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Hi, I'm Nicole Ellis.
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I'm a certified professional dog trainer.
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My dog Maggie and I go everywhere together.
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In our family, we often take trips that Maggie can come along and enjoy too.
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Proper planning can take a lot of the stress out of traveling with your pet.
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Here are some of my top tips for traveling with a dog.
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Step 1: Plan out your trip.
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For road trips, plan stops for water and potty breaks.
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It's for you both to throw a ball and take in the sights.
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Keep a bag of items in the car for road trips which include the following.
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An extra leash, a collapsible water bowl, extra poop bags, treats, and a towel.
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You never know when an adventure is going to get messy or muddy.
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Having this bag with me allows me to quickly grab what I need for Maggie, without searching through my luggage.
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Step 2: Pack your pets food or call stores in the area to confirm you can find it there.
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The last thing you need on vacation is to be dealing with an upset doggy tummy due to switching food.
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Step 3: Be prepared in case of an injury.
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Safety on the road is huge for me.
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I've seen too many dogs that have become injured or worse in a car accident.
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Make sure your harness or carrier is approved by the Center for Pet Safety.
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Many companies test their own equipment, but that's not good enough.
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In a 30 mile power crash a 12lbs dog smaller than Maggie exerts 1,000lbs of force, which is not only dangerous for the driver, but also the passenger.
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Maggie always rides in a Sleepypod Harness.
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It allows her to sit and lay down comfortably.
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Most car accidents with pets inside are due to distractions caused by the pet.
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A harness or carrier will help prevent this.
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If you're flying, be sure to call ahead of time and speak to your airline to check the rules as they fluctuate between companies.
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Step 4: Plan dog-friendly activities.
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When traveling, check ahead of time which activities are actually pet-friendly and also which your pet will enjoy.
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Maggie isn't a huge fan of museums, and she'd probably prefer to stay at a Rover sitter's home and play fetch all day.
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Knowing in advance allows you to reach out to sitters in your area if your dog can't come join along.
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Step 5: Check what pet-friendly hotel really means.
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At some hotels, this means your pet is welcome in your room as you come and go.
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Other times, this means your dog is welcome as long as you are in the room, but they can't be left unaccompanied.
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Step 6: Have a great time and create some amazing memories together.