There are a handful of great websites devoted solely to pet sitting and overnight boarding for dogs.

Through some of them, you can also find specific services like house sitting, walking your dog, grooming, dog training, and more.

Here's the scoop...

If you'll be traveling with your dog -- either locally (out & about running errands), or far away (via an airplane ride or long car ride) -- then you need to take a few precautions. If you don't, then your dog could become separated from you and you'll be up a creek trying to scamper and locate him or her.

These things are simple, and they should be done now so you'll always be prepared in the event of an emergency.

There are a few things that I always have on me any time I'm out & about with my dog.

I take different things, depending on whether we're going for a walk vs going for a ride in the car.

Here's what we take...

In response to my article, Does Your Dog Love Boating?, Marianne asks:

Question about dogs and boating: is there a rule of thumb as far as life vests for dogs? My dogs are decent swimmers, but I'm afraid if we take them out on the lake they could swim too far out and get tired. Should a life vest be standard, or are there any alternatives?"

I think Marianne's is a great question, and her perspective is one that I would guess many dog owners share.

Which got me wondering, "what do the experts say about dogs and lifejackets?"

Similar questions appear on the BoatUS website:

"Life jackets are essential pieces of equipment for the boater, even required by law. But does a boater's dog really need a life jacket?"

"Is it a help or a hindrance in a 'dog overboard' situation?"

"And how do you select the proper PFD for your pooch anyway?"

Do you have a dog?

Are you in the market for a new vehicle?

For 2006, DogFriendly.com listed the Top 10 cities to visit with a dog in the United States and Canada.

Here are the Top Ten, plus 5 honorable mentions, and an explanation of the criteria used to determine these top cities.

Dogs and water go hand in hand (...or would that be "paw in paw"?).

Here are the best dog beaches all across the U.S.

If you'll be traveling with your dog, one of these dog-friendly beaches might be near your destination!

Wondering where to find the best dog-related services in your town ...or a town that you are visiting?

These one-of-a-kind City Dog guides provide a map which shows all of the major roads and landmarks in the city and highlights all of the dog-friendly locations in town.

In their November, 2005 issue, Dog Fancy Magazine listed the Top 10 best cities for dogs to live.

Here are the results...

Do you know which dog parks rank as "the best" dog parks in the United States?

Here are the Top 10...