It's time for the family vacation and many of us want to take our furry family members along with us for some fun and relaxation. After all, more and more places are becoming pet friendly these days. So what are some of the things we should consider?

Probably the most important consideration is whether it's really what's best for your pet. Are they healthy enough to bring them with you? Of course, if you're actually moving, you'll bring your pet no question. However, if you're going only for a few days or even a seven day vacation, is it best to bring your pet with you? Be sure to take into consideration how your pets do with travel. Do they ride well in dog crates, dog carriers, or cat carriers as the case may be, or are they nervous and anxious? How old are they? Where will you be staying? Are you going into any extreme weather changes? If your pet's fur has already started shedding, you would not want to take them into a cold climate. Thinking ahead and answering these questions might cause you to reconsider bringing your pet with you.

If you do decide to bring your pet with you after asking the questions above, do your preparations so the trip is enjoyable for all. If your pet requires special food, be sure to pack it. It's always nice to bring the pet beds they're familiar with along if possible as well as a toy or two. Don't forget to pack your pet's first aid kit, collar, leash, tags, all their regular items. Just consider what their daily needs are as well as the "just in case" items and throw them in a bag.

One of the worst things that can happen is for your pets to become ill while they're away from their regular veterinarian and you haven't made the necessary preparations. Make sure you have all your pet's medical records and medications with you. It's always a good idea to have your pet checked out by their regular vet before leaving on any trip. Some airlines require this documentation to show that vaccinations are current.

As long as your pet is in good health, and with the proper planning and preparation, there's no reason your four legged family member can't join you and everyone have a wonderful time.