And away you go! But first, some pet traveling tips

As the weather starts getting nicer and the snow is replaced with green grass, many of us are anxious to get outside and enjoy the spring with our pets. During the spring and summer months, many dog owners take advantage of the nice weather by going on road trips with their four-legged friends. Whether you're looking at doing a day trip or a much longer retreat, taking your dog on a road trip requires more planning than simply grabbing your dog's leash and jumping in the car. Here are some easy ways you can be safe and have fun with your dog on the road this spring and summer!

Visit your vet

If you're planning on taking a longer road trip, especially one that includes crossing state lines, plan a check-up at the vet first. Make sure your dog is up-to-date on vaccines and in good health prior to heading out on your adventure.

Practice car rides

Not every dog does well in the car. In fact, I can tell you from personal experience as an animal shelter employee that there are actually many dogs that get car sick. It's also important to remember that your dog may be comfortable riding around town with you in short bursts, but traveling for 8 hours in the car might make him sick. Help your pet get used to traveling in the car over an extended period of time by gradually taking him on longer trips. Avoid feeding several hours before traveling as any dog - even one who loves to travel - can easily get car sick on a full belly. Signs of car sickness include drooling, vomiting, and trembling. For many dogs, opening the car window can relieve car sickness.

Buckle up

You wear a seat belt in the car, shouldn't your pets, too? Dog seat belts come in a variety of styles and a wide range of sizes, so there's no excuse not to have one for your best friend. Whether you have a Chihuahua or a Great Dane, all dogs should be restrained when in a vehicle. Why bother restraining your dog if he just sleeps in the back seat the whole car ride? Seat belts aren't just to keep pets from roaming about inside the car while you drive. If you get in an accident and your pet isn't properly restrained, it's very possible he will be thrown from the car.

When looking for a seat belt, find one that is a harness style with a short tether. Should you get in an accident and your pet lurches forward, you do not want the strain to be put on their neck or for them to be launched to the front of the car because their restraint was too long. It's also crucial to keep your pet inside your car at all times, not, for example, in the bed of your truck where they can easily fly out. Remember that putting your pet in a crate does not eliminate the need for a restraint. Always make sure pet crates are secured to prevent them from becoming projectiles in an accident.

Always carry ID

The same way we bring an I.D. with us when we leave the house, our dogs need to have some form of identification, as well. The more forms of I.D. you have for your pet, the better. If your pet is not already microchipped, consider getting one. The process is simple and takes no longer than getting a vaccine. Unlike collars and tags, microchips are a permanent form of identification that can be used to help reunite you with your pet.

Pack the necessities

It doesn't matter if you're planning to be gone for a few hours, a few days, or a few weeks, you always need to pack the necessities for your pet. The necessities are more than water and some treats. Be sure to pack food, any medication your pet needs, toys, and even an emergency first-aid kit. As one of my college professors used to say: expect the unexpected. You never know when your car might break down, stranding you somewhere you never planned. Your road-trip that was only supposed to last the day could end up taking a lot longer. What if your pet needed to take their medication at a specific time each day? Always pack a kit for your pet with enough supplies to last you longer than your trip is actually scheduled - just in case!

Pet-friendly lodging

Never assume any place - a friend's house included - is pet friendly. And even if a hotel labels themselves as pet-friendly, make sure your pet fits their rules and regulations. To a hotel, acceptable pets may be dogs under 25 pounds only and you've got a Lab. If your travels involve overnight accommodations, always check and then double check the pet policy prior to your trip to avoid any surprises.

Never leave your pet alone in the car

This cannot be reiterated enough. Your car can becomes unbearably hot in just minutes, even when the temperature outdoors is pretty cool. And in the winter, your car only protects your pet from wind, not freezing cold temperatures. Don't risk your pet's life just to "run into a store real quick".

Most importantly, remember to have fun and make lots of wonderful memories with your pet on your adventures this spring and summer!

Alaina Goodnough is the Promotions Coordinator at Cocheco Valley Humane Society in Dover, NH. She lives in Sanford, ME with two parrots, a cockatoo, a cat, and two dachshunds. She can be reached at CVHS at devassist@cvhsonline.org. To learn more about Cocheco Valley Humane Society, go to www.cvhsonline.org or call 603-749-5322.