Whether traveling across town, the country, or overseas, properly planning for travel with your cat or dog can save tons of time and stress.

As a responsible parent of a dog or cat, you have most likely already researched pet-friendly hotels, restaurants, rest stops (if traveling by car) and airline regulations (if traveling by air). The following tips can help you remember some of the all-too-easily-forgotten details.

1.   Even though you confirmed the hotel you booked is pet-friendly, have you checked their pet policies? Some do not allow cats, some do not allow pets to be left in the room unattended, and some even have weight restrictions. Others, like some of the luxury brands, roll out the red carpet for canine and feline guests alike. Be sure to call or email your specific hotel location ahead of time to double check all of the above.

2.   Many animals get motion sickness. This can make the friendly skies or open road most unpleasant for your dog or cat and you. There are two medications that work well in this situation. One is available over the counter - meclizine, the ingredient in Bonine (not the chewable formula) and Dramamine II (not the regular Dramamine). Cats and small dogs do well with 1/8 – ¼ of a tablet, larger dogs need a higher dose. Check with your veterinarian before administering as he/she can give you an accurate dosage. The other is a prescription drug called Maropitant, also known as Cerenia. It is currently only approved for dogs but is being studied for cats. Again, your veterinarian can prescribe the accurate amount for your dog.

3.   Make sure your dog or cat is wearing proper identification, including their name and your contact information (preferably your cell phone number).

4.   Be sure to carry all proof of vaccination.

5.   Before you even get started, let your dog or cat become familiar with the carrier you will be using. Leave it out for a couple of weeks before your travel date so they can investigate. You may even find them sleeping in it!

6.   Pack your dog or cat’s regular food or make sure it will be available at your destination. Travel is no time to change diet!

7.   Don’t forget to pack water and food bowls, bedding and toys.

8.   If traveling by car with cats, make sure to have a litter box filled with their regular brand of litter. They can use it when you stop for your potty break. Do not be surprised if it goes untouched; a stressed cat may prefer waiting until inside a proper hotel room. If traveling by air, have a plan to purchase these items at your destination.

9.   If staying at a hotel where pets cannot be left alone in the room, have a plan in place for when you will be out. Contact pet sitters in the area or ask the hotel in advance for recommendations.

10. Consider carrying a Pet Passport. Wag’N Enterprises offers one with room to store medical history, vet contact information, proof of ownership and vaccinations and a photo. This can come in handy no matter where you travel.

With all of these items taken care of, it will make it much easier to relax and enjoy both the journey and the destination. Happy travels!

Jodi Ziskin, our Traveling with Pets Editor, is a Holistic Wellness Consultant for Animal Companions, specializing in nutrition and proactive health. She is a Certified Pet Nutrition Consultant who also holds a Master of Science degree in Holistic Nutrition. Through her company Holistic Jodi, LLC, Jodi makes house calls throughout South Florida, helping cats, dogs, birds and rabbits be as healthy and happy as possible.

She and her husband Zach live in Fort Lauderdale, Florida with their two cats – Kayla (age 20) and Obi (age 5). Please feel free to contact Jodi at holisticjodi[at]gmail.com or visit http://www.healthypetcoach.com/