Many dogs love to travel and taking Fido on vacation with you can be a lot of fun. Many hotels these days have become far more dog friendly and welcome canines as guests. However not every dog is a born road warrior. Here are some useful tips to make a traveling with your dog a little bit easier:

Identification – Even if your dog is micro chipped (which many are these days) he should still be wearing a collar with a tag that clearly states his name, address and telephone number when traveling. If your dog wanders off at home, chances are that a neighbor will recognize him, but while on vacation in a strange place it is essential that he can easily identified and returned quickly to his owner.

Food and Water – When traveling by car always keep a good supply of fresh clean water at hand for your dog. To avoid tummy upsets bring your dog’s regular dog food along with you on the trip as well. Some dogs are already prone to a little travel sickness so feeding him a strange brand of food may only exacerbate the problem.

Crates – The best way for your dog to travel in the car is in a comfortable dog crate. Allowing your dog to be loose while you are driving is not a safe situation for either of you. If he doesn’t use one at home and you have to purchase one especially for the trip, look for a model that is big enough for him to stand up and turn around comfortably in, but not so large that sudden movements of the car will have him slung around all over the place.  There are many places in the online world to buy pet supplies, so be sure to pick out a quality dog crate that will fit your dog’s needs.

If your dog turns out to be a really bad traveling companion (and some just are), rather than make him miserable by shutting him up in a car where he does not want to be, leave him home with a reliable friend or neighbor or find a good boarding kennel for him to stay at while you enjoy your vacation.

When you think of standard dog cages, you probably envision wire crates or plastic kennels. While these serve the purpose well, they are not terribly attractive when placed in your home. Still, for your pet’s safety and that of your belongings, an area to confine your pet is important. However that does not mean you can’t find the perfect balance between utility and appearance.

Wooden Dog Crates

Some pet owners prefer wooden dog crates. These come in a variety of styles and wood grains. Although they might not be suitable for busy chewers who might destroy the wood, most are constructed to provide a sturdy safe haven for pets. The best part is they look just as attractive as most furniture. Guests will hardly notice that lovely square end table is actually your pet’s sleeping quarters.

Aluminum Dog Dens

A more modernized approach has been taken to the standard pet cage by creating cylindrical aluminum dog dens. These are similar to a wire dog cage, but without the unsightly appearance. The walls consist of a sheet of aluminum with attractive shapes cut into the sides for air flow. The flat top makes this type of cage ideal for use as a small table without interrupting your pet’s quiet time.

Choose a Dog Crate for your Home

Select a dog crate that offers a beautiful look as well as a space saving design. Avoid placing extra furniture in your living room that will make movement difficult and detract from layout. Instead, you can replace an end table or create a new surface for a lamp or other attractive accents while providing your pet with a little personal space. Wood, nylon, plastic, woven and metal dog cages are out there that have been optimized for your home’s appearance and your dog’s comfort.