PETS TAKE TO THE ROAD: PAMPERED POOCHES, KITTIES JOINING IN THE VACATION FUN

The "VersaLeash," a Y-shaped safety device designed by Saab, serves as a safety belt for Sidney.

You're packed.

The suitcases have been placed in the van, and you're ready to go.

This is not a full-fledged vacation, but a two-night, three-day getaway.

The family pet -- a mutt named Sidney -- has been safely assigned to his special space in the van, hooked up in his Humane Society-approved safety belt, and accompanied by his favorite toy.

Arrangements have already been made for his stay at a motel that accepts pets -- in this case the pet stays free.

Traveling with a pet can sometimes be a frustrating experience, or it can be fun-filled adventure.

Whether it be for a day-or-two, or a week-or-two, more and more travelers are hitting the road these days with pets in tow.

Fifty-three percent of the nation's pet owners traveled with pets three years ago, and that average is up to 60 percent now. In an American Animal Hospital Association survey conducted in 1996, 53 percent of pets owners vacationed with their pets. During the same year, 44 percent of American Hotel and Motel Association members accepted pets. Some provide outside shelter and runs, while others allowed the pets to remain in rooms with the owner.

Most of the motels in the Cape Girardeau area accept animals.

More than 40 motels accept animals in the gambling capital (Las Vegas) of the United States, and in Tennessee, Dollywood offers animal facilities.

Even some of the swankiest lodgings cater to animals. The Four Seasons Hotel in Washington welcomes dog guests with rawhide chews, gourmet chow and flowers on a silver tray. At Chicago's Ritz-Carlton, they are welcomed with room-service chopped filet mignon.

Facilities that cater to animals on vacation can be found in numerous publications and on the Internet.

"Vacationing With Your Pet," written by Eileen Barris; "Take Your Pet USA," by Arthur Frank; and, a new publication, "Traveling With Your Pet -- The AAA PetBook," are among comprehensive guides for people traveling with their pets.

These publications contain guidelines and checklists for traveling by car and tips on selecting an airline carrier.

Flying does pose some problems for some animals.

Domestic airlines carried more than 750,000 animals during a recent year.

If your pet is small, it may possibly be able to travel in the cabin. Otherwise, it may be placed with the freight, which can be stressful to animals. Advance reservations must be made for animals. Some airlines limit pets on flights to four. Nonstop flights are recommended for animals.

At least one automobile manufacturer has turned its attention to pet safety while traveling by car. Saab offers as many as a dozen "pet gear" accessories, including a W.A.G. (water and gear bag) that helps carry items needed for a pet -- water, travel bowl, food. Saab has also introduced its "VersaLeash" and "Batzi Belt," doggie safety belts. The VeraLeash is a Y-shaped restraint that can be snapped into cargo vehicle tiedowns, and the Batzi Belt snaps into a vehicle's safety belt connection.

The company also has developed a "Cargo Space Divider" designed for station wagons to give the pooch its own comfortable space.

Statistics show that 80 percent of travel in the United States is by car, so it's no big surprise that most animals travel via roads.

Being a good car passenger does not come naturally to cats and dogs. They can get skittish in moving vehicles.

The ASPCA and the American Kennel Club (AKC), both headquartered in New York, offer free information on traveling by car or plane with a dog, cat or bird.

Canines can become acclimated to vehicles, especially if they are introduced to car travel as puppies.

Grown dogs may be more troublesome, say ASPCA and AKC spokesmen.

The following are some suggestions to introduce your pet to car travel.

-- A few months before the big trip, start out by sitting with your dog in the car, with the engine off.

-- Then, graduate to sitting in the car with the engine running.

-- Slowly build up to taking short rides, then longer ridges.

Other tips for traveling with pets:

-- For automobile and air travel, get a clean bill of health for your animal from the local vet before departing.

-- Feed your pet a light meal before starting.

-- Keep your pet in a crate or securely buckled in a safety belt. Animals jumping around can be dangerous.

-- Make sure your dog has plenty of water and maybe a favorite toy or blanket, to make it feel comfortable.

-- If it's a hot day, make sure the car's air-conditioner reaches the pet.

-- When making motel or hotel reservations, also make reservations for the pet.

-- The pet should wear a collar and ID tags at all times during the trip.

A final note: Don't leave the dog in the parked vehicle. The interior of a car, even in the shade, heats up quickly.

Happy traveling.