We all know how to prepare ourselves for vacation, whether it’s taking time off from work, making arrangements to have plants watered or even just doing some basic grocery shopping and packing. A simple checklist and an organized suitcase is all it takes for me to get ready, for example.

In some lucky cases, we get to bring our family pet on vacation. Don’t forget to pack for your dog or cat as well. (Do people bring cats on vacation??) But anyway, traveling with your pet does add some extra work to your preparation and it’s important not to forget to accommodate the animal prior to setting sail on vacation.

Traveling with a pet adds for extra fun while also an element of family or comfort, as well as meaning that you don’t have to throw money away into putting the pet into a kennel for the vacation or make separate arrangements.

Some tips for making sure your pet is having fun on vacation:

- Bring snacks for the road. You can either use a treat as a reward if the animal is behaving or feed him when you stop at a rest stop for a bathroom break. Make sure to take the dog on a walk as well and break up a long car ride.

- Don’t forget to pack toys! Just as you need to pack to keep your kids entertained, the same goes for pets.

- Make sure the pet is hydrated the entire vacation and spends some time in the shade.

- Make sure to remember any medications your pet might need during the trip and your vet’s phone number.

Would you want to take your pet on vacation with you? Do you think it makes for more hassle or aids to a family vacation?