More and more Australians are following a worldwide trend by taking their beloved pet on the family holiday. Whats more, our favourite critters dont argue over directions or constantly hound you with an are we there yet?

With Easter coming up, its important to decide a suitable destination if you are taking your pet along. Before you go, check that beaches and parks are pet friendly by visiting local council websites.

You should also note the number of the local vet, as active holidaying dogs are prone to cuts, sprains and ticks. Make sure your pet always wears an identification tag and is microchipped. Because they are in a new environment, pets can get lost on holidays.

Dog-E-Data provides a freecall ID tag and service 24/7 nationwide. To become a member theres a once-only fee of $45. Visit www.dog-e-data.com.au.

Hit the Road

Help your pet have a safe and happy car trip with these tips:

• No heads out the window it might be fun for your pooch to have the wind in their dog hair, but its not safe.
• Make frequent pit stops. Always take frequent toilet and exercise breaks and, of course, bring along a bag to pick up after your pet. Provide fresh water for your pet during these stops, too.
• Limit the food intake. Youll prevent your pet getting any tummy upsets by doing so. Resist the temptation to give them your fast food leftovers.
• Dr Harry Cooper says: Never leave animals in a car even with the windows part-way down. Even on an overcast day, the temperature inside can rise to a fatal level within minutes.
• Be sure that your pet is safely restrained in your vehicle. A pet safety harness, which is like a seatbelt, or travel kennel are the best ways to keep your pet safe while in the car.

Flying High
Thinking of flying with your furry friend? Here are a few points to keep in mind.

• You will need a pet cage or crate that can be bought or hired.
• Call the airline or visit its website to check on all the fees and logistics for flying your pet.
• Use direct flights, the less disruption for your pet, the better.
• Its cheaper to travel on the same flight as your pet. Before you board have the check-in desk call down to make sure your pet has been loaded onto the plane.
• Dont give your pet tranquillisers unless they are prescribed by your veterinarian. Sedation and its ensuing confusion may actually make your pet even more anxious.
• Do not feed your pet for four to six hours prior to air travel. Small amounts of water can be given before the trip.
• Pack a leash in your carry-on luggage so you may walk your tail-wagger before check-in and after arrival. Its a nice treat for them and will keep them occupied, too.

Celebrity Pampered

Ever since Reese Witherspoon was seen with her chihuahua in a designer dog carrier in Legally Blonde, celebrities have been toting their pooches everywhere.

Paris Hilton and Sharon Osbourne carry their beloved dogs onto private jets in Louis Vuitton pooch carriers, and Jake Gyllenhaal and Gwen Stefani take their larger hounds on holidays, too.

Australia hasnt caught up with the pet-friendly policies of the US and Europe where establishments such as New Yorks W Hotel offer a pet psychologist if your furry friend has trouble adjusting.

Some airlines even have frequent flyer points for pets. Once pets have five paw prints from Virgin Atlantic they can acquire haute couture pet clothing from Burberry and Gucci. On some airlines pets can even travel on board.

Want to bring your pooch with you on the high seas? Cunards Queen Mary 2 has a pet program and a kennel master, offering fresh-baked treats at turn-down. Elizabeth Taylor once took her puppies on the original Queen Mary and exercised them on the ships sports deck. Its a dogs life indeed!