Traveling with pets can be exhausting. If you don’t make life as comfortable as possible for the both of you during travel, travel can be tough, resulting in behavioral issues and accidents along the way. That’s why veterinarians and pet professionals recommend planning ahead. If you plan to bring your dog or cat on vacation you will need to bring a variety of pet essentials and safety items along on your trip. Here’s a list of pet-friendly travel tips to ensure a smooth trip:

1. Assemble a pet travel kit

A pet travel kit is the perfect way for any pet in the car. Bring anything they’ll need on the trip. Make sure to pack extra food, water, a leash, a bowl, plastic bags, and any grooming items. Also take medication or any first aid items that the animal might need, just like people, you never know when you’ll need them. If they have special toys, pack those so they know there’s lots of fun ahead. You can also stache some treats in your travel kit. Everyone loves a good treat while traveling!

2. Secure your pet

Pets should be treated like people in the car. This means they need to be properly secured. You may think they won’t jump on you while you’re driving or they’ll sit happily in back, but you never know an animal’s every move. If you were to have an accident, they could get hurt. So ensure your cat is safely secured in a carrier, and your dog is safely secured with a partition barrier or seat belt for dogs.

3. Comfy crate

If you’re flying, you’ll need a USDA-approved crate. It should have enough space so they can stand up, turn around and sleep comfortably. Line it with something that will absorb any accidents. Make sure you have a blanket and/or a toy in there that brings your pet comfort so they don’t get scared during the flight.

4. Pet friendly stays

It’s best when traveling to find pet-friendly hotels. You want places that are accommodating to your pets, and won’t charge you an arm and a leg just to have your pet in the room with you. Make sure the hotel knows the type of pet you have, and all of its information in case you have an emergency so they know how to take care of it. Treat your pets just like any other member of the family when trying to find a place to stay.

5. Possible sedation

It might sound crazy to sedate your animal for travel, but many times you don’t know how the animal will react. They might be scared to death resulting in a horrible experience for them. If they experience anxiety in situations where they’re unfamiliar with the environment, talk to your vet about giving them a gentle sedative. This will also help ease potty accidents out of fear.