Barb Campbell, Wichita, gives her dog, Bozly, some water on a travel break at the I-70 Turnpike rest stop east of Lawrence. Campbell says she travels with Bozly often and he usually curls up on a cushion in the passenger seat.

Leaving Fluffy or Fido at home or with a sitter during a day trip is unfathomable for some.

But for those planning to bring their furry friends along on the journey, doing so may seem more challenging than traveling with a small child.

Pet travel experts say pet owners should have ice cubes, grooming supplies, a first-aid kit, pictures and perhaps a pet seat belt when traveling with their four-legged friends. And don’t forget the leash.

It’s important to remember that not all pets take well to road trips, said Adam Goldfarb, director of the Pets at Risk Program for The Humane Society of the United States.

“It really depends on the animal,” he said. “Generally speaking, dogs tend to enjoy going for car rides, whereas cats and rabbits tend to really hate it.”

Trips can be taxing for any pet if they’re not comfortable riding in cars, said Carol Stubbs, executive director of Topeka’s Helping Hands Humane Society.

“If they’re not comfortable with new situations, it would be stressful,” she said.

Road travel can also upset an animal’s stomach, according to the pet travel Web site tripswithpets.com.

The Web site encourages those traveling with pets to keep feedings to a minimum and to provide a light meal two to three hours before leaving. Owners are also encouraged to pack enough of their pet’s favorite food, water and ice cubes, which are easier on animals than large amounts of water, the site says.

While Goldfarb said it’s best to leave cats and rabbits at home, a road trip can be stimulating for dogs.

“Something like that can be really fun and exciting for a dog,” he said. “It’s really important … that they get a chance to get out and enjoy their world.”

It’s extremely important to plan the itinerary around the animals accompanying you, Stubbs said.

“If it’s in warm weather, you need to remember you cannot leave them in the car, even for a short period of time,” she said. “It will get way too hot for your pet.”

When stopping for food, pet owners should bring the food back to the car to eat it or find a picnic table to eat at, she said, so pets don’t have to stay in the car.

All the pet experts said that safety is most important during road trips and stressed keeping a tight collar on pets with identification and contact information on the tags. Tripswithpets.com also recommends bringing along photos of your pet, so if it gets away others can help you track it down.

Goldfarb recommended keeping pets in a crate while traveling, or buying a special seat belt for them, to keep them properly restrained. Also, make sure they get plenty of drink breaks, walk breaks and potty breaks.

“Be prepared and be safe,” Goldfarb said.