Travel with a pet carrier that is large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably in. Line it with a comfortable, absorbent blanket or towel and a favourite toy or two. Including fabrics with your familiar home scent on them will make your pet more comfortable while travelling.

Carry pet dishes and enough fresh water and food for the trip, especially if you won’t be stopping at any places where you can purchase supplies. Don’t forget to pack any medicines your pet may be taking and have enough to last all vacation.

Always have your pet on leash when not inside the carrier. It’s also a good idea to have your pet micro-chipped or at least put a name tag on your pet’s collar with your mobile contact information so that if the worst happens and your pet gets lost, you’ll have a better chance for a swift and happy reunion.

Pack disinfectant wipes, paper towels and plastic bags for disposal – because accidents do happen.

Don’t ever leave pets unattended in a vehicle (except on the Marine Atlantic ferries where it is an acceptable option for crossings and the vehicle won’t be exposed to summer heat).

When booking accommodations, explain that you will be travelling with a pet. Two online resources for pet friendly places are PetFriendly.ca and FurFriendlynl.ca (the latter is founded by avid travellers with pets, and features accommodations in Newfoundland and Labrador). Even if you find a place to stay through these websites, confirm their pet policy yourself upon booking.

Plan your daily itineraries to have plenty of rest stops for your pet to stretch their legs, do their business and enjoy discovering new places with you.