The mere thought of leaving your furry friend behind when planning your next vacation and looking for great travel deals kills the feeling of joy temporarily. No one can really blame you for wanting to bring along your dog for a road trip or a quick weekender by the beach.

Between worrying too much on what’s happening with your furry friend and how bothersome tagging them along on your travels could get, surely you’re more than prepared to sacrifice a little to have them by your side as you hike a mountain.

Create a fun and memorable vacation for both you and your canine best friend. Here are a few tips to make the trip a more joyful and less stressful. Make it a relaxing time for the both of you.

Understand the airline’s pet-restrictions

If you’re planning on a far-away destination that requires flight travel, do know that there are a lot of considerations to bear in mind when flying with a pet. If your pet is small, airlines may require them to travel in a carrier that can be placed under your seat, however, if your pet is big in size, it will likely have to fly in cargo.

Check with your airline regarding their restrictions and policies on flying with pets and make sure that you do this before you book your flight; those nonrefundable tickets are a waste down the drain.

Book at pet-friendly accommodations

Having a destination in mind and itinerary planned comes the task of looking for hotel accommodations or other alternative resting place options next. Since you have your furry friend with you, it can be twice as hard to look for places that allows pets.

Contact your hotel or other forms of accommodation of your choice and inquire about their pet policies and if there are possible fees they charge for bringing a pet along.

Visit the vet before you leave

Before you head onto your two-day adventure-packed journey, make sure that your pet is in great condition. To ensure that they are, bring them to their veterinarian for a quick check-up. If you’re going to fly to your destination, a health certification from the vet is required for airline travel.

While you’re in the vet’s clinic, do raise your concerns and ask what are the common health risks you should protect your furry friend from in your point of destination so you can ask what preventive measures you can do to keep them healthy and safe.

Pack for your dog

Packing can be stressful and for some, may be perceived as a grueling task. When you travel with your furry friend, make it a habit to pack a separate bag intended for all their stuff—food and food bowl, water bottle, toys, clothes, toiletries, medications, poop bags, grooming tools, and most importantly, treats, among others. This way you can easily access whatever you need for them as oppose to their stuff mixed with yours in one bag. Imagine what a catastrophe that would be if ever you need to grab a poop bag or treats.

Keep an eye on them

This is a no brainer when traveling with your furry friends: keep an eye on them at all times. With their nose on the ground, their curiosity could lead them away from you so make sure that your attention are on them.

Traveling with your furry friend can make your trip better than if you go by yourself, with them left alone behind constantly on the back of your mind. Make your trip with your dog an unforgettable one by following these guides. Hope you enjoy your travel with your furry friend!

About the author: An adventurer at heart, Chie Suarez aims to finish her travel bucket list before she hits 40. For the meantime, she writes for Holiday Inn Parramatta Accommodation—stay and experience the historical part of Sydney whether for business or leisure.