If you are planning a staycation this summer and want to take your pet on the road with you, there is no reason why they should be left behind.

Taking an animal on long car journeys can be stressful so fetch.co.uk have provided their top tips on how you can travel safely together.

Fetch’s resident vet Angela Rodger has put together a list of things to consider when taking your pet on holiday:

1. Prepare your kennel: Ensure that the crate you purchased when your pet was tiny is still roomy enough for them. Can they stand up without hitting their head on the top of it? And do they have enough room to move around? You should always run these checks before attempting to travel with your pet. In the vast majority of cases your pet will travel in the back of your car, not in the front with you.

2. Pack food and water: Just like us, pets get dehydrated when they are travelling. A handy tip: freeze water before you leave home to ensure your four-legged friend has water for your journey.

3. Seat belts and car safety: If you're driving, it’s worth remembering that seat belts are not just for us humans. Pets also require safety belts which are similar to a harness that fits around your pet’s body, with a clip that goes into the car seat belt socket, ensuring your pet is kept safe at all times. In some countries, it is illegal for your dog to sit in the front of the car. To make sure you are following safety regulations ensure your pet always sits in the back of the car, allowing them more room to spread out or sit down.

4. Keeping your dog calm during travel: Make sure you bring your dog’s blanket or his favourite stuffed animal, toy, bone - any item which is familiar to your dog to help comfort and relax him.

5. Prepare for the unexpected: Flexibility and patience are virtues that every traveller should possess. The same holds especially true when travelling with pets. Whether your car is stuck in traffic, your dog gets sick mid-journey, or your cat decides he can’t wait for the kitty litter – travelling with pets can be hard work.

6. Protect your pet - vaccinate before boarding: Kennel facilities place pets in close proximity, increasing the risk of passing on infections. This makes vaccinations an essential part of preparing your dog for kennels. Vaccinations help protect your pet by stimulating their body to produce antibodies to specific often contagious and even lethal diseases. If your pet should later come into contact with a disease they are vaccinated against the antibodies will protect them.

Vaccinations may be given over a two to three-week course and immunity may take days or weeks to develop afterwards. You should consult the boarding facility and your vet in advance to find out the requirements and timescales involved for vaccinations.

Angela Rodger, resident vet at fetch.co.uk, said: "Travelling can often be highly stressful for both owners and their pets. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone. Before travelling, it's important to ensure your pet is well hydrated, take along food and water if it's a long journey and plan in some toilet stops along the way!"