Summer is just around the corner and many of you are making plans for your summer vacation with your pet.

You’ve purchased a new dog helmet and hat, and are considering new dog costumes just for the trip, but other preparations are needed to ensure your pet’s safety and comfort, like dog houses.

“Whether it’s a trip to the veterinarian or a weekend away with the family, chances are your pet will travel with you at some point,” says Jessica Clark, owner of Rockstar Puppy, a leading online pet boutique which specializes in motorcycle dog carriers, affordable dog clothing and pet care supplies.

Many hotels now offer amenities for pets such as day care, dog walking and even specialty menus for room service.

The challenge is usually getting your dog to the destination. Traveling with pets on commercial flights has grown more complicated, as well as expensive. Major airlines charge large fees for bringing pets on board, sometimes costing as much as an airline ticket. Despite inconveniences such as pet fees and baggage stipulations, airlines are becoming more pet-friendly.

“JetBlue developed a frequent flier program specifically for pets,” says Clark. “Delta has climate-controlled holding areas for pets in their major connection hubs to ensure pet safety.” An alternative to summer travel is to board your pet in a kennel.

“Many kennels offer affordable, yet luxurious boarding options for your pet,” says Clark. “Kennels are growing more creative on how they can spoil your pet while caring for it in your absence.” VIP suites, online viewing and spa oriented play time in wading pools are a few of the amenities kennels now offer in their boarding packages.

Whether you decide to board your pet in a kennel or bring it along for your travels, Clark offers a few tips to ensure a safe and smooth experience for your pet:

Be sure you have the right size of carrier or crate for your pet. Size and structure requirements vary by airline, so be sure you know those specifics before you arrive for your flight. The carrier should have a harness and D-hook so you can safely strap your pet inside. Walls should be padded for your pet’s comfort and safety. The carrier should be well-ventilated.

If flying, book your flight as early as possible. Your airline may limit the number of pets permitted in the cabin. Should you wait until the last minute to book, you may be forced to check your pet as cargo or make arrangements for boarding at a nearby kennel instead.

Familiarize your pet with travel. Brief and frequent trips will gradually expose your pet to the experience of travel. Let your pet have time to grow accustomed to being inside its new carrier. Set the carrier on the floor of the car when driving around so it can feel the vibration similar to the flight.

Prepare your pet for travel. Be sure to remove food several hours before you leave to avoid digestive issues or nausea in flight. Activity such as walking or playing prior to leaving home will aid your pet in emptying its bladder and bowels before being confined to its crate or carrier.

Tend to your pet’s basic comforts. Be sure your pet is properly hydrated before, during and after travel. Keep vaccinations up to date. A general wellness exam is recommended before any long trip and should be scheduled with ample time for acclimation to any necessary vaccinations or treatments for nausea and anxiety.

Be sure your pet has proper identification. It is unfortunate, but sometimes pets can escape their kennels, run away from dog walkers or get lost during transit. Be sure your pet has proper identification and carry a copy of its vaccination papers with you for convenience. Many retailers offer custom dog tags for dogs

that can be engraved with your contact info as well as Veterinarian information.