With a little thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everybody. Traveling with your pets can be rewarding.

Provide comfortable bedding and their favorite toys.
Bring along whatever your pet is accustomed to, and what smells like "home".

Exercise your pet.
Stop for water and exercise every two to four hours. Never leave a pet unattended. When you reach your destination, keep your pet in a calm, quiet area. Give them plenty of time to adjust to their new environment.

Have identification information.
Be sure to record the license numbers, tattoo numbers, and microchip numbers of your pets and bring this list with you. It's important, too, that your contact information is up-to-date. MAKE SURE YOUR PET IS WEARING AN IDENTIFICATION TAG.

Keep a recent photo with you.
If your pet is lost while you are traveling, the photo will come in handy when describing him to others. Also jot down any unique identifying marks -- be specific.

Have vaccination records and other documents wit you.
If you are traveling to another country be sure to check what types of vaccinations your pet will need. Bring an up-to-date record with you. Also check with both your home country and destination to see whether or not there are any special requirements for either traveling into the country, or returning to your own.

Bring food
Keeping your pet on the same diet that he's accustomed to will make your trip more pleasant. Give the animal purified or distilled water to avoid tummy upset.

Grooming tools
Be sure to bring a comb and/or brush, nail clippers, pet shampoo, and anything else your pet needs. Your active pet may end up needing a bit of a "touch-up" after a happy day hard at play!

First aid kit
Accidents happen. Assemble a first aid kit for your pet. Do not let your dog put his head out of a moving vehicle, this can lead to eye injuries.

Protect them from the heat.
Provide them with shade if it's hot out, even if it's under your vehicle. Animals can develop heatstroke or hypothermia. If your pet has a tendency to get carsick, avoid feeding her just before or during a trip - even if it is a long drive. Never leave the pet in a vehicle that is locked up tight.

If your pet gets sick while traveling, call the American Animal Hospital Association toll-free at 1-800-252-2242 from 9 am to 5 pm Mountain Time to get the location of a nearby AAHA veterinary clinic.

Remember that nervous pets may exhibit behavior you wouldn't normally see at home. Do not allow your pet to disturb others, human or animal.