Whenever I travel, my first thought is almost always centered around my vivacious, needy Golden Retriever. Butterscotch has become as integral a part of my travel as my toothbrush. It always saddens me when I make a phone call to a Bed & Breakfast or a hotel only to be met with a cold, "We don't take pets" statement. 

The good news is that there are far more lodging options for Fido now than ever before. Recently, when I went on a road trip to Acadia National Park in Maine, we stayed at a Holiday Inn at Portland en route. It was a lovely hotel, with a spacious, carpeted lobby and a lively fireplace. Butterscotch bounded in like a husky dragging a sled: in her element. The concierge barely looked up but several guests took the time to pet her and make cute and cuddly remarks. In our room, we had two double beds, but I follow a strict policy of not letting her on the bed. She snoozed by my bedroom slippers on the floor.

Even though she probably would have been okay in a hotel, it was comforting to know that she was just beside my bed. 

While this may seem like an innocuous family jaunt, I slept so peacefully knowing that she was by my bedside, and not outside in the car, or in one of those cages in PetSmart. It was as close to getting therapy as I knew it. So, for all you pet lovers out there, here are a few tips that will help you travel a little more worry-free.

Butterscotch hides under a wool throw on a particularly chilly morning in New Jersey

Call and Verify Pet Policy

The world wide web is a lovely repository of information, but its accuracy is not always reliable. Even though you may see print that says, "pets welcome,"  it does not hurt to ensure the web site's accuracy with a phone call. Fido will thank you for your due diligence.

Pack Plenty of Treats and a Water Bottle for your Pet

Some pets get car sick and some need a lot of TLC. I always pack some dog treats (I never give Butterscotch actual food while traveling, just in case she gets sick) and plenty of water while I travel. Ensure you make appropriate stops and hydrate your pet adequately before you move on.

Get a Lint Remover

Traveling with your pet travel may be the warmest and fuzziest thing, but such an experience can wreak havoc on your clothes. Make sure your lint remover travels with you at all times so your outfit stays fresh and pet-hair free.

Bring Your Dog's Bed or Blanket with You

Dogs have a very fine-tuned sense of smell. They react very strongly to fragrances and scents they have experienced previously, and often long for a sense of familiarity. Bring this element of comfort with you when you travel: whether it's a cage, a blanket or  a bed.

Remember to Take Adequate Amounts of Food

It never hurts to plan ahead, or to bring too much food. If you're unsure, just measure an extra cup's worth of dog food, and don't forget your dog bowls as well!

Plan your travel so you start at a time of day where there's not much traffic on the road, so your pet is not subject to an unduly stressful ride. Remember to reach back and frequently pet him or her, and reassure your pet that all is well. It may sound crazy, but you'll be surprised at how well they respond to small acts of grace.

- Charu Suri

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