I’ll be the first to admit, I am the consummate dog traveler. Every month or so, I pack up my four (yes, you read that right) canine charges and make the ten hour drive to our home in Charleston, South Carolina. The looks and laughs that I encounter along the way always prompt questions from curious onlookers like “How many dogs do you actually have in that car?” or “Do they like riding in the car?”  I wish I had the nerve to answer with an off-the-cuff comment such as, “I’m really a long-distance dog transporter. I deliver dogs, as they do cars, to out-of-state owners.”

Statistics show that in the United States over 60 million households have one or more pets, with pet owners in 15 million of those households traveling with their pet. The demands made on the hospitality industry for more pet-friendly accommodations have increased throughout the years. Nearly 50% of all vacation rentals are from pet owners looking to vacation with their pets. So if you’ve decided to take the plunge and travel with your pooch this summer, here’s some advice to make your trip safe and hassle-free.

Careful preparation is the key to a successful vacation. Always visit your vet right before going away to ensure that your pet is in good health. Tell your vet where you’re headed so he can inform you of any potential risks. Make sure Champ is up to date on shots and vaccines and wearing a sturdy collar with current identification and rabies tags. The tag should have your pet’s name, your name and phone number (use your cell number so you can be easily reached) and if possible, the name and phone number of where you are staying. It’s not a bad idea to carry a recent picture of your dog along with you just in case your pet should become lost. Carry along a copy of your dog’s vaccine record for proof of inoculations in case you have to board your pet while away. You’ll also want to take preventative flea and tick measures before you leave. Ask your vet about microchipping your dog, the ultimate in pet identification, or check out the latest technology of Global Pet Finding at www.globalpetfinder.com. It’s a GPS for your pet.

When it comes to accommodations, your options are greater than ever. More and more hotels, inns, guest suites, and private rentals are opening their doors to our four-legged friends. The number of websites devoted to pet travel is endless. Theresa Evans, GRI, Prudential Carolina Real Estate, owns four vacation homes in coastal Carolina. She claims, “By making my rental properties dog friendly, I have more than doubled the hits on my website”. Most hotels set their own policies, so it’s important to call in advance and ask if pets are permitted, how many to a room, and if there is a size limit or extra charge. Please note that verbal reservations leave room for error and misunderstanding. When making a reservation by phone ask to have a confirmation mailed to you that states their “pets allowed” status. If you make a reservation online, print out your receipt including their pet policies. Just because a major hotel chain states it is dog friendly, double-check with the individual property (this can vary state by state) where you will be staying, so you have no surprises upon arrival.

Some hotels have a policy that a dog cannot be left unattended in a room, even if they are crated. Prepare for in-room dining with room service, carry out or pizza delivery. It’s always a good idea to keep your dog crated while away from the room. If housekeeping should come in, your dog could get frightened and attack, or run out of the room. In your hotel room, condo, or vacation rental, never let your dog jump on the beds or sit on the furniture unless you’ve covered it with your own cover that you brought along.

Driving in a car to your vacation destination may seem like the simplest form of travel with your dog, that is, if your dog likes to ride in the car. If your dog is not an experienced car traveler, you can start by getting him more accustomed to being in the car. Start with short trips (even around the neighborhood) gradually increasing the time and distance. Make it a fun experience and reward with a treat when you have finished the ride.

Decide which safety restraint system is best suited for your dog. Various pet harnesses that connect directly to your car’s seatbelt are considered a safe measure for car travel. Travel carriers or crates are also useful when traveling by car. Make sure either has a secure grill or mesh door, several ventilations holes on all sides, and room for your dog to sit and lie down. Get your dog used to the carrier in the months or weeks before your trip. Many dogs prefer to ride with the window down but you should limit the amount of time your pooch spends with his head hanging out the window. This can allow too much air to be forced in to the lungs and also cause eye damage.