by Ane Graham | CNBNews Contributor

Fur parents increasingly see their pets as core family members, which means- it can be hard to leave the house without finding your best friend beside you.

Peyton (Gloucestercitynews.net)

Taking your dog on your next trek can make the trip a lot more fun though it also has its challenges. But if you’re aware of the steps you need to take, traveling with your pet wouldn’t be as difficult as you might think. 

Here are 5 tips to make your journey with your dog safe and enjoyable!

Research

Before going on a trip with your pup, do research. You should research the rules of having pets in the car (this would vary from state to state), pet-friendly accommodations, weather, airline rules for pets, and the cost of traveling with pets. And when researching your options, consider your pet’s comfort. 

Bring Important “Dog-cuments” and IDs

When traveling across borders or internationally, don’t forget to bring pet-related documents. Many places require an up-to-date pet health certificate signed by a vet. Also, when you’re flying make sure to contact the airline to make sure you have all the important paperwork to transport your pet.

Consider having your dog microchipped this will help you easily identify and retrieve your pet in the event that your dog gets away during your trip. If your dog doesn’t have a microchip, make sure he has a collar (a smart collar would be better!) with a tag imprinted with your home address and contact number or other relevant information. These will serve as your dog’s ID. 

Visit the Vet

Since some places require a health certificate upon entry, it’s just necessary to check with your vet before the trip so he can confirm that your pet is healthy and up-to-date with all required vaccination by the state or country you’re visiting. 

This is also the perfect time to ask your vet for information on medications for motion sickness and maintenance (if there are any).

Visiting your vet is one of the most important things to do to ensure safe travel with your pet.

Hydrate your Pet

Pets can get easily dehydrated when traveling. Supply them with water whenever they need it. We recommend that you take bottled water from home instead of giving water from an unfamiliar source as this would result in an upset stomach. 

You can attach a bowl to the inside of their crate or take frequent stops during your drive and give them a drink.

Prepare for Travel Anxiety

Some dogs are stressed out when their established daily routine isn’t followed, and a trip means- a new and unfamiliar day. 

If your dog is anxious, the simplest thing you can do is allow your dog to look out the window. Fresh air will relieve their motion sickness if that’s the cause of their anxiety. 

Sometimes a dog's anxiety may be less about the car itself and more about the destination. Try packing your pet’s favorite toy. This will keep him calm and he’ll settle down more easily in an unfamiliar place.