But if you have decided it's best to bring your pet along, consider these tips from the Human Society for a safe and low-stress trip.

Traveling by car with pets

Do you know the best place for your dog or cat in your car? 

Dogs shouldn't roam in the car

The safest way for your dog to travel in the car is in a crate that has been anchored to the vehicle using a seatbelt or other secure means. Dog restraints or seatbelts are useful for preventing your dog from roaming around the car and being a distraction to the driver, but they haven't been reliably shown to protect dogs during a crash.

Cats belong in carriers

Most cats aren't comfortable traveling in cars, so for their safety as well as yours, keep them in a carrier. It's important to restrain these carriers in the car so that they don't bounce around and hurt your cat. Do this by securing a seat belt around the front of the carrier.

Leave the front seat for humans

Keep your pet in the back seat of the car. If an airbag deployed while your pet was in the passenger seat (even in a crate), it might injure your pet.

Keep those heads inside!

Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or made sick by having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.

Every year, animals are killed, injured, or lost on commercial airlines.

Give your pet plenty of rest stops

Stop frequently to allow your pet to exercise and eliminate. But never permit your pet to leave the car without a collar, ID tag, and leash.

Bring along a human buddy

Whenever possible, share the driving and pet caretaking duties with a friend or family member. You'll be able to get food or use the facilities at rest stops knowing that someone you trust is keeping a close eye on your pets.

Don't ever leave your pet alone in a car

A quick pit stop may feel like no time at all to you, but it's too long to leave your pet in a car by himself. One hazard is heat: When it's 72 degrees Fahrenheit outside, the temperature inside your car can heat up to 116 degrees within an hour. On an 85-degree day, even with the windows slightly open, the temperature inside your car can reach 102 degrees in just 10 minutes. If you're held up for 30 minutes, you may return to a car that's 120 degrees inside and a pet who is suffering irreversible organ damage or death.

A year-round hazard is the unspoken invitation you issue to pet (and car) thieves any time you leave your pet alone in a car.

If you see a pet left inside a hot car take these steps to help him »

Spread the word about the dangers of leaving pets in a hot cars.

Traveling by airplane with pets

Air travel can be so quick that you may think a plane is the best way to transport your pet. Think again.

Air travel isn't safe for pets

The HSUS recommends that you do not transport your pet by airplane unless absolutely necessary. Air travel is particularly dangerous for animals with "pushed in" faces (the medical term is "Brachycephalic"), such as bulldogs, pugs, and Persian cats. Their short nasal passages leave them especially vulnerable to oxygen deprivation and heat stroke.

Consider all the alternatives to flying. If you plan to bring your pet on vacation, driving is usually a better option. If you can't travel by car, your pet will probably be healthier and happier if you leave her behind under the care of a pet sitter or boarding kennel.

If you must fly your pet, choose the cabin

If transporting your pet by air is the only option, find out whether he can travel in the cabin with you. Most airlines will allow you to take a cat or small dog in the cabin for an additional fee. But you must call the airline well in advance; there are limits to the number of animals allowed in the cabin. If you are transporting your dog, make sure she meets the size requirements.

Ask these questions if your pet is flying in the cabin

When you contact the airline, be sure to get clear answers to these questions:

Will the airline allow you to take your cat or small dog in the cabin with you?

Does the airline have any special pet health and immunization requirements?

Does the airline require a specific type of carrier? Most airlines will accept either hard-sided carriers or soft-sided carriers (which may be more comfortable for your pet), but only certain brands of soft-sided carriers are acceptable to certain airlines.

If you can't take your pet in the cabin, does the airline have any restrictions on transporting your pet in the cargo hold?

Take precautions when bringing your pet through airport security

Your pet's carrier will have to pass through the security screening along with you. You have two options: Either be sure your pet is securely harnessed so you can safely contain her outside her carrier while it's being x-rayed, or request a special secondary screening that won't require you to take her out of her carrier.

Be aware of the dangers of flying your pet in a cargo hold

Animals flown in the cargo area of airplanes are killed, injured, or lost on commercial flights each year. Excessively hot or cold temperatures, poor ventilation, and rough handling are often to blame.

Most U.S. airlines are required to report all companion animal incidents that occur in the cargo hold, and consumers should study the performance record of any airline before choosing to ship a pet as cargo.

Follow these tips if your pet must fly in the cargo hold

If your pet must travel in the cargo hold, you can increase the chances of a safe flight for your pet by following these tips.

Use direct flights. You will avoid the mistakes that occur during airline transfers and possible delays in getting your pet off the plane.

Always travel on the same flight as your pet. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded into the cargo hold and unloaded.

When you board the plane, notify the captain and at least one flight attendant that your pet is traveling in the cargo hold. If the captain knows that pets are on board, he or she may take special precautions.

Don't ever ship brachycephalic animals such as Pekingese dogs, bulldogs, or Persian cats in the cargo holds.

If traveling during the summer or winter months, choose flights that will accommodate the temperature extremes. Early morning or late evening flights are better in the summer; afternoon flights are better in the winter.

Fit your pet with a collar that can't get caught in carrier doors. Affix two pieces of identification on the collar: a permanent ID with your name and home address and telephone number, and a temporary travel ID with the address and telephone number where you or a contact person can be reached.

Affix a travel label to the carrier on which you've written your name, permanent address and telephone number, final destination, and where you or a contact person can be reached as soon as the flight arrives.

Make sure that your pet's nails have been clipped to protect against them getting hooked in the carrier's door, holes, and other crevices.

Give your pet at least a month before your flight to become familiar with the travel carrier. This will minimize his or her stress during travel.

Do not give your pet tranquilizers unless they are prescribed by your veterinarian. Make sure your veterinarian understands that the prescription is for air travel.

Do not feed your pet for four to six hours before the trip. However, you can give him small amounts of water. If possible, put ice cubes in the water tray attached to the inside of your pet's crate or kennel. (A full water bowl will only spill and cause discomfort.)

Try not to fly with your pet during busy travel times such as holidays and the summer. Your pet is more likely to undergo rough handling during hectic travel periods.

Carry a current photograph of your pet. If your pet is lost during the trip, a photograph will make it much easier for airline employees to search effectively.

When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet. If anything seems wrong, take your pet to a veterinarian immediately. Get the results of the examination in writing, including the date and time.

Speak up if you see something

Don't hesitate to complain if you witness the mishandling of an animal—either yours or someone else's—at any airport. Ask to speak with the manager of the section where the incident occurerd and report mishandling both in person and in writing.

Traveling by ship with your pet

With the exception of assistance dogs, pets are welcome on only a few cruise lines—and usually on ocean crossings only. Some lines permit pets in private cabins, but most confine pets to kennels. Contact your cruise line in advance to find out its policies and which of its ships have kennel facilities. If you must use the ship's kennel, make sure it is protected from the elements and check on your pet frequently.

Traveling by train with your pet

Amtrak currently doesn't accept pets unless they are assistance dogs. The HSUS supports the Pets on Trains Act (H.R. 2066/S. 1710) before Congress that will allow Amtrak to permit passengers to bring their beloved pets on certain trains. Some smaller U.S. railroad companies may permit animals on board. Many trains in European countries allow pets. Generally, it's the passengers' responsibility to feed and exercise their pets at station stops.

Plan ahead.

You may need to take a few extra steps to include your pets in the fun. But don’t let that dissuade you from bringing your furry friends along. The children can help make a list of the extra gear and supplies you will need and advance reservations you may require. Airlines can refuse your reservation if there are already too many pets on board, so be sure to let them know as soon as you do.

Include food, litter, waste disposal bags, leashes, toys, beds, medications and pet carriers. Just to be safe, tuck in notes regarding your pet’s medical history as well as your veterinarian’s contact information.

Practice round.

If your pet is not used to car or plane travel, introduce him to the carrier prior to departure. Toss in a favorite toy or familiar object and take a spin within familiar territory. You’ll want to be sure the carrier is airline compliant and sturdy enough to make the trip.

Keep moving.

Just like humans, your pets need as much exercise away from home as they do in their own environment. Make sure you make plenty of stops along the way and allow every member of your family to stretch their legs and breathe fresh air. Once at your destination, include your pet in hikes, walks on a pet- friendly beach or a visit to a local park.

Drink up.

Make sure your pet has access to clean water throughout your travels. Just like ours, a pet’s body is comprised of 80 percent water. Proper hydration is key to good health at home and on the road. 

Have fun.

Enjoy this extra special time with your whole family, including your pet. Take photos and include him or her in your vacation photo album. Visit a local dog park. It’s likely your pet will even “introduce you” to new friends along the way.