Roadtrip!

flickr photo courtesy of macinate

With the tight economy, a higher percentage of people are choosing to forgo more costly trips via air, and venture out to destinations that are within driving distance.

With interesting and fun destinations in and all around Michigan, a good time can be had by all members of the family — including pets!

When our dog Gretchen was younger, she made many trips with us to one of my favorite locales, Traverse City. I always packed a bag for her that included her favorite things, like toys, treats, her favorite blanket — as well as other necessities like doggy towels, biodegradable pet shampoo — all of those things that would help make traveling with our favorite girl easier, and more enjoyable.

A first-aid kit that included items just for Gretchen was important, because a big part of the trip meant being active — canoeing, long walks, spending time at the beach — so many things that let her be a big, dirty dog. With that, meant the possibility of an injury — major or minor. Luckily, the need to see a veterinarian never came up while we were on the road.

But things happen. Whether you're traveling for pleasure, or moving cross country, you want to be prepared in the event of an emergency.

Having said that, there's a tool available now that has made traveling with four-legged traveling companions much easier.

Now, you can find a American Animal Hospital Association accredited veterinarian along your route with just a few keystrokes.

Trip Planner is a tool to help locate an accredited vet quickly, and it can help you find your way to them quickly. Click here to access the online tool.

Lorrie Shaw is lead pets blogger for AnnArbor.com and has written about technology and pets. Follow her writing and pet-related adventures on Twitter @psa2 and contact her via e-mail.