carrying a few extras. First, be sure to pack a supply of his normal dog food, enough to last the entire trip. (A vacation is not the time to make a dietary change.) A collapsible water bowl for walks, a heavy water bowl that can used in the car, and a first aid kit for dogs (plus any dog medications he needs and your vet’s phone number) are also necessities. You’ll want to pack a spare for everything from your leash to his collar plus plenty of cleanup gear, from waste bags to hand wipes. Be sure to pack a good photo of your dog along with contact information for your microchip registration subscription service, just in case he becomes lost. A blanket or pillow he enjoys at home can be very comforting at night in a strange place and don’t forget a few special chew toys to keep him busy.

With some pre-trip planning, your vacation with your dog can be safe, fun, and memorable, another part of your life you’ll be able to share with your four-legged friend.

Guest Blogger: Paris Permenter and John Bigley (DogTipper)