If you suspect that your pet has eaten or consumed any plant that may be harmful or toxic, you should consult your veterinarian immediately and/or seek emergent care. When getting ready to plant items in your yard or before bringing home house plants you may want to research variety first to determine if they are harmful to your cat or dog. One other suggestion: consult your veterinarian to determine what emergency supplies you should have on hand in your home in event of an emergency.

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6 - Check with your vet for any recommended vaccinations appropriate for your trip - exposure to ticks while hiking, exposure to other dogs while boarding or heartworm prevention if your dog will be exposed to mosquitoes are examples of important preventative measures to take before your trip. If your pet is a dog, have an up-to-date rabies tag for your dog's collar. If you decide to day board your dog while on vacation, you may be required to show paperwork proof of rabies vaccination. 7 - Once you arrive at pet friendly lodging, inform check-in person that you have your pet. You can inquire if there are any restricted areas where your pet should not be taken. Pet friendly lodging staff should be very accustomed to answering these kinds of questions and will appreciate your awareness.

8 - In your hotel room, condo, cabin rental or vacation home rental - never let your pet use furniture or beds to sit, lay or sleep on unless you've covered furniture or bed with your own cover. Place your pet’s food and water containers on a mat or newspaper in bathroom, where cleanup will be easier. When staying in pet friendly accommodations, you may choose to feed your pet outdoors.

9 - If you'll be leaving your pet alone in room or vacation rental, make sure front desk or rental agent knows. Be sure that you leave your pet secured in their travel container or crate if housekeeping staff will be entering room at any time to clean. You certainly don't want a housekeeper to enter and be surprised or even attacked by your pet! A pet may also run out of room when housekeeping enters if left unsecured.

10 - Be very careful in warm or hot weather with leaving your pet in car. Even when outside temperature is only in 70’s or 80’s, interior of a vehicle can reach 100 degrees and higher, especially when parked in sun. It doesn’t take long at these temperatures to cause serious or even fatal harm to your pet.

Traveling with pets and staying in pet friendly lodging can be lots of fun - after all, your pet is part of your family too. Just using common sense and planning ahead makes for an enjoyable and surprise-free vacation.