Traveling with your pet needs preparation. It is always better if you arrange things beforehand so that everything moves smoothly both for you and your pet. Getting to a place and being stranded without being able to take your pet inside is traumatic for both you and your pet. Here's a checklist of things to keep in mind if you're thinking of taking your pet along with you on a trip.

Make sure that pets are allowed wherever you are planning to stay. Don't rely on verbal assurances. Do get something in writing. The great thing about online bookings is the fact that you can see for yourself where they allow pets and where they don't. When in doubt, you always have recourse to emails in order to clarify your questions. You can print out your reservations too and make sure it's got the "Pets Allowed" entry on them. Just in case you have to rely on phone or postal mail reservations, do ask the person concerned to mail or fax you a receipt where it states that pets are allowed. Too often, there are problems that arise from misunderstanding and miscommunication.

Before you leave, make sure you do a few essential things. Pack a photograph of your pet. This is just in case he gets lost. Check his tag, too. He should have his identification, details of your name, address and phone number. Take him to the vet and make sure he is up-to-date with all his shots. You could ask if there are any precautions you should take or any medication you need to carry in case of emergencies. Carry whatever preventive medicines you can take. Also carry proof of his shots - you might need them as some places ask for proof of the latest rabies shot.

Acclimatize your pet by making him get used to his leash and harness for longer periods of time. Remember when he is in a crowd, people might object if he is not well secured. Take him for long drives so he gets used to the idea of sitting still when he is traveling. It is always safer to make sure your pet is well secured while in a vehicle. You could also use a vehicle barrier which confines him to the back seat. You could buy these online or at your pet store. Make sure these are fun times so he doesn't see it as some kind of a chore or punishment.

When you get to your place of stay, tell them that you have a pet and give them the receipt showing that you had informed them earlier. Ask whether there are any restrictions regarding pets and if so, to list them out. In the rooms, unless they supply you with special beds, make sure your pet does not use any of the furniture. It would help to take your own coverings along so you can spread it over the furniture in case he does curl up on them. Put his feeding bowls down on the floor on newspaper so it's easy to clean up.

A little bit of preparation and your stay as well as your pet's can be a great one!