If you're like most dog lovers, the first thing you think of when planning a trip or vacation is "what about my dog?" Bringing your dog along can be lots of fun. But poor planning could make both of you homesick in a hurry. Read on to learn some rules of the road.

If you’ve decided to take your dog along, start by making sure your best friend has proper identification, should he stray or get lost. This means either a good collar with the appropriate license and ID tags, a microchip, or both. Bring along an current photo of your should you need to create a "lost" poster. It never hurts to bone up on basic obedience and leash manners, both for safety's sake and to save your sanity. Your next step should be to schedule a visit to the veterinarian. This will ensure your dog is in good enough health to travel and is current on all necessary vaccinations. Be sure to stock up on heartworm preventative, flea and tick control, and any other prescriptions your pet needs while you're away. This is a good time to get an up to date copy of your pet's health records to bring along on your trip. Health records will be required should your pet become ill and have to visit a veterinarian while away from home. These records are also mandatory should you find you must board your pet for some unexpected reason during your travels. Then it's time to decide how you and your dog are going to get there.

Air Travel has become more complex and stressful over the past decade, and not just for humans. Plan well ahead and be prepared to do a good deal of research and comparison shopping before you book the flight. Rules, restrictions and fees can vary dramatically depending on carrier, destination, and time of year.

There are two basic options for the canine passenger: cabin or cargo. Small dogs weighing fifteen pounds or less can usually ride in the cabin. However, the carrier, with Fifi inside, must fit under the seat in front of you and she must stay inside for the duration of the trip. Onboard spots for pets are subject to limited availability, so you'll want to confirm that there's room for your pet on the flight before you commit.

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