Admit it. You consider your pet as part of the family. You buy them a Christmas gift, wish them a "Happy Birthday" on their special day, and even give them a special meal on Thanksgiving. Since your pet is one of the family, it would only make sense to take them along on your family vacation. However, a family vacation can be ruined if you do not plan ahead in concerns of your pet. A major problem of taking your family pet along with you is that others will most likely see them as a nuisance rather than just another family member. It is essential to call ahead to your anticipated stops to know whether or not if they will be willing or able to accommodate your pet.

Before you plan one hundred percent that your pet will be coming along with you, you might want to check into other options. There is always the option of kennels. Although boarding your pet means leaving your faithful companion behind and no fun for them, it also means less hassle. Rather than paying pet fees and extra hotel fees to take your pet with you, pet kennels will save you a chunk of money. If you do not know a trusted kennel, it is a good idea to make a stop at Petsmart, Petco, or another good pet store who can give you names of a few good places. Another idea is to find a family member close by our along the way that would love to pet sit for you for free or a small fee. When a family member is watching your pet, you can rest easy and know that your pet is getting love and proper care.

If leaving your pet behind is still not an option for you, than you need to make sure your pet is extremely well disciplined before you travel. Some pets that will not be able to join you are ones that have behavioral problems such as excessive barking/growling/yapping, spraying, not potty trained, biting or aggressive problems, and habits of destroying objects/property.

Choice Hotels, Microtel, Best Westerns and many other extended stay hotels will be happy to let your pet stay. Remember, though, only well behaved pets are allowed. Whether you take your pet or leave them behind, plan smart so that your vacation will be enjoyable either way.