If you're planning a trip with your pet, you probably have a lot of questions to ask in preparation! Chances are that many travelers have asked the very same questions.

Browse through our list of Frequently Asked Questions to find the answers you need. You may even want to read through the entire list – there could be a few things you haven't even thought of! It's a great idea, because the more you know, the more likely you are to enjoy a safe and exciting getaway with your pet!

1) How do I know if my dog is a good traveler?
One of the most obvious signs that taking your dog on a trip may not be a good idea is when you take her out to the car and she locks all four legs when invited to jump in. Some dogs are homebodies who prefer the comfort of their bed to life on the road. Take a moment at home and think about what your dog likes to do each day. If your dog is more comfortable listening to crickets chirping and birds singing, then your dog may not enjoy a hotel room in a busy city. Moreover, if your dog just likes to sleep all day and does not enjoy meeting new people, that may be another sign that your dog may prefer to stay at home. I think you will discover that if your dog enjoys rides in the car, and being with you and meeting other people, you will probably have a great vacation experience.

2) Are some vacation destinations more pet-appropriate than others?
Absolutely. Travelers should determine if their trip is dog-oriented or people-oriented. If you are planning a ski trip where you will be gone for eight hours a day – you may find it is better to leave your dog at home. If you plan to spend your days touring museums or other non-dog-oriented destinations, you would probably be better off leaving your furry friend at home with a loving dog-sitter. Our dogs have the most fun when they are with us in a relaxed environment.

3) What is the best time of year to travel with a pet?
We usually recommend traveling in the spring and fall. Not only are there fewer tourists to contend with, but the weather is also more favorable for your pet. Many accommodations do not allow you to leave your pet alone in the room. When you leave, the pet comes with you. This reality can pose a serious problem in extremely hot or cold climates, making it unsafe to leave your pet in the car for any length of time.

4) When reserving a hotel room, what sorts of questions should I ask?
We like to stay in inns and hotels that allow us to choose our room. Guests should ensure that they are not being relegated to a "pet room." These are often smoking rooms, overlooking a noisy road, or ones that contain worn furnishings. In other words, these are the least desirable accommodations. By asking a few questions, guests can reduce the chance that they will be unpleasantly surprised upon their arrival.
• Is this room as nice as, or better than, the average hotel room? You don't want to stay somewhere that relegates you to the least desirable room.
• Is this room a smoking room or pet room? People who are non-smokers and/or allergic to animals (other than their own) will find these rooms problematic.
• Is the carpet soiled? Are the furnishings worn? We've visited many dog rooms that are not up to par due to soiling, odors, or well-worn furnishings.
• Does the room have a separate outside entrance? We usually don't like navigating a labyrinth of hallways to reach the great outdoors.
• How big is the room? Large dogs can present a problem in small spaces.
• Are there safe and convenient places to walk your dog near the property? In some cases, there are lovely hotels in very unsafe neighborhoods, which can make it unwise to walk your dog at night. If your dog likes to take her daily constitutional near green spaces, the cement sidewalks that surround some city hotels might not work.

5) What sort of fee do most hotels charge?
Roughly two thirds of the lodgings charge some sort of fee. Fees can range from $2 to $500. Sometimes they are daily fees; in other cases the manager just requires a one-time fee. If you are required to make a deposit, make sure that it is refundable. We have spoken to thousands of lodgings that charge non-refundable deposits. This is just another way of charging a fee that will not be returned at the end of your stay. Some of the more exclusive hotels and long-term residence inns charge both a daily fee and a hefty, non-refundable deposit ($150-500). While this charge might work for longer stays, it often does not make economic sense for a night or two.

6) What general rules do hotel managers like pet owners to follow?
• Don't leave your dog alone in the room. If the management makes an exception to this policy, you can do a few simple things to keep your furry friend comfortable. Provide your pet with an assortment of toys and turn on the television or radio to give her some sense of companionship.
• Do not allow your pet on the furniture or beds. Instead, you may want to bring bedding or a portable carrier for your dog
• Feed and provide water for your pet in the bathroom or on a tiled or hardwood floor. Not all dogs are neat and tidy at mealtime.
• Walk your dogs off the property and always clean up after them.
• Health regulations prohibit dogs from areas where food is prepared or served. So, it is probably not a good idea to bring your dog to meals or assume that she is welcome in all of the accommodation's public areas.
• Keep your dog leashed on the accommodation's property. While your dog may be under perfect voice control, other guests may become apprehensive when they see an unleashed dog.

7) What should I do to prepare my dog for a long car trip?
Before setting out on your trip, take your dog for a leisurely walk. Let her work off a little energy, and you may tire her out so she can sleep. Do not feed her or give her substantial amounts of water just before leaving. Once in the car, make sure your dog's area is either well ventilated or amply air-conditioned. For those who have not traveled that much with their dog, we recommend travel crates for your dogs and/or a gate to keep them from interfering with your driving. Plan frequent pit stops (every two hours or so) to exercise your dog on a leash.

8) Is it all right to leave my dog in the car while I shop?
It depends on the day and climate. Cooler seasons are best for leaving your pet in the car for a short time, provided the windows are open just enough to allow for ample ventilation. If it is a hot day, we would highly discourage you from doing this. Cars can heat up in minutes to very high temperatures and cause serious injury or death to your pet. But if you have to leave you pet in the car for a minute or two on warm days, we recommend:
• Parking the car in the shade and leaving all of the windows open enough to provide ample ventilation. Many specialty shops/catalogues sell small, portable, battery-operated fans that affix to a partially opened window to help the car stay cooler.
• Check on your pet frequently to ensure your pet's safety. Check to see that the sun hasn't shifted and is now shining directly on your car.
• Before you leave the car, give your pet a bowl with cold water to ease any effects of the heat.
• Conversely, freezing temperatures are also cause for concern. Make sure all windows are closed and your dog has enough blankets or bedding to keep her warm in the car.

9) What sort of guidelines should we think about when flying with our pet?
There are certain legal guidelines and restrictions for air travel with pets. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) govern air travel for pets. The airlines themselves have varying regulations; always contact your airline well in advance to review its particular procedures and requirements. Recently, there has been a considerable amount of press on pets traveling by air. Statistically, one percent (5,000) of the pets that fly each year don't make it and consequently we don't recommend it as a general rule. Flying can be a traumatic experience, but if there are no other options, these hints may prove helpful:
• We prefer airlines that have written rules for dog travel. Written rules are evidence that the airline has given long, careful thought to transporting animals.
• Some small dogs can be crated and even taken right on board the plane with you, while larger animals must stay in the cargo area.
Regardless of your airline carrier, these are important guidelines to consider:
• The dog should be at least eight weeks old and fully weaned.
• The dog cannot be ill, violent, or in physical distress.
Some dogs may be more comfortable if they are mildly sedated during flights. Consult your veterinarian. Also, make sure that your dog's nails are trimmed to avoid snagging on the travel crate's door or some other object.
• The dog should have all the necessary health certificates and documentation.
• The travel crate must meet the airline's standards and be large enough for the dog to lie down comfortably, turn around, and stand freely. Mark the crate with "Live Animal This Side Up," as well as with your name, address, and telephone number (should she get lost or misplaced in transit), and the name, address, and telephone number of your destination. Your dog may enjoy an old towel, blanket, or newspaper in the crate to make her more comfortable.
• Try to book a non-stop flight, and take temperatures into consideration. In the summer, fly at night when it's often cooler; in the winter, fly during the day, when it's warmer.
• Certain short-nosed dogs such as pugs cannot breathe well in airplane cargo areas. Avoid flying with these particular breeds.
• Do not feed your dog before traveling, as they are apt to get an upset stomach during the flight. Give your dog some ice cubes that will melt slowly and hopefully not dump out during boarding.
• Plan your trip well in advance and make sure you follow all the airline regulations.

10) We want to fly this summer with our dog. We've noticed that airlines are restricting pets from traveling between June 15 and September 15. Why is this rule in place when they put them in a cargo area that is pressurized and cooled? Secondly, is there a way around this rule?
Airlines do have pressurized cabins for pets; however, it is the ground experience that is cause for concern during extreme hot and cold periods of the year. Airlines do place restrictions on summer and winter travel, as they should. The restrictions are in place because pets do not go directly from one controlled environment to another. They often have to sit on the tarmac waiting to be loaded, or they must wait for the luggage to be removed before being taken to the terminal at their destination. The heat emanating from the cement surface, coupled with the heat from the engines of the planes, can easily injure or even kill an animal in just a short time.

11) Are there restrictions to bringing your pet on trains, buses, and boats?
Almost without exception, dogs are not allowed on trains or buses. Dogs may be allowed on local subways, such as in New York and Boston. Generally, dogs are allowed on ferry boats, as long as they are leashed and kept out of the food areas. Almost all passenger liners do not permit pets to accompany their owners.

12) Do you have certain things you would recommend bringing along for my pet?
Just as you have to pack appropriately for your vacation, your pet will need certain items to ensure her comfort and enjoyment. Consider:
• A leash and collar with ID tags. (Create a local tag giving your vacation address and a telephone number.) It also may be helpful to bring along a photograph of your pet in the event that you become separated.
• A few favorite toys, chew bones, balls, and treats.
• A large container of fresh drinking water from home.
• A supply of her regular food (and a can opener, if needed).
• Food and water bowls.
• A pet bed, whether it is a towel, mat, pillow, or travel crate.
• Grooming brushes/aids.
• Any medication your veterinarian has prescribed or suggested.
• The pet's vaccination records, especially a rabies certificate or tag. Many overnight establishments, state forests, and parks now require current vaccination records for visiting dogs. Your pet may also need special inoculations when visiting regions with high incidence rates of diseases such as Lyme disease and rabies.
• Pooper-scooper or Ziploc bags.
• A flashlight for evening walks.
• Paper towels for clean-up and old towels for drying wet dogs.

13) I am concerned about running into a pet emergency when on the road.
We recommend calling the American Animal Hospital Association before you leave on your trip to find a local veterinarian or two at your destination. Their number is (800) 883-6301. You also may contact them through their Web site at http://www.healthypet.com. The association screens each of the veterinary hospitals it endorses to ensure high quality care.

14) What should I do if my pet gets lost during our vacation?
If your pet is lost or missing, stay calm and consider the following options:
• Contact your hotel and let the staff know that your dog is missing. Anyone who finds your dog may look at the vacation tag; notice the name, address, and telephone number of your hotel; and contact it directly.
• If you have just lost your pet in a busy area, take a few minutes to visit some of the surrounding shops, restaurants, and buildings. Leave them your name and hotel telephone number.
• Telephone the local animal control officer, veterinary hospital, police, and humane society. One of these departments is the likely contact for stray or lost dogs.
• Place a number of lost pet flyers in the area where your pet first disappeared. The most effective locations are major street intersections, churches, grocery stores, post offices, and other heavily trafficked areas. Include a description of your pet and a photograph, as well as your local hotel phone number, your home phone number, and your work contact number. It may take time to locate your dog, and you might be called after you have finished your vacation and returned home.
• If some time has passed without any success in locating your pet, contact the local newspaper and radio stations and place an ad or notice about your pet.
• You also may want to contact two resources: Pet Finders (800) 666-5678 or via the Internet at http://www.petclub.org, or the Pet Loss Support Hot Line at (530) 752-4200.

15) We make frequent trips along the East Coast from New England to Florida. We recently learned that our auto club (AAA) will assist us if our car breaks down, but they cannot transport our dogs. Who could help in this scary situation?
A spokesperson from AAA confirmed that if your car breaks down and you need to be towed, the dogs cannot ride in the cab of the tow truck. They will have to travel in the car that is being towed. You can ensure their safety by placing them in a secure area and venting the windows. Once you are towed to your destination, you will need to wait for your car to be fixed. This can involve a few hours or a few days, depending on the situation. All of the major rental car companies do allow people with pets to rent their cars, so transportation from that point on should not be an issue.

16) We are interested in traveling to Canada and would like to bring our cat. What are the rules about crossing the border? Will there be any trouble returning to the U.S.?
Dogs and cats from the U.S. more than three months of age must have a certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian of Canada or the U.S. certifying that the animal has been vaccinated against rabies during the preceding 36 months. The certificate must have a description of the animal and date of vaccination. This paperwork should also enable you to return across the border as well. Double check with the U.S. Customs Agency if you have any other concerns. Their Web address is http://www.customs.ustreas.gov/travel/travel.htm.

17) Is one type of accommodation better than another if you are traveling with a pet?
This is very subjective. We have traveled tens of thousands of miles across the country and stayed in everything from a tiny B&B to a luxury resort, and yes, even a Yurt. Our dogs are accustomed to country living and prefer rural settings and lots of space to romp off leash. Generally, we look for inns and B&Bs as they are intimate and flexible. Personal feelings aside, there are a few rules of thumb for selecting the right accommodation for you and your pet. When choosing a hotel, inn or B&B, we recommend looking for one with a separate cottage or rooms with private outside entrances. This allows you and your pet to easily come and go without disturbing the other guests. If you are traveling to a different destination each day, then you may want to consider choosing a first floor room in a motel, motor lodge, or hotel. Ground floor units also allow for easy access to the outdoors.

18) Do you generally feel that hotels accept pets because they need the business?
We have spoken with countless innkeepers and managers over the last 15 years in search of great places to stay with a pet. Some of the innkeepers began accepting pets because longtime guests would ask if they could bring their pet. Rather than lose these guests, the innkeeper would comply with the request. The majority of these managers feel that pets are as well behaved, or better behaved, than many children and continue to welcome them. However, overall, the hospitality industry began to accept pets and continued to do so because they thought it would enhance their business. In most cases it has and they have picked up many new guests because of their enlightened pet policies. We recently spoke to one innkeeper who decided to accept pets but didn't believe she would have many takers. Today, nearly 40% of her business is from people traveling with their pets.

19) I feel that if I want to travel with my pet I will be compromising on the quality of my accommodations. Is that true?
We have found there are truly wonderful accommodation options ranging from lovely B&Bs and historic inns to romantic resorts and exquisite five-star resorts. There are thousands of wonderful lodging options. The trick is to ensure you do the proper background checks. We've seen rooms that even your pet wouldn't want to stay in (soiled carpets, animal smells, and scratched furniture). We've also checked into motels with lovely newly renovated rooms, only to be taken to the motel's oldest rooms that are still waiting to be updated. There are plenty of tricks that some managers will play with pet owners; you need to be pleasantly assertive and persistent until you are placed in the best possible room. Make sure you ask plenty of questions, to ensure that you will be getting a room with all your desired amenities.

20) Have you ever had any problems traveling with your dogs?
Thankfully, we really have not. This is partly due to the fact that we do quite a bit of research before we travel. But life is unpredictable, and travel especially so. We did have one scary experience while vacationing at one of our favorite inns in Maine. This is a casual place, where our dogs feel almost like they are at home. Well, just like he does at home, Tucker popped open the screen door and decided to go for a little walk. We combed the woods and couldn't find him. Fortunately a kind person did see him rambling down the road, picked him up, and returned him to the inn. Tucker was wearing his "vacation" tags (identification indicating our local address and telephone number) and they knew where he belonged.