It's a rare dog that doesn't try to beat her owner to the door at the mere mention of an outing. Your dog will probably be happy to go with you anywhere, but you'll need to ensure she has the best travel experience.

Remember to include her security items with the rest of her baggage. Pack her regular food, toys and bedding. If you keep life as normal as possible by providing familiar objects, the trip will be more enjoyable for both of you.

Carrier

The most important item you'll need when traveling is a well-constructed carrier. To ensure safety and comfort, a carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand on all fours, turn around and lie in a natural position. However, the carrier should be small enough to provide a feeling of security. Make sure the carrier provides good ventilation with partially solid carrier walls to help your dog feel secure.

When shopping for a carrier, don't cut corners. You can find a top quality carrier without spending a fortune, and it will be well worth your investment. Use as much care in selecting a carrier for your dog as you would a child's car seat.

Some of the best carriers are made of high-impact plastic in two sections, with the top and bottom bolted together in the middle. Doors are usually made of a stainless steel grid. The door closes securely and is held in place by pins at the top and bottom with a squeeze-type latch. Good ventilation is provided on the sides of the top section.

For long trips, you might want to consider a slightly larger version of this type of carrier so there's enough room for your dog to be comfortable along with her bedding and a few favorite toys inside.

Soft-sided carriers are also available. They are best used when your dog is traveling with you as a carry-on in an airliner and should not be used if your dog is traveling as checked baggage, as cargo or when traveling by car.

You should avoid carriers constructed out of wire only. These carriers do not provide the necessary seclusion to make your dog feel comfortable. Plus, they are also unacceptable for use in airline travel.

Another type of carrier to avoid is wicker. Carriers constructed of wicker or similar materials are extremely difficult to clean. They also may not be sturdy enough to provide safe travel for your dog.

Cardboard carriers should also be avoided for traveling as they are designed strictly for temporary or short-term use. They can be used for transporting a new puppy or dog home for the first time or for an emergency trip to the vet when a regular carrier is unavailable, but they will not hold up under long-term usage.

Be sure to attach a label to the carrier with your dog's name, your name, home address and telephone numbers, as well as a phone number and address that will reach you at your destination and an additional number you know will be answered while you are away. Also provide your veterinarian's phone number for emergency contact.

The label should be firmly affixed to the carrier along with feeding instructions. The information should be written in permanent ink and the label protected from moisture with clear packaging tape. Write your dog's name in large, colorful letters at the top of this label or on another larger label, so baggage personnel can call your pet by name to make her feel more comfortable.

Food & Water

Always keep your dog on her normal diet. The less change you subject her to, the better. Pack an adequate supply of familiar food and treats to get her to her destination, and if you aren't positive you will be able to purchase the same brands where you are going then pack along enough to last for the duration of your trip or have the food and treats shipped to your destination via PETCO.com. For convenience, consider small meal-size "pop top" cans of food, packets of moist food and dry food in resealable bags.

Bring bottled water, if possible, so a water change doesn't upset your dog's stomach. For travel in warm weather, freeze ice cubes in advance and place them in your dog's bowl instead of water. They will melt as needed, and you will have less chance of spillage.

Food & Water Dishes

When serving canned food or semi-moist foods, remember you must clean all utensils and dishes thoroughly to keep your dog in good health. To avoid trouble and potential danger, use disposable dishes and spoons. These disposable items are inexpensive and more convenient.

Collar, Leash, Harness

Your dog should wear her collar with a tag attached that notes her name, your name, address and telephone number and the phone number at your destination. If necessary, make up a special tag for traveling. It is well worth the added expense. Tags can be imprinted and delivered quickly and will ensure your pet can find her way to you should she escape in transit.

And, don't forget her leash and collar or harness! A harness is better for attaching her leash because a collar can choke her if she becomes frightened, tries to run or makes sudden movements.

Bedding & Separation Anxiety Items

Your dog's favorite bedding will help her sense of security, but you should also bring extra bedding, paper towels and moist towelettes in case of sickness or soiling.

Furnish your dog's carrier with a familiar soft toy and place a piece of your own unlaundered clothing inside. Your scent will help foster her sense of security.

Medications

Make sure to bring any necessary medications, including tranquilizers as prescribed by the dog's veterinarian. Cotton balls, cotton swabs and mineral oil are also useful for eye and ear cleanups. Also, a small supply of flea and tick powder or spray may come in handy as well.

Emergency Kit

Assemble an envelope containing your dog's medical and vaccination records, as these will be needed when crossing state lines. Also keep handy the name and phone number of your dog's veterinarian and the names and phone numbers of veterinarians en route and at your final destination. You can use our database for easy lookups before you leave or contact the American Animal Hospital Association, 1-800-252-2242, between 8 AM and 5 PM MST.

Bring a current photograph of your dog, and make up a lost-dog flyer with your permanent contact information, destination contact information and an area for local contact information. If your pet is accidentally lost, having this made up in advance will ensure you can launch a "Lost Dog" campaign within a matter of minutes to ensure she can't go far.

Toys

Be sure to bring a few of her favorite toys for security, as well as a few new things to entice her into exploration. Larger self-contained toys are better than toys that can get lost or forgotten under hotel room furniture. Of course, you'll want to include a good supply of her favorite chew toys and treats such as rawhide bones. No hotel will be very happy if she chews on the room furnishings.

Optional

Optional supplies you might want to take include grooming items such as a brush, comb and nail clippers. A lint roller may also come in handy to clean up dog hair from your hotel room as will a sponge for other cleanups. Also keep a supply of extra special favorite treats to soothe her nerves.