The bond between pet owner and fuzzy friend cannot be described with mere words. It manifests in the warm feeling of Sparky laying across your feet, or that special look Fluffy gives you when she wants to play with her favorite squeaky toy. This special connection is why it can be so hard to leave your beloved pal at home when you travel. However, taking to the road with your pet can be just as tricky.

Fortunately, there are many things that you as a pet owners can do to make others more comfortable with your pet. Your dog may be under perfect voice control, but for everyone’s comfort, always keep him or her on a leash, especially at rest stops. Dogs spook easily in new environments and can become unpredictable.

Accommodations are the most troublesome part of pet travel, according to the experts at www.PetsOnTheGo.com. Where pets are allowed, it is usually the small pet that is preferred. According to Dawn and Robert Habgood, authors of the Pets on the Go guides to pet travel, nearly half of the pet-friendly accommodations they recommend place limits on the size of animals. This is why their guides always indicate pet-related size restrictions as well as fees.

When making reservations, be prepared to be interviewed about your pet. This discussion is the ideal opportunity for you to review the accommodation’s pet policies and programs before putting any money down. Some hotels or motels require you to sign a pet liability release form. Following are a few basics of pet hotel etiquette that will ensure you and your furry friend always have a great trip together, courtesy of www.PetsOnTheGo.com:

mUnless it’s specifically stated that you may do so, never leave your pet alone in the room. If you are allowed to leave Fido alone, be sure to provide plenty of toys and turn on the television or radio to give him or her a sense of companionship while you’re out.

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4 Bring bedding or a portable carrier for your pet.

4 Do not allow your pet on the furniture or beds.

4 Feed and provide water for your pet in the bathroom or on a tiled or hardwood floor.

4 Walk your dogs off the property and always clean up after them.

4 Don’t bring your pet to breakfast and don’t assume that she is welcome in the accommodation’s public areas.

4 Keep your pet leashed on the accommodation’s property. Even if your pet may be under voice control, it may serve to make other guests comfortable.