Many Australians associate summertime with holidays. They go to the beach or interstate for a holiday, or they take the road for a break and make the most of the nice weather.

No holiday will be relaxing unless your pet is taken care of, whether it’s traveling with you or not. RSPCA has compiled a list of the most important things to remember when traveling with pets.

Should the workers stay, or should they leave?

A change in their routine easily stresses cats out, and they do not travel well with their families. Your cat will be happier staying at home or, if necessary, in a suitable boarding facility.

If your cat is staying at home with you, have someone visit them once or twice daily to change the litter box, give it some TLC, and foot him.

There are some things you should look out for if you plan to travel without your pet and board them in a boarding facility. Before booking, visit the facility to ensure that the area provided for your pet is what you want. Also, check the daily routines for feeding, exercising, grooming, and playing with them. Make sure that the facility you choose has a local vet who can be relied upon if there are any medical problems.

Ensure your pet has a microchip.

If you are traveling with your dog or if they stay at home, ensure that their microchip is up-to-date and their information is correct. Your cat is also at risk if they get lost in an unfamiliar environment or while traveling.

A collar tag that has your contact information is a great idea.

Get ready for a road trip.

You can begin preparing for your road trip if your dog is used to car travel and you have found a pet-friendly hotel. Your dog must have experience with car travel. Bring enough food to last the entire trip and plenty of water for your pet. Also, don’t forget to bring a vehicle restraint so that you can secure your pet in the car.

To keep your pet clean, you’ll also need a harness, collar, and bed for them at the destination. You can also bring along their favorite toys and a pooper-scooper.

Keep your dog on a lead and take frequent breaks to go to the toilet or exercise. This will prevent them from becoming overly excited. Never leave your dog in the car alone, even if it’s a mild-weather day. Heat stress can lead to organ failure or even death.

After you are prepared, you can enjoy your trip with your pet and hopefully make many lasting memories.