Take some time to prepare for your road trip with your pet so that your holiday is safe and relaxed for both of you. Following are some basic points to keep in mind when taking your dog on holiday with you:

• To keep on the right side of the law; your dog must be registered and have the registration tag attached to its collar. It is also a good idea to attach an ID tag with your contact details on it to your dog's collar. Make sure your dog is microchipped and that your details at the Australian Animal Registry are up to date so that you can be contacted if your dog is lost at any point.

• Check the laws that apply to transporting dogs in or on vehicles in the relevant states. First check the state Road and Traffic Authority (or equivalent) Road Rules and then check the Animal Welfare Laws that apply (you can contact the state RSPCA or state government department responsible for animal welfare for details). Please also see the attached articles below.

• Unless you are in a designated "leash free area" your dog must be kept on a leash and under control. You may take your dog into regional parks and State forests if on a leash, but dogs are prohibited from entering National Parks and Reserves. In Tasmania dogs can only go where there are signs saying that they are welcome. In general, your dog must not enter school grounds, toilet blocks, food preparation or sales areas, or shopping centres, and must not go within 10m of children's playground equipment, playing ovals, or sports fields. Even the most well-behaved dog can become exhuberant and unpredictable in a new, exciting environment. Keep your dog on a lead when in an unfamiliar environment so that he is secure if he takes fright at any unfamiliar sights or sounds.

• Make sure that your dog is healthy enough to travel and that all of his vaccinations, worming and flea treatment is up to date before setting off. If your pet takes any prescription medication make sure that you have enough to see you through the holiday.

• Before you leave for your trip you will need to give some thought to where your dog will sleep, and try to acclimatise your dog to the new sleeping arrangements before you go. Travel crates are a good for road trips and can be padded out with comfortable, familiar bedding.

• Make sure your dog is secure in your car - you may also want to buy a travelling harness that loops through or clips onto the safety belt to secure your dog while you are driving. Not only does this help keep your dog safe in case of an accident, it stops the dog moving around the car while you are driving. It is a good idea to make sure that your dog is used to travelling by car before you set off. Never leave your dog unattended in a car. Dogs die very quickly from heat stress, even in mild weather. Remember to stop for plenty of toilet breaks during your road trip to avoid accidents in the car.

• If possible, have the contact details of the local vet at your end destination at hand in case you need to make an appointment.

Checklist

Things you should pack for your dog are:

- Your pet's regular food and treats. Don't forget a can opener if your dog eats tinned food.
- Bedding or a travel crate to sleep in
- Food and water bowls. Always carry a bottle of fresh water in case you can't find a tap
- Collar and lead
- Your dog's favourite toy
- Grooming equipment including a towel in case your dog gets wet
- a 'pooper scooper' or plastic bags to clean up after your dog
- Sun screen
- Medications and a first aid kit

Consider purchasing a copy of the book "Dogs on Holiday" by R McGill and I Gilkes (published by K and L Gilkes Pty Ltd, Mortlake, NSW, 2137). It contains general advice about travelling with dogs, including some first aid and also lists holiday accommodation around Australia that caters for dogs. Dogs on Holiday may be available from your local library or bookstore, and some RSPCA shelters have copies for sale.

You can also check Wotif.com (http://www.wotif.com/hotels/pet-friendly-accommodation-australia.html for pet-friendly accomodation in Australia.