For many Americans, taking pets along on vacation can make the experience more fun for the whole family. In fact, 51 percent of travelers with pets say they would bring their pets along on every vacation if they could, according to a recent AAA/Best Western survey of individuals who traveled with their pets in the last 12 months. "What hinders them from doing so is finding welcoming accommodations," said Christine Delise, AAA spokeswoman.

Among top considerations in whether to include pets in travel plans is the need to locate welcoming, appropriately matched pet-friendly accommodations, according to the study. Specific aspects of the search include: finding places that accept pets (95 percent), learning about pet policies such as size limits and fees (49 percent) and obtaining details about available pet services (22 percent). One-quarter of pet travelers who have skipped this important planning step admit to sneaking their pet into a hotel or motel at some point in the past, creating anxiety that can affect pet behavior.

Advance planning using a reliable resource like Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook®, available in print and digital versions, can alleviate concerns related to accommodations and other pet-travel preparations. The listings for pet-friendly AAA Approved and Diamond Rated lodgings throughout the U.S. and Canada provide important details like fees, permitted pet sizes, conditions of stay and pet amenities. Listings also include more than 600 pet-friendly campgrounds plus dog parks and attractions and national public lands that allow pets. Best Western offers more than 1,600 pet-friendly properties worldwide.

Pet Etiquette Considerations: Respondents also identified observations about other pet travelers, pinpointing several behavioral considerations for owners as well as their pets:

· Owners not cleaning up after pets (77 percent)

· Dogs that bark constantly (57 percent)

· Unleashed pets (49 percent)

· Pets not obedience trained (43 percent)

· Owners not notifying others that pet is aggressive toward people/other pets (41 percent)

· Pets not trained to relieve themselves outside (29 percent)

"Traveling with your dog can be a pleasant experience; however, remember, a comfortable and happy dog will make a better traveling companion," says Delise. "Planning your vacation with your dog in mind will make travel more fun and less stressful not only for your dog but for you as well."

AAA Mid-Atlantic offers the following tips as you hit the road with your canine companion:

Before you start your trip, take your dog for a walk. Avoid feeding your pet immediately prior to the road trip or in the car to help prevent car sickness. As you head out on the road, make sure you crate or harness your dog for safety in the back seat of a car or the cargo area of an SUV or station wagon. When stopping for a break, never leave your dog in the car, especially when it’s warm outside. Even if the window is cracked open, the car can still heat up and be dangerous to your pet. Remember to bring your dog’s scent with you. Having a favorite toy will comfort and relax him.

Travelers can find additional useful tips for preparing four-legged travelers for the road or air, plus handy information on pet etiquette, insurance and emergency animal clinics, in Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook and on the AAA.com/PetBook website.

More AAA/Best Western 2012 Pet Traveler Study Results :

A full 93 percent said their pet makes a good travel companion, identifying these reasons: Good cuddle buddy when away from home (27 percent). Always lets the owner select the destination (18 percent). Doesn’t hog the hotel remote (12 percent).

Snores less than owner’s significant other (7 percent). Helps attract dates (1 percent). More than eight in 10 (85 percent) of pet travelers travel with their dog, and two in 10 (21 percent) travel with a cat. Top types of vacations enjoyed with pets: Visiting friends and family (78 percent). Road trips (50 percent). Going to the beach (33 percent). Camping (27 percent). Visiting a city (23 percent). Hiking (17 percent).