Tips for when you take your pet on vacation

More people are traveling with their pets than ever before. As a result, an increasing number of hotels are allowing owners to travel as a pack with their dogs.

Here are a few courtesy tips, from the American Kennel Club, to ensure that you and your pooch will be able to find a home away from home on your next trip:

— Book your reservations at a pet-friendly hotel. Few things are more stressful on a trip than trying to sneak a dog in and out of the hotel.

— Familiarize yourself with the hotel's policies before you arrive. Typically, hotels that require a deposit will refund your money at check-out after a room inspection. Deposits and fees can vary by number or size of the dogs. Some hotels have size restrictions so be sure to ask before you book your room.

— At check-in, ask where you should walk your dog, and make sure you clean up after him. Don't allow male dogs to lift their legs on trash cans or other items on hotel property.

— Dogs should be confined in a crate when you are not in the room. If housekeepers stop by to drop off extra towels or to turn down the bed, they won't be expecting a dog and could potentially allow your pooch to escape. Hang the "Do Not Disturb" sign on your door to ensure that no one enters your room.

Do not allow your pet on the beds or couches unless they are covered by a blanket. Bring your own blankets and towels -- don't use the hotel's supply on your dogs. And remember, hotel bathtubs are for humans only!

— A noisy or destructive dog should not be left unattended in your hotel room. It's common courtesy to keep your pet as quiet as possible and not disturb any of the other guests. Try leaving on the television or radio. Not only are they good "company" for your dog, the noise will also muffle the sounds of people in other rooms or walking down the hallway that may put a barker on the alert.

— Set a good example before leaving, and clean up any stray hair and spritz the room with air freshener. Your actions will reflect positively and help protect the rights of all dog owners.

Additional tips can be found on the American Kennel Club Web site at www.akc.org.