Should You Bring Your Dog Along On Vacation?

Traveling with your dog can be rewarding, fun and well worth the extra effort and cost. But according to Billy Rafferty and Jill Cahr, co-authors of the book, "Happy Dog: Caring For Your Dog's Body, Mind and Spirit" if you really want to ensure the trip is a success for both you and your furry friend, consider the following factors before booking any get-away.

•Age and Health: The rigors of travel can be especially difficult for young, elderly, ill or physically impaired dogs. For example, puppies shouldn't be around other dogs until fully vaccinated (around four months old). Older dogs are often too frail or cranky to withstand the mental and physical demands of travel.

•Personality: Realistically assess your dog's personality. Abandon wishful thinking and be objective. Ask yourself these questions: Is Fido easygoing and adaptable or do even slight changes in routine make him anxious? Does he enjoy being away from home? Is he a nervous Nellie in a new environment? Does he live and die for outdoor activity? Is he keen to be around strangers, crowds and other dogs? Will Fido mind being left alone in an unfamiliar place? Does he get carsick? Will the stress of a flight take years off his life (and yours!)?

•Veterinary Opinion: A pre-trip veterinary examination is always a good idea, and required for air travel and at many destinations too. (At a minimum, your pooch will need certain vaccinations. Because the actual requirements vary by airline, hotel etc., call ahead and determine exactly what you'll need.) Seek your veterinarian's opinion regarding your dog's physical and mental fitness to travel and to determine if your pooch requires specific vaccinations, medication or parasite preventatives based on your destination.

• Mode of Travel and Accommodations: Verify that your particular dog is welcome everywhere you plan on visiting and on every mode of transportation. While hotels, campgrounds and other venues may seem dog friendly, they may have restrictions based on age, size or breed. For example, a hotel may ONLY allow dogs UNDER 30 pounds, or the amusement park kennel may prohibit young puppies that have not completed their initial vaccinations. In addition, most hotels require an extra security deposit to cover any damage Fido may cause or for any deep cleaning they do once you check out.

•Itinerary: Devote the time to figure out where and what Fido will do while on the trip. Did you know that many theme parks and attractions offer on-site "pet checks?" For example, through an outside provider, Disney parks offer kennels and overnight boarding, but you are required to walk and feed your pooch twice a day. Many parks and wilderness areas prohibit dogs despite the green-space bounty. At Yellowstone National Park, a leashed dog is welcome in the front country areas, but Fido is prohibited on the backcountry trails and boardwalks. Dog-friendly areas abound in cities throughout the United States. Check out some of the pet travel websites for information on cities you'll be visiting: www.petfriendlytravel.com or www.dogfriendly.com.

•Destination: Ascertain whether you'll need to take any precautions to protect Fido from local environmental hazards, such as native plants, insects and parasites. Consult vegetation maps and talk to officials at each destination for current and accurate information. Discuss your findings with your veterinarian and determine if the risks are worth the hassle. For instance, the length of tick season varies in different parts of the country. Coyotes or snakes can be a serious threat to a dog hanging out in your Aunt Pearl's backyard during a family barbeque.

•Paperwork: Unless you're staying exclusively in private homes and not visiting any public attractions with your pooch, you'll only need to bring along Fido's vaccination and special medical history in case an emergency arises. If you are staying in a hotel or visiting attractions with your pooch, phone ahead to determine exactly what specific documentation is required at each stop. Each carrier, hotel or attraction may have different requirements; some may have special forms that your vet must use or require the vet visit to be within a specific time before you depart. At a minimum, you'll need a certification from your veterinarian regarding Fido's health and vaccination history.

In the United States, pets can travel freely across most state lines with only a health certificate or proof of rabies vaccination. Hawaii, however, has strict controls on animal visitors, including a quarantine. If you're traveling to another country, contact the appropriate consulate or embassy. Most countries require detailed paperwork, quarantine, proof of microchip, blood tests and proof of vaccinations for a variety of diseases.

Excerpted from Happy Dog: Caring For Your Dog's Body, Mind and Spirit by Billy Rafferty and Jill Cahr. www.happydogland.com