The mail and newspapers have been stopped, and that nice lady next door has promised to faithfully water the plants while you're away. Your bags are packed and there's only one thing standing between you and the door. It's your beloved family pet, his very stance and unwavering gaze seeming to say, "Not so fast my two-legged friend. What about me?"

What about them, indeed? For some people, the very thought of traveling with their pets is not the vacation they had in mind. For others, it just isn't a family vacation without the family's furriest member. There are plenty of reasons for bringing Rover or Duchess along, not the least of which is that they don't ask, "Are we there yet?" every 17 minutes. But before you pack up your poochie's Gucci overnight bag, your first step is determining whether traveling is right for your pet.

TO TRAVEL OR NOT TO TRAVEL...

Whether your companion was acquired through meticulous breeding or rescued from a shelter, they're bound to have a few little idiosyncrasies. Veterinarians agree that you should keep your pets home if they have nervous or shy temperaments. "Undue stress can make a pet susceptible to heat stroke or dehydration due to excessive panting," says Dr. Brian Voynick of the American Animal Hospital in Mount Freedom.

Any animal with physical impairments or in advanced age should also be kept in a more stable environment. Lastly, never travel with a pregnant animal since stress could put her at risk of premature labor.

As for bringing your pet along while you complete the grand tour of Europe, remember that ten cities in ten days may not exactly be Fluff's cup of tea. Aside from the dizzying number of hours spent on board ship or plane, very few tourist attractions welcome those that aren't service animals. Great Britain upholds a strict quarantine for foreign animals, and no doubt Greece would hate to see her ancient ruins, well, ruined due to Rover's immediate need to relieve himself.

A traveling pet shouldn't be just another piece of baggage. "Bringing the pet along can be good," says Dr. Voynick, "provided that someone is going to be spending time with it."

DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT

Before leaving town the first stop should be your veterinarian's office where they will ensure that you're hitting the road with a pet who's in good health. "The animal should have a physical exam one to two weeks prior to departure," recommends Dr. Voynick. They'll also ensure that your pet's vaccinations are up-to-date, and provide you with the proper documentation that may be necessary for traveling between the U.S. and other countries. When appropriate, your vet may prescribe a sedative for the skittish traveler.

Whether your pet is of the canine or feline persuasion, always make sure you've packed as many of the familiar comforts of home as possible. Food and dishes; bedding; litter and box; collar, leash and tags (two sets -- one with your permanent name, address, and phone. The other with temporary information). In addition, remember grooming supplies, medications and a well-stocked first-aid kit.

LET'S GO

Car travel is generally the preferred mode of transportation since it allows for frequent, reassuring contact between pet and master. Pets with a high-energy level will also benefit from the regular bathroom and exercise breaks. Keep in mind, however, that if your pet's only experience in a car has been the brief ride between home and the park or vet's office, you'll want to begin acclimating it to longer rides a few weeks prior to your departure date.

Carriers are a must when driving with cats. Fear may prompt them to seek cover or reassurance of their master's warm embrace. For your own safety, keep them in the familiar confines of a cat carrier (made more comfortable with a familiar towel or blanket), lest you arrive at your destination sporting dented fenders and an air bag facial.

Dogs have a little more flexibility when traveling by car, although for their safety, and yours, they should never have free run of the vehicle. Either restrain them with a harness (the canine version of a seat belt), or use a metal gate to keep them confined to one section of the car. While a cat will need to be coaxed into using a litter box at the beginning and end of each driving day, dogs require frequent stops for the aforementioned exercise and bathroom relief. In addition, never allow dogs to stick their heads completely out the window. Strong winds can cause inner ear problems or eye injuries due to flying debris.

Ship and railway travel are far more limited when it comes to pet travel. Most cruise lines will transport your pet only on ocean crossings. But while your tickets may say "First Class," your pet's passage is strictly "no class" as they will have to remain confined to their kennel during the entire journey. Contact individual cruise lines for their specific requirements and guidelines. Though European rails are more liberal in their policies for pet travel, in the U.S. only assistance dogs are allowed to ride the rails.

Remember that although you can't imagine life without your four-legged friend, a vacation should be enjoyable for everyone. When your pet is unhappy, the trip becomes miserable and stressful for all involved. Proper planning before you leave home will ensure that your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.

Christine Manory is a St. Hubert's volunteer and the owner of Phoebe, a Lab/Border Collie mix she adopted from our shelter. Believing that absence makes the heart grow fonder, she always leaves Phoebe in the capable hands of a family friend during vacation time.