If you’ve never traveled with your dog before, here are a few tips to make things go a little more smoothly as you take off on your inaugural journey together.

1. When traveling with a dog, the first thing you need to do is make sure that your pet is suited for traveling. This will make the trip more enjoyable for both of you. Consider whether your pet has good manners, is well-socialized, enjoys riding in a car, and how stressed or hyper they get in new situations. And of course, be sure your pet is in good health and up to date on all vaccinations (take a copy of records with you).

2.Take your dog’s belongings to make the trip as enjoyable as possible. Familiar things such as their bowls and favorite toys will help keep your dog happy and ease their adjustment to new surroundings.

3. Minimize the time that your dog has to spend in a cage or back seat of the car. Take rest breaks and allow them the opportunity to run whenever possible. The more active your dogs are at home, the more critical to give them plenty of exercise while traveling.

4. Make sure your dog will be comfortable enroute, and at your destination. Even just touring around San Diego county, temperatures and climate zones can vary considerably. Your dog needs to be adequately prepared for the weather. You can do this by keeping your dog cool if it’s hot, or by packing doggie sweaters and other warm attire for them to wear if it’s cold. And of course, never leave a pet alone in a car during hot weather.

5. Remember to check ahead of time that the place where you are planning to stay will happily accommodate your dog. Some “dog friendly” places have limits on the size of pet they allow. If you will be visiting any attractions that don’t accept animals (Disneyland for example), plan ahead to make arrangements for your pet during the time you will be away from them. Many hotels do not allow pets to be left in the room, and those that do often require that your dog be crated. Will your dog bark when being left alone in a strange place? A little planning goes a long way to ensure a happy trip filled with many good memories.

Wondering how your pet will do on your first big trip? Take your dog on a mini-getaway – a day trip or weekend overnight not far from home – to see how they (and you!) will do. We’re lucky to live in beautiful San Diego, where a variety of day-trip-worth destinations that you and your dog will love are right close by. Happy travels!