When I was growing up, we often traveled to the Florida panhandle with our family. It takes about three hours to drive from my hometown of Albany, Georgia. Our dogs, Moses and Missy, like to go to the beach with us. My best friend Alatya also joins us often.

Allatia's mother will give us a large plate of Tupperware filled with delicious chocolate chips and coconut brownies called "Congo Bars". Although these snacks could last for a week, we will eat most of them during the trip. I often get motion sickness, but I never learn a lesson.

Of course, none of us wear seat belts. The child and the dog climbed freely from the back seat to the front seat. By playing car games and singing, we spent a seemingly eternal time on the road when we were eagerly looking forward to diving into the emerald waters of the Gulf of Mexico.

Traveling has changed a lot since I was a girl. We are more safe-conscious about one thing. Hope we all fasten our seat belts. Air travel is becoming more and more common, and pets often accompany their families on these flights. Although my puppy Sueshi has flew with me many times, my childhood pet never flew in an airplane.

Experts predict that this year’s holiday travel will return to pre-pandemic levels. With this in mind, I think many of you will travel with pets this holiday season. Bringing your pet requires some preparation. Be sure to do your research in advance so that you are more likely to enjoy a fun family vacation

Prepare a packing list: Before you go on the road, assemble your pet's food, water, bowls, seat belts, belts, bathroom supplies, and any medicines into a travel bag. It’s also a good idea to bring some pet’s favorite toys, as well as a bed or blanket that smells like home.

Practice makes perfect: For air travel, get your pets used in their travel carrier or crates as early as possible. For road trips, first take a short car ride with your pet, adding more car time for each trip.

Put "I" and "T": Make sure your pet has all vaccinations before traveling. Air and international travel usually requires a health certificate from a veterinarian. Every airline and international destination has different requirements, so make sure you understand what you need at every step of your journey.

Destination pet-friendly: Many hotels and vacation rentals offer pet-friendly accommodations. Some hotel chains even provide your pets with their own beds, toys and other amenities, such as a dog room service menu. When booking a holiday trip, be sure to select a pet-friendly filter and read the fine print before booking.

Check the chip: Your pet should always wear the latest ID tag when traveling. It is also recommended that you implant microchips for your pet before traveling. If your pet has been implanted with a chip, if you move or change your phone number, please remember to update your contact information with the chip company.

As you can see, travelling with pets requires some thought and preparation. For your safety, once you are on the road, do not allow your pets to roam freely in a moving vehicle, and do not leave them unattended in the vehicle. If you travel with delicious baked goods, please get a tip from me and save some for your destination.

Have a good trip and travel safely!

Dia DuVernet is the President and CEO of Pasadena Humane.

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