Our friends at Itchmo.com recently posted some helpful hints about what to pack when you go road tripping with your four-legged friends. It might seem like a bit much, but planning ahead and having everything you need on hand is the best money saver for road trips. That, and never stopping at a gas station even when all your children really need to pee and haven't eaten since the day before (you know who you are, Dad).

So, what to pack for your little critters? Besides water and food, Itchmo suggests:

  • LOTS of plastic bags
  • Baby wipes
  • Extra leashes
  • Sunscreen
  • Flea and tick treatment
  • Favorite toy & blanket
  • Tags and vaccine papers (especially for cross-border travel)
  • Your veterinarian's phone number

A more complete list is available on Itchmo's site.

Because I'm a freak about the state of the car I'm traveling in, I would also pack:

  • Lint roller
  • Benadryl and/or Pepto Bismol
  • List of pet-friendly destinations
  • Air freshener and roll of quarters for gas station vacuum
  • Old towels
  • First aid kit (yeah, this should already be in my car)