Dr. Harold David D.V,M.

Even with the economy in questionable condition and gas prices climbing every time we check the signs at the stations, some of you will probably take a trip in your RV or go camping with your pet. According to numbers crunched by the Recreational Vehicle Industry Association in a study of families of four members taking a vacation, going in an RV is 70 percent cheaper than an airplane-hotel vacation and 23 percent cheaper than a car-hotel vacation. An RVIA spokesman said his guess would be that "Fuel prices would have to double to make RVing more expensive [than other types of travel]."

So in the spirit of the great open road traveler here are some suggestions on how to better travel with your pet.

Plan ahead for stops at restaurants. Leaving your pooch or kitty in the car while you are inside on a 90 degree day isn't a good idea. You might need to turn on a generator in the RV to keep the pets cool while you eat.

Be sure to research whether your destination is dog or cat friendly. You'd hate to drive all that way just to find out they aren't welcome. Theme parks such as Disney World and Universal Studios offer on-site kennels for their visitors pets.

If your pet is used to staying in a crate for sleeping, take a sturdy pet carrier with bungee cords to secure the crate while traveling.

Natural or prescription motion-sickness treatment. Your veterinarian will have good recommendations for you.

An easy to store exercise fence will be helpful so that you may secure an outdoor area that your pet may run in at will.

No spill pet bowls can take some of the worry about spilling their food and water in the RV.

Plastic bags, pooper scooper and towels for clean-up. Everyone appreciates an owner who cleans up after their pet.

Up-to-date pet records are a good thing to keep handy. Your veterinarian can give you a printout. Be sure your pet is vaccinated at least 3 days before going on your trip. This will insure that all vaccinations are fully in effect.

And just a little tip: When stopping to let your pet have a pit stop, don't head over to the place where everyone else and their dog has been. Find a place that may not be as popular. There may be pet owners out there who aren't as conscientious as you are about vaccinations or sickness. You don't want to risk your animal's health as he or she sniff around where the others have been.