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Pet-friendly destinations - Do your homework and check if you're staying in a pet-friendly accommodation. This will rule out any nasty surprises like incurring extra costs or having to look for another place to stay.

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Go for a test-drive - If you've never traveled with pets before, go for a test-drive. It's a great way to study their reaction to travel and anticipate potential problems.

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Paperwork - Of course your pet should always have identification, but if you're traveling to a foreign country you have to take extra care to ensure that their paperwork is in order.

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Pet passport - Pet passports are pretty easy to come by. Most veterinary offices will be able issue one. A pet passport contains all of your pet's vital information, including their medical history.

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Medical checkup - Always go for a veterinary checkup before going on a trip with your pets. Your pet may need medication, which might have to be tested out before departure.

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Pet travel insurance - Pet travel insurance will allow veterinary costs to be covered should something happen to your pet.

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Vaccination - Just as humans need vaccinations when traveling to certain countries, so do your pets.

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Vaccinations - It's not pleasant, and depending on what they're being vaccinated against, there might be some uncomfortable side effects. Check the requirements of any countries you're traveling to. 

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Don't pack too much food - Bring enough for the duration of the trip, but upon arrival buy pet food where you're staying. It will save lots of space. Just make sure you do your homework on foreign brands and their ingredients.

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Enough water - Water, on the other hand, you really can't bring enough of. Make sure your pet has enough fresh water to drink. Bring bottles, as they might be in need of cooling down during certain parts of the trip.

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Enough water - Bring water (and food) bowls from home. Fill the drinking bowls from bottles to avoid spillage.

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Enough water - Pets can also get carsick or dehydrated, and it's always better to be safe than sorry.

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Pack a pet first-aid kit - When traveling with pets, a pet first-aid kit is absolutely indispensable. If your pet runs into health problems during your travels, you need to be able to act accordingly.

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Pack a pet first-aid kit - Bandages, nail clippers, scissors, and a warm blanket are just a few examples of what to pack in a pet first-aid kit.

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Pack a pet first-aid kit - Also make sure you have the right medication on hand. If this is not the case, DO NOT feed your pet human meds. Just try to find a vet as soon as possible.

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Appropriate number of stops - If you're going on a long trip, by car for instance, you need to take an appropriate number of stops. As arduous as the trip might be for you, it's probably worse for your pet.

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Have fun - Every three or four hours stop and let your pet catch their breath. It's also a great opportunity to take some unforgettable vacation snaps and have some fun.

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Be alert - Keep an eye on your pet while traveling. You know them better than anyone, so if they start behaving in an odd or unusual way, take it seriously.

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Hotel-friendly pets - Pet-friendly accommodation is important, but that works both ways.

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Hotel-friendly pets - Be responsible and make sure your pet is on their best behavior during your stay in the hotel. Don't let them become a nuisance to the owners or other guests.

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Stay on the first floor - If you're renting accommodation, try to make sure you're on the ground level. It makes it easier to take your pet out without disturbing anyone.

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Specific tips - Of course there are lots of different pets, and each one has some specific things to consider when traveling. So let's focus on cats and dogs.

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Dogs: bring toys - Bring toys from home. Not only will it be something familiar in unfamiliar surroundings, but they also love to play and it's great exercise for them.

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Dogs: bring a leash - This one seems pretty obvious, but it's important to have a leash on hand. Make sure it's not tucked away at the bottom of a suitcase where it's impossible to grab it right when you need it.

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Dogs: somewhere to sleep - A carrier lined with a blanket from home for example. Or one of your old t-shirts. Make it as comfortable and familiar for your dog as possible.

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Cats: secure accommodation - Most cats are nowhere near as obedient as dogs, so make sure that whatever (pet-friendly) accommodation you choose, it's secure.

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Cats: secure accommodation - Your cat will most likely spend the vast majority of the vacation inside. So besides providing enough entertainment (i.e. toys) and food, you have to be sure your curious kitty doesn't escape.

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Cats: toilet - Cats are the clean freaks of the animal kingdom. So if at all possible, bring their toilet with you. Your whiskered travel companion will be eternally grateful.

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Cats: cleaning equipment - Bring cleaning equipment and plastic bags in order to keep everything as hygienic as possible.

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Enjoy! -

Got all that? Then there's nothing to stand in the way of a great vacation for you and your pet. Safe travels! 

Curious about what your dog's medical check-up might cost? Seel also: The surprising health benefits of owning a pet!

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