It’s summer vacation season and our travel plans are booked. But what about our furry family members? Let’s face it, it’s so hard leaving our dogs behind and we wish we could take them everywhere we go. Paying an arm and a leg, though, for pet sitting can be a pain. Bringing them along for the fun keeps them young and warms your heart knowing they remain there by your side. In preparation for travel, these useful tips will keep things fun for you and your furry companion:

1. Pet-friendly hotels
One of the hardest things to combat when bringing your pet along for vacation is finding a place where they are welcomed. The fines associated with sneaking your pet into the room just aren’t worth the hassle or hit to your wallet. Thankfully, most travel agencies can narrow this selection for you and ensure you select pet-friendly accommodations. Most hotels will have an added security deposit, so be sure they are on their best behavior. Additional amenities often accompany places that abide with a pet-friendly atmosphere, offering dog parks and open spaces for your pets to play during your stay. A quick internet search might be all you need to help locate the ideal lodging within your vacationing region.

2. Traveling by road
Pet-friendly vacations feature challenges, especially when you’re hitting the open road. To start, prepare your vehicle for a long trip with your pet. Most pet carriers will sit firmly in place in the car, much like a car seat for a toddler would. Others can slide with turns and jerky movements, and can cause your furry bff to experience car sickness. Applying small hooks to the holes at the rear and front of the carrier can help secure a seat belt to your carrier. This will keep the carrier from shifting on the road and create a smoother ride for your furry friend.

3. Packing toys and rest stops
While packing for your epic adventure, it’s important to save adequate room for your pet’s belongings. Ideally, pack only a few of their favorite toys and make frequent rest stops to ensure your pet gets a chance to play. Your pet’s attention span is most comparable to that of a young child. Children get restless on road trips and so will your pet. Stopping often allows them to release some of their pent up energy and gives them a sense of pride in knowing their needs are being catered to on the road.