We have taken our dogs on vacation with us for the last 10 years. We started out with one dog and now travel with three. The dogs get as excited about vacation time as we do and seem to know when we are packing for the trip. I hope you find my tips and hints useful. Have a great vacation!

Locate pet friendly lodging. First locate an area within a days drive, if possible, where you would be interested in vacationing. Send away for all travel guides and publications for that area. You can of course search on the internet for Pet Friendly Lodges or Resorts but getting the brochures will help you narrow your search a bit. Once you find a place you like, call the manager and ask lots of questions. Is there an area my dog can run free? Can I leave my dog in the cabin/cottage unattended? Is the resort safely off the main highway? What are the extra fees for pets? Is this a safe area for small breeds?

The trip. If you are used to taking long trips without many breaks, you will have to allow time in your itinerary to stop every few hours to exercise your dogs and provide water. Most interstate rest areas provide a leash area for dogs. We will also try to locate a spot off the highway where we can safely let the dogs run free for bit. We have found adandoned outdoor hockey rinks, the outfield of not in use baseball field, and nice open fields at the end of dead end roads. Once you find a nice spot, mark the map for next year! Skip the restaurant and pack a picnic lunch. You can usually find a nice picnic table at rest stops or at small town parks. We once picniced at a table behind an industrial park.The dogs will enjoy the picnic as much as you do! I always pack treats we can all enjoy such as string cheese and turkey snack sticks. This way you don't need to worry about leaving the dogs in a hot car. When you do need leave the dogs in the car, PLEASE, leave windows cracked and park in the shade. More about safety later.

Safety. While on the journey ALWAYS have your pet on the leash unless you find a safe area as listed above AND your dogs are trained to come on command. I have trained my dogs to stay in the car even after I have opened the door. I secure their leashes before giving them permission to get out. The dogs will be in unfamiliar areas with traffic, strangers and other animals wild and domestic. When the dogs are in the vehicle never roll the window down more than couple of inches. It should never be open enough for dogs to get out or stranger arms to reach in. My dogs are very protective of their vehicle, yours may be, too. While leaving dogs alone make sure to park in the shade. You may need to walk farther to an entrance but it's worth it. Don't leave them long - if you need to, check on them frequently. If possible, while in the moving vehicle have your pet in a restrained harness that locks into the seat belt. For smaller pets, a small kennel might be best.

Travel Documents. I make a set of travel documents that I store in a zip-lock bag in the glove compartment. The documents include:

• Health Certificate from your vet
• Rabies vaccination and other shot records
• Microchip information
• Owner and alternate contact information
• Photos of pets with their names

In the event of accident or illness your pets may need to be boarded. Also, during an accident your pet might be separated from the vehicle. Rescuers will be tipped off of how many pets you were traveling with and what they look like.

Manners. Remember, not everyone loves your dogs as much as you do. Please remember to always pick up the poop! If you don't use these already you can purchase biodegradable bags for this purpose. Bring extra sheets and inexpensive towels and rugs to cover the furniture and the floors of your pet friendly accommodations. Have your dog under control at all times when around other people and pets. You'll be a welcome guest for return visits.

Once you're there. Include dogs in your activities. Make sure they are included on a hike or walk daily. They enjoy new surrounded and experiences, too. Have more picnics, take some road trips. We usually give the dogs one day off to rest midweek when they are used to their surrounding and tired from the travel and activities. At first they hate being left behind but they'll need the day of rest.

Things we pack for the dogs. We have a large red duffel bags designated just for the dogs.

• Doggy pick up bags
• LED flashing lights for after dark walks
• Toys from home
• Medications
• Food and treats
• Food dishes
• Travel water dish for hiking
• Old towels and grooming spray
• Baby wipes
• Dog sunscreen/bug repellent
  
• Harness and leashes of course

Final reminder. Always make sure your pets vaccinations are up-to-date before you travel. Administer flea/tick and heartworm treatments as recommended by your veterinarian.