Puppy Love: Traveling With Your Furry Friends About This Page:

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By Melissa Calamera, Guest Columnist and Animal Lover

Travel is my passion. From the time I was 5 years old I've enjoyed experiencing the family-friendly attractions along the east coast. From Disney World to Hershey Park, Busch Gardens to Lake George, the New Jersey Shore to the Catskills, there is nothing more exciting -- the thrill of seeing new things, meeting new people, gaining knowledge through first-hand experiences and broadening your horizons in a way that will live on in memory sends a chill of exhilaration through my bones. While my love of travel dominates my mind and hopes for the future, there are many things that have to be considered in order to make a family vacation possible -- especially when the family includes a beloved pet. In 1999 my family decided to get a dog, a small Shih-Tzu named Oreo, who quickly became an important part of our lives. With the added responsibility of a dog we decided that it would not be the best idea to travel since we couldn't bear the idea of boarding her or leaving her at home. So for six years we put our family vacations on halt. Why, you ask? Because we did not know about the plethora of options available to travelers who would like to vacation with their pet.

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All over the country are hotels, condos, resorts, and campgrounds that accept pets as members of the family, catering to all desires and budgets, as well as theme parks, shopping centers, city parks, beaches and other tourist attractions that allow pets to accompany you on your visit. There are also endless web sites out there to help you get started, with the best tips, tricks and advice on how to thoroughly enjoy your vacation while also keeping your pet safe and satisfied.

As with any other vacation, first you must decide where you would like to go. Don't let your pet dominate this decision -- there are pet-friendly accommodations and facilities in all areas nationwide, although there do tend to be more options available in big cities. Love the mountains? The Hilton Lake Placid Resort in Lake Placid, New York accepts pets and is nestled cozily amongst the Adirondack Mountains. Does the beach float your boat? Long Beach, California is the home of Recreation Dog Park, where dogs of all sizes are allowed to roam the beach freely. Love the non-stop action of a big city? New York City is home to hundreds of pet-friendly hotels, parks, shops and even restaurants, many of which give you pet free souvenirs and special menus. If the thrill of theme parks is what gets you going, then the Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Studios Florida, located in Orlando, the theme park capital of the world, should be your first option, since leashed pets are allowed to roam the grounds freely and enjoy special in-room services.

Once you decide where your vacation travels will take you, it's time to decide where to stay. There are several different chain hotels, as well as privately owned luxury resorts, that are pet-friendly. If you're on a strict budget, the Choice Hotels Company offers a variety of options, including accommodations at Comfort Inn, MainStay Suites, Roadway Inn, and Econo Lodge hotel chains, most of which accept pets. (For more information visit choicehotels.com) Hilton resorts nationwide allow pets to accompany you on your trip, offering in room services such as pet toys, menus, beds and even spas. The Lancaster Host Resort is another beautiful option - located in the heart of Amish Country, pets are accepted for an extra $5 a night, and the all-inclusive resort is only 45 minutes from the family-friendly Hershey Park. Visit petsaccepted.com for more options and an endless selection of pet-friendly hotels to fit all budgets.

If you really want to give your pet the ultimate vacation, you could take part in pet-centered activities, programs and gatherings located across the country. Every November the "People & Pooch Pajama Party" is hosted in Carefree, Arizona, featuring caricatures, booths, games, rides and attractions for both families and their pets. The "Auburn Doggie Derby" is held every September in Auburn, California, where a doggie race, food and fun picture opportunities allow your pets to be the main attraction. Every October, Franklin, North Carolina in the Appalachian Mountains is the home of the "Annual Leaf Looking Camp for You and Your Dog," a week-long adventure that teaches both you and your pet how to live long, healthy lives by using natural remedies.

Whatever type of vacation you choose, always make sure that your pet is well cared for and safe. Regardless of your destination, be sure to have your pet's medical history on hand, including their documented vaccinations and check-up information. Never leave a dog alone in the car - this is extremely dangerous and illegal in many states. Be sure to arrange a time for housekeeping to clean up your room when you are staying at a hotel -- make sure your pet is either kept safely away in a carrying case or cage, or take the pet out of the room. If your pet is on a special diet be sure to bring their food along, as well as medications and any toys or beds that would help them to feel comfortable and more at home.

As long as you're prepared, you can enjoy a fun and exciting family vacation along with your pet. Pick an interesting location, a fabulous accommodation, make your reservations and get going! For more information, "Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA Petbook," written and published by AAA Travel Experts, is a great resource that includes all the ins and outs of traveling with your pet, as well as accommodations and special pet-friendly attractions. So start packing -- don't forget the doggie food -- and get ready for the vacation of a lifetime!