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Like thousands of fellow travelers this year, Katy Howard and her husband made a last-minute decision to take their dog, Harriet, along on a weekend getaway. They located a bed-and-breakfast that accepted pets, but bringing Harriet along made for a troublesome weekend. They were told that she barked periodically as soon as they left the room. Strange noises made her jumpy all night. As a result, the Howard's vacation wasn't quite the fun, relaxing trip they bargained for.

Traveling with a pet should be fun, and it can be. All it takes is a bit of up-front discussion and research to make sure your comfort level, your pet's needs, your mode of transportation, and your itinerary all match up.

PREPPING YOUR PET

Begin planning weeks before you pack for your first outing with a dog or cat, says Dr. Richard Timmins, director of the Center for Animals in Society at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Timmins recommends taking a number of steps during the time that leads up to a trip. Go ON SHORT JAM NT$. TO prepare your pet for the stresses of travel (confined spaces, strange noises, and even fluctuating temperatures), take him on several short drives in the weeks before you leave so you can iron out any problems that crop up. Place your pet in the same carrier with the same blanket or towel you'll use for the big trip--familiarity decreases stress. An alternative to a confined space is a seat belt adapter for dogs, available at pet shops and online pet stores. Watch your pet's behavior in the car. If motion sickness or hyperactivity create a problem, talk with your veterinarian, who may be able to recommend antinausea medication or mild tranquilizers. If you plan to fly or take a train, a test run in the car is still the best way to learn your pet's stress levels and needs.

CONSIDER A DRESS REHEARSAL SLEEPOVER. Keep it simple with an overnight stay close to home. This is a good way to discover any worrisome behaviors that require a follow-up call to your vet.

GET YOUR PET A CLEAN SILL OF HEALTH. Schedule a routine visit with the vet before you leave. Ask about special diets, medications, or vaccines that might be necessary for the trip. If you travel to Mexico or Canada, additional shots or a health certificate may be required.

PREPARE TO ASK THE RIGHT QUESTIONS

Finding the right lodging takes advance investigation, according to Nancy Lochmann, who runs the Napa River Inn in Napa Valley, California. "There's a big difference between a hotel that accepts pets and one that genuinely welcomes them. With the tough economy, a lot of hotels are jumping on the pet-travel bandwagon as a way of filling rooms," says Lochmann. "Not all of them are truly equipped to handle pets." For example, it's been Lochmann's experience that dogs sometimes bark and yip when their masters leave the room for any length of time. If you think that might be a problem for your furry chum, Lochmann provides prescreened dog-walkers and dog-sitter services. This is true at many hotels and B&Bs, although additional fees may vary (Napa River Inn charges $25). Lochmann explains, "I actually love having pet owners as guests. They're usually so happy to have a nice place to stay, they tend to be very conscientious of other guests and of their surroundings." Whatever your concerns, responsible hoteliers and pet-lovers are eager to problem-solve. So go ahead and ask some very specific questions:

* Where do the pets sleep?

* Do you provide any dog-watching services?

* Are pet dishes and food part of the package?

* Is there a size restriction (weight and height)?

* Is there a vet on the premises or nearby?

SUGGESTED SOURCES

Put on your travel agent's hat and start researching. Visit www.petswelcome.com, an independent site that lists more than 25,000 pet-friendly lodgings. Auto clubs, such as the American Automobile Association, offer tips, strategies, and places to visit in their guidebook Traveling with Your Pet or by visiting www.AAA.com. For an overview of hotel chains and rental homes that are rated pet-friendly, visit www.travelingdogs.com or www.dogfriendly.com. Another good resource is Fido Friendly magazine (www.fidofriendly.com). Keep in mind that pet regulations may change overnight, so no matter what resource you use, confirm the information on the phone.

WISE PACKING FOR YOUR PET

Pet lovers are adept at knowing what to take in the car to keep their traveling partner content (lots of water, a favorite toy, a few biscuits). They also need to consider the "what if's." These are sobering thoughts when you're simply trying to get away from it all for a few days, but they'll prepare you for just about anything.

What if your pet wanders away? Bring several crisp, clear photos of your pet with you. Also make sure his I.D. tag has your cell phone number listed. What if he gets sick? Keep your vet's 24-hour hotline number with you, and bring a copy of your pet's recent health and vaccination records for emergencies. What if the stay lasts longer than planned? If your pet requires daily medication, take along an extra three to six days supply as a precaution.

'PAWS' FOR A LITTLE TRAVELING MUSIC

Most animals respond well to music, and our floppy-eared canines find soothing tunes gently calming. A new CD, DogGone Songs, was tested by trainers at Guide Dogs for the Blind, who gave it their enthusiastic thumbs-up. For more information, call 4801477-6737 or visit www.MeTooPet.com.

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