Bringing your pets along on summer vacation can be a fun and enjoyable experience — as long as you plan ahead. Here are some things to consider before hitting the road with your animal companion.

Does your pet like to travel?

A healthy, well-behaved pet can be a fun traveling companion. But some animals are not suited for travel because of temperament, illness or age. If you are in doubt as to whether your pet should travel, consult with your veterinarian.

Drive or fly?

As reports continue to surface of animals getting injured or lost on commercial flights, driving to your destination is probably the safer option — especially during the hot summer months. Pack an extra bag with food, water, medications, a first aid kit, and your pet’s favorite toys and treats. Also include a current health certificate and vaccination records, especially for interstate travel. And make sure that your animals are wearing current identification and are microchipped.

Rules of the road

Pets should be transported in a hard-sided crate with plenty of ventilation. One option for dogs is a safety harness that connects to a seat belt. Never allow your dog to ride in the back of a truck untethered. Not only is it against the law, but it puts both the dog’s and other motorists’ lives in jeopardy. If you are forced to make a sudden stop or drive over a pothole, your dog could be thrown from the vehicle (or easily jump out), and other drivers attempting to swerve to avoid hitting your dog could be injured or worse.

Though tethering your dog in the back of a truck is a legal option, it is still unsafe because a dog can become tangled, dragged or even hanged. Lack of shade, a hot truck bed and flying debris are also hazards for a tethered dog.

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Too hot for Spot!

Never leave your pet inside a car unattended. On a warm day, even with the windows cracked, a car’s interior can reach extreme temperatures (160°F in a few minutes). Pets in hot cars are at risk for brain damage, heat stroke and death. Leaving your pet in the car for even a few minutes can be a fatal mistake. The truth is, while most dogs love to go for a ride, they don’t like being left alone in the parking lot. It’s best to leave your dogs at home when running errands.

Pet-friendly accommodations

Pets can make great hotel guests, but you you’ll need to do some research to find out where animal companions are welcome. The Marin Humane Society provides a list of pet-friendly lodging in Marin County and other popular travel destinations on our Web site. Always inquire about pet policies before making your reservations. Properties may have restrictions on the type or size of pet allowed. There may also be a limited number of pet-friendly rooms available at any given time.

When you arrive in your hotel room, check for hazards, such as dangerous hiding spaces or exposed electrical cords. Also, ensure that all doors and windows are secure before letting your animal out of the crate or off leash. Pets may want to drink water out of the toilet. Since many lodgings have chemically treated water, it's very important to keep the toilet lid closed. Make sure that there is plenty of fresh water accessible to your pet, especially after a long trip.

Tails of Marin appears every Saturday in the Home & Garden section of the Marin Independent Journal