Summer is a popular travel season for many families, and furry friends are often a great factor to weigh in when making getaway plans. Whether pets travel along with their owner, have in-home care or find alternate housing during your time away, there are many things to consider regarding your pets’ overall health, comfort and safety.

Here are 10 steps you can take to make your travel plans with your pets easier, and most importantly, happier for your whole family:

Step 1
Vaccinate — Before making travel arrangements, ensure that vaccinations, health certificates and identification tags are up to date and that the pet has a full supply of necessary medications.

Step 2
First-Aid Kit — Compile a simple first-aid kit with minor wound-care supplies, anti-diarrhea and digestive remedies and emergency phone numbers.

Step 3
Bathe & Brush — Before you travel, take care of grooming issues such as bathing and trimming nails.

Step 4
Ease Anxiety — Many animals become uncomfortable in unfamiliar environments, so minimizing disturbances or providing reassurance throughout the journey can be very helpful in easing anxiety that may result from fear of the unknown. Also, consider having a professional pet sitter stay in your home with your pets while you are away. Familiarity breeds happiness for your pet.

Step 5
Ease Digestion — Try to feed your pet his largest meal in the evening or upon reaching the destination, so to ease digestive discomfort or motion sickness. Keep in mind that wet food may be perishable. Acclimate your dog to eating dry food a few days before departure to help minimize stomach upsets.

Step 6
Daily Check — While traveling, be sure to perform a daily health check (or advise your pet sitter to do so). Monitor and evaluate appetite, energy and overall disposition. While preventative health precautions are always best, early detection of a problem is the next best thing.

Step7
Boarding and In-Home Care — If boarding your pet is unavoidable, thoroughly research the best options for doing so, and also consider in-home care. As summer is a very popular time of travel, booking reservations well in advance is often a necessity. When possible, leave your pet with a professional pet sitter, and in an environment they are familiar with and comfortable staying in.

Step 8
Car Travel — If traveling by car, take a few short rides to acclimate the dog or cat to the experience. Cats are often best suited to travel in a crate, and dogs often do well in them, too. Allow time for breaks and walks in the travel schedule, allowing your pet to stretch and exercise. If your dog gets motion sickness, buy a pet-motion-sickness remedy before your trip.

Step 9
Air Travel — When traveling by plane, always confirm pet regulations well in advance, so that preparations can be made as necessary. Take into consideration climate differences and try to book a flight in the early morning or in the evening, when the weather generally is more comfortable.

Step 10
Dog Carrier — If your dog will be in a carrier, start by placing the carrier near to where he or she sleeps. Then, put the animal inside it for a few minutes each day. Finally, put him inside the carrier and take him somewhere new. Eventually, he will understand that the carrier is a temporary thing, and he’ll be calmer when you take him on your extended vacation.

One company that can take all this weight off your mind is Fetch! Pet Care, where as a AAA member, you can receive 10 percent off all your pet-service needs. Call Fetch! Pet Care at 877/5-FETCHAAA 877/533-8242 or visit it at www.fetchpetcare.com.