It's June. Many of us are thinking about summer time adventures and are hoping to take our pets with us. After all, they are family members.

There is so much to remember when getting ready to travel: finishing work projects; getting the kids ready; packing; getting the pets set to go; and securing the house.

The following check list is meant to make it easier for you get Fido ready for the holiday trip.

- Identification. Make sure your pet has identification on him/her at all times.

This can take the form of an ID tattoo (is your information is current with the vet hospital that tattooed him?); microchip (have you registered this information?); and ID tags.

Use your cell phone number on the ID tags because you will be traveling and won't be answering your home phone.

Keep duplicates and photos ready in case they go missing.

- Veterinary visit. Is your pet current on vaccines? Does he/she need heartworm medications? What about anti-anxiety or anti-nausea medications for travel? Or maybe a health certificate?

- Pack enough food and water. You don't want to change your pet's diet part way through the trip unless you have a strong desire to travel with a dog that has diarrhea and needs out of the car, camper or boat every hour. You can't take dog food across the border, so find out where you can purchase your dog's brand of food as soon as you cross. Don't forget the dog bowls!

- Pack lots of pooper scooper bags. The excitement will probably make your dog void more frequently so pack at least twice as many bags as you think you will need. Be respectful and scoop the poop.

- Pack extra collars, leashes and blankets. You want to be able to find one quickly. If you lose one you will need the extras.

If one gets dirty during camping, you will want to be able to wash and clean it. Don't forget brushes to get the mud out!

- Pack a doggy first aid kit. This should have basic medications and bandaging material.

- Plan your trips. Are there rest stops? Travel during the cooler times of day if you don't have air conditioning.

- Secure your pet. Use kennels that are fastened into the car or use dog seatbelts.

Accidents turn pets into projectiles.

Not only will they go flying into the windshield, they can also hurt other family members on their way to the window.

- Make sure your pet is leashed before exiting the car. They can get frightened and panic. They don't know the area.

- Keep your pet cool. They lose heat through panting and their paws. They wear a fur coat. Training your pet to accept a cool mist is a great idea.

Park in the shade. Keep windows down. Check on your pet every 10 minutes if left in the car. And don't forget, shade moves!

- Accommodations. Make sure pets are welcome and book these hotels and campsites early.

- Traveling by plane? Check with the airline to ensure you know their regulations.

- Check out doggy day cares and kennels in the area you are visiting. You may want to do some 'no pets allowed' activities.

- Find the location and hours of your nearest recommended vet. Hopefully you won't need this information, but better safe than sorry!

n Dr. Borgmann is a pet columnist and veterinarian with the Whatcom Road Veterinary Hospital in Abbotsford.