First, determine whether or not your furry friend likes to travel. Does he or she enjoy being in the car and seeing new people and places? If these stress your pet, it may be kinder to leave him in the care of a boarding kennel or professional pet sitter.

If you decide to take your pet on your end-of-summer vacation, start planning your trip now. You will need to research places that provide pets-welcome accommodations.

Next, determine if your pet will need a health certificate, and schedule a pre-vacation veterinary exam. You will want to make sure that you carry proof of a current rabies vaccination.

The following are some tips on traveling with your animal companion.

Traveling by Car

Always be sure that your pet is safely restrained in the car. If he is accustomed to one, your dog can be restrained with a pet safety harness that functions like a seatbelt. Or you can use a well-ventilated, plastic kennel. To ensure that they don't distract the driver, cats should always be kept in their carriers when traveling by car. All animals are safer in the back seat.

Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won't slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.

Don't allow your canine companion to stick her head out the window when the vehicle is moving. Doing so can subject your pet to injury by flying debris. Never transport a pet in the back of a pickup truck. Some states have laws restricting such transport and it is always dangerous for your dog.

Always provide frequent bathroom and exercise breaks. When outside the car, make sure that your pet is always on a leash and wearing a collar and ID tag.

Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.

Your pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don't feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle--even if it is a long drive.

What in your pet's traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.

When it comes to H2O, BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he's not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.

Never leave your pet unattended in a parked car. On warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even with the windows slightly open. Also, an animal left alone in a car is an open invitation to pet thieves.

Traveling by Plane

Transport pets by air only if absolutely necessary. According to the Airline Transportation Association, an estimated 5,000 animals are killed, injured or lost during airline travel each year. Most injuries and deaths to animals traveling by airplane are due to extreme heat or cold, poorly ventilated cargo holds, mishandling by baggage personnel, and damage to kennels. If you must travel by air with your pet, keep the following in mind:

Take small animals on board with you in carriers that fit under the seat. Contact airlines for specific requirements, including type and size of carrier, for taking your pet on board.

Take direct flights to avoid mistakes and delays that occur with transfers, and schedule flights early or late in the day to avoid extreme heat.

Make an appointment with your pet's veterinarian for a checkup, and make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date. Obtain a health certificate from your veterinarian dated within 10 days of departure. For travel outside of the continental United States, additional planning and health care requirements may be necessary. Contact the foreign office of the country you are traveling to for more information.

Notify the captain and at least one fight attendant that your pet is traveling in the cargo hold. If the captain knows there are pets on board, he or she may take special precautions.

Fit your pet with a collar that can't get caught in carrier doors. Instead of a dangling tag, affix identification on the collar and carrier with your name, address, and phone number, as well as a temporary travel ID with the address and phone number where you can be reached at your travel destination.

Write the words "Live Animal" in letters at least one inch tall on top of and at least one side of the crate. Use arrows to prominently indicate the upright position of the crate. On the top of the crate, write the name, address and telephone number of your pet's destination point, and whether you will be accompanying him or if someone else is picking him up. Make sure that the door is securely closed, but not locked, so that airline personnel can open it in case of an emergency. Line the crate bottom with some type of bedding--shredded paper or towels-- to absorb accidents.

Affix a current photograph of your pet to the top of the crate for identification purposes. Should your pet escape from the carrier, this could be a lifesaver. You should also carry a photograph of your pet.

The night before you leave, make sure you've frozen a small dish or tray of water for your pet. This way, it can't spill during loading, and will melt by the time he's thirsty. Tape a small pouch, preferably cloth, of dried food outside the crate. Airline personnel will be able to feed your pet in case he gets hungry on long-distance flights or a layover.

Tranquilizing your pet is generally not recommended, as it could hamper his breathing. Check with your veterinarian first.

Traveling by Ship or Train

Most cruise lines don't accept pets with the exception of assistance dogs. Contact cruise lines in advance about their policies and kennel facilities. If you must use the ship's kennel, make sure it is protected from the elements.

Amtrak currently does not accept pets for transport unless they are assistance dogs. There may be smaller U.S. rail companies that permit animals on board their trains. Many trains in Europe allow pets.

Many restaurants and tourist attractions do not allow pets. If you're not prepared to go the extra mile to accommodate your pet during travel, he or she may be safer and happier at home. Then research the pet sitting services and kennels in your area.

Sources and photo credit:

The Humane Society of the United States
The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals