An increasing number of places throughout Australia, and even worldwide, have accommodations which cater for pets as well as people. Although they are increasing, when preparing to take a pet friendly holiday with your dog, it is always wise to plan ahead. Most accommodation destinations urge travelers taking a pet friendly holiday to book ahead. The facilities for dogs can vary greatly between each venue so determining exactly what is provided will make your pet friendly holiday a more relaxing experience for both you and your pet.

Driving to your selected pet friendly holiday destination is another area where it is wise to take some care. Many times there have been dogs traveling loose in the car or even on the driver's lap when a sudden stop or an accident has caused the pet to sustain injuries due to traveling unrestrained in the car. There are several harnesses and carriers made specially for pet friendly traveling, which can lessen the risk of injury. When traveling in your car with your dog on a pet friendly holiday it is also important to take plenty of water for your pet to drink and never to leave your pet in a closed car.

Once you travel to your pet friendly holiday destination, it is important to ensure that you follow the conditions set out by the venue. These are likely to include keeping your dog on a leash whilst out and about, cleaning up after your dog, keeping your dogs quiet to avoid disturbing other guests & there may be designated areas to stay away from with your dog. Many pet friendly holiday destinations now allow dogs to be inside. There may be provisos to this, such as not leaving your dog alone in the room 7 keeping them off the furniture.

To make your pet friendly travel as comfortable as possible, it is always a good idea to take any special bedding and toys that your pet may be used to. Also, ensure that your dog has an ID tag with your name and phone number in case you were to be accidentally separated.

Planning ahead for your pet friendly travel will result in a great time for both you and your dog and as the accommodation for pet friendly holidays increase, more of us will be taking our four-legged friends along.

Basics to remember:

" Make sure you bring enough water for your pet to drink on the trip. Packing your pet's favorite foods is also a good idea as it may not always be readily obtainable at your holiday destination.

" Use your leash to keep your dog with you whenever you leave your car.

" Make sure you use wither a purpose built pet carrier or pet harness while driving.

" Update your pet's identification tags in case you and your dog become separated whilst away from home.

" Pets should never be left in closed cars.

" Always supervise your pet when initiating contact with strangers, particularly children.

" Make sure your pet has been treated for fleas and ticks prior to traveling

" Clean up after your dog at all times.