Considering taking your pup on vacation with you?   Here are a few tips:

"Take the pet for a few short rides before your trip so it gets accustomed," says Greg Hammer, a veterinarian and the president of the American Veterinary Medical Association. "You can't take your pet on a four-hour trip if he's never been in the car before."

Have your cell phone number easily accessible on your dog, either having it on his tag or on written on the collar in permanent marker.   If he gets lost when you are half way across the country the last thing you want is for the finder to be calling your home phone!   It's highly recommended that you have your pet microchiped.   Rescues, dog pounds and vets all routinely look for an identifying chip with a found dog.   If his collar is gone your dog will still be identifiable and you will receive a call.

The safest place for your dog to ride is in a crate, the second choice would be a car harness.   Remember, just like you could be thrown through a window in the event of an accident if you are aren’t wearing a seat belt, so can your dog.   Also, you dog can actually become a projectile and injure you in the event of an accident if he’s not secured. This also insures that your pet won’t dive under your feet when you are driving and become a danger to your driving.

While your pet might like it, it is a really bad idea to let your pet hang his head out the window as you drive. Beyond the danger of getting hit, "particles of dirt or debris can enter the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infection," says Hammer.

Stop every two hours if you have a puppy and every four hours for an adult dog.    Take a brief walk so they can relieve themselves and stretch their legs.

Feed your dog only a light meal before the car ride, many dogs become car sick.   Once you reach your destination for the day allow your pet to have his full meal.