If you are a pet owner and are thinking of bringing your pet along on your next family trip, this article will help you plan ahead for your trip.

When you are traveling long distance with your pet, safety is very important. Humans need safety belts and dogs need safety restraints. You can buy those from a pet store or online.

When you are driving, try not to let your pets hang their heads out of the window and. It is actually a dangerous practice according to ASPCA. It may lead to ear damage and lung infection.

Check if your pet's vaccination is current before you take off for your holiday. This is important as it can turn out to be a nightmare if your pet gets sick.

Make sure your dog has a collar with the appropriate information such as your dog's name, your address, email address, and telephone number. This way, if your pet gets sick, someone can find it and return it to you.

It goes without saying that you should plan ahead and look for accommodation that is pet-friendly. You should also be aware that even pet-friendly hotels often have some restrictions.

Also, make sure you bring food that your pet is used to eating so that they don't need to cope with too many unfamiliar things while they are away.

Give your pet water before, during, and after the trip. Never leave your pet in your car alone, even when you think you are just running a quick errand. You never know when you may be caught up and take longer than you expect. On a hot day, the temperature in a car can rise up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

When traveling, it is always safer to let your pet stay in the back seat. The airbag in the front seat, when deployed can be dangerous for your pet.