The majority of people really love their pets, to the point where they become part of the family. Some pet owners cannot bear to be parted from their pets for more than a day or so and for these people, going on holiday can be a problem, because they do not want to leave their friends behind. Clearly the answer is to take your cat or dog with you. Dogs are easier to take away than cats, because they are more well-trained

The majority of people really love their pets, to the point where they become part of the family. Some pet owners cannot bear to be parted from their pets for more than a day or so and for these people, going on holiday can be a problem, because they do not want to leave their friends behind. Clearly the answer is to take your cat or dog with you. Dogs are easier to take away than cats, because they are more well-trained

If you are only going for a few days, say on business, finding a hotel near to the place of your meeting should not be too much of a problem, unless you want to stay at one of the big names in the city centre. It is often the smaller, family-run hotels or guest houses that allow pets, although some want you to keep your dog in a kennel on the premises overnight. larger hotels tend not to be very pet-friendly.

If you propose taking your pet with you, it is best if you make this apparent when you make your booking as more hotels do not permit pets than do allow them. Normally there is no extra charge for a pet, but you are responsible for any extra cleaning bills, should your pet have an accident.

If you are going away on vacation or for a longer period of time, it is sometimes far easier to find a holiday rental that will allow you to take your cat or dog with you. Again, it is best to make it obvious at booking that you want to take your dog with you. Fortunately, there are about fifty percent of rentals or more that will allow this, although once again, you will be held liable for any damage or mess made by your dog.

A tip: if on arrival, you see that previous pets have caused some damage or stains, take photographs on your first day and have them dated. Modern cameras often have the facility to date stamp photos or you can use a newspaper. Otherwise, point out the damage to your host.

When you travel with your dog, it is best to put the animal in some sort of a cage particularly when driving. A loving dog can be a distraction in a car. If it wants attention just when you are trying to perform a tricky manouevre, it can result in an accident. Some dogs get very frightened in cars and want to sit on their owner's lap, this is also not a good idea and could lead to a charge of dangerous driving. Furthermore, if your dog is not caged and you have an accident, it could be thrown through the windscreen. If you are travelling by air, then the airline will insist on a cage, but they normally have their own.

Once you arrive at your pet-friendly rental, give your dog some of his regular food to eat, lay out his blanket from home, and put out one of his favourite toys, just to help make him feel at home. After all, everything will be strange to him and he might be able to smell the previous furry tenant. If cleaning staff will be going into your rental during your vacation, make sure that you are there at least for the first few times they call.