What's the best thing about summer? Summer vacations of course! Many will be enjoying time away from school and work on vacation, and many will be taking their pets with them. Good on ya! To help make your vacation a thing of complete enjoyment I offer the following tips for traveling with your pet.

Also, before you head out on your adventure take some time to wash and groom your pet. This will not only help you begin your vacation with a clean animal but will also give you a chance to give your pet a once-over to check for any hidden health or other issues. I would also recommend a trip to your veterinarian for a checkup and to assure your pet is current on all needed vaccinations. Do this at least a week prior to your trip so that any unforeseen issues that arise will not delay your trip.

Make sure to take all relevant paperwork for your pet as well. Such things as a health certificate, animal license, rabies certificate, and your local vet's phone number can be very valuable in an emergency or other pickle.

If you are going to be staying in a motel or hotel be sure that your accommodations are pet friendly. There are many pet-friendly establishments these days and it is much wiser to be up front with them when you book your stay than try to sneak your pooch in through the back door.

Be certain that your pet is wearing identification of some sort at all times while you are traveling. The last thing you want is for your pet to become lost while you are far from home with no means of identification and no way to reunite the two of you. A pet ID tag with your cell phone number may be the quickest way to get your pet back -- even while you are still on vacation. A microchip can also help as it will always be with your pet. Just be sure to always have your current contact information updated with the microchip company.

Make sure you keep your pet's health in mind while you are traveling. Do not let your pet overheat and never leave your pet in your vehicle! This will take some extra planning during your vacation but if you are taking your pet with you then you already know he/she is worth the extra effort.

Be sure your pet is safe and obedient in strange and unusual environments. A dog that is easily spooked, for example, may not be the best candidate to take to the New Orleans' Mardi Gras.

I hope these few tips have been helpful and sparked your imagination. Happy travels and remember to obey the animal laws wherever you go, keep your dog on a leash when required, and be a good neighbor and clean up after your pet.