Dogs are willing travellers provided they know what to expect - and you are prepared. You can familiarise a puppy early on with car travel, and there are a number of ways to make a journey safe and comfortable for your dog. Pet passports, vaccinations and the willingness of certain airlines now make foreign travel a possibility too, although it's still a rather complicated process.

Have a comfortable journey

• Take along a water bowl and a portable water bottle for your dog. Dogs lose a considerable amount of body water through panting, so it is essential to offer fresh water frequently.
  
  
• Pack plenty of plastic bags for when your dog goes to the toilet. It will be appreciated at parks, campgrounds and rest areas (and is sometimes compulsory) and is also a part of responsible dog ownership.
  
  
• Whether travelling by car, rail or air, a dog container is an important accessory for your pet. Consult the airline or train company about carrier size requirements, which may differ according to your dog's height and weight.  If your dog has not already been acclimatised to a carrier, take several weeks to introduce the container before your trip. Leave it open and available, filled with soft bedding and an occasional hidden treat.
  
  
• Don't forget to arrange for your dog's comfort and safety during the stay at your final destination. If you are travelling abroad, many countries, of course, require a period of quarantine on arrival. But if quarantine is not required, or you are staying closer to home in a hotel, make sure the hotel is dog-friendly, and give specific instructions in writing to the front desk and housekeeping staff. If you will be staying at someone else's home, check ahead about canine toilet facilities and the presence of other pets, which might affect your dog's behaviour.
  
  
• If your dog has a history of anxiety during confinement or travel you should always consider leaving the dog at home with a reliable house sitter.

Microchipping your pet
When you go travelling, it's also a good idea to have your dog microchipped. In fact, if you're going overseas under the Pet Passport scheme, it's compulsory. A microchip is just a tiny chip that's painlessly injected under the skin and can be scanned if your dog is ever lost, mislaid or stolen. Your name and contact are kept at a central registrar, so in the event your dog is found you can be reunited with a minimum of fuss. Ask your vet for more details.