Following these tips can make short or long road trips with your pet more enjoyable.

Though long summer road trips may be over, weekend and day trips can happen year-round. Why not include your four-legged friends next time you take a jaunt somewhere? The following tips can not only help your pet become a better passenger, they can make a trip more enjoyable for everyone.

Acclimate Your Pets to the Car

Before you decide to put Fido in the car, figure out if he should accompany you, as some pets may not travel well. For instance, if your pet is sick, elderly, impaired, etc., car travel may not be the best idea — for him or for you. Talk to your vet if you're concerned about this, as your pet's health is more important than taking him on a trip.

If you (and your vet) think your pet would make a good travel companion, make sure you get him accustomed to riding in the car first. You can accomplish this by taking him on short trips to the bank or gas station, for instance. Just remember to include him on these "fun trips" instead of only taking him on trips to the vet or groomer — destinations that often cause anxiety among pets.

Also make sure your pet is current on vaccinations before you head out in public to help protect him from catching an illness or infection from other animals or places.

Prepare With Pets in Mind

Prepare a pet pack before you head out on a road trip with items including:

• Cleanup supplies
• Food and water bowls, as well as the food and water to fill them
• A pet-specific first aid kit (thermometer, gauze, hydrogen peroxide, ointment, cotton swabs, scissors, tweezers, etc. — and whatever else your pet may need in an emergency)
• A bed or towel for your pet to rest on
• Toys — and lots of them! — to keep him occupied.

Keep Pets Inside or With You

If your car is on the road, make sure your pets remain inside the vehicle. This means that no matter how much Fido likes to sniff the free air from the open window, his head needs to stay inside the cabin of your car. Damage from flying objects isn't worth it to your pet's eyes.

If you leave the car, make sure your pet stays with you. Never leave your pet in a hot car — you wouldn't do it to a person, so make sure you don't do it to your pets, either. Also make sure your pet has the proper I.D. tags, collar, leash and even vaccinations before you exit the car. This can help prevent mishaps, as well as help you find him if he somehow escapes.

Buckle Your Pets, Too

Don't forget that, just like people, pets need to be restrained in the car, too. Whether it's a safety harness or a belted-in crate — both of which you can find at your local pet store — keep your pet safe by buckling him up during car rides. An unrestrained pet could be hazardous to himself and to others in the car.

In all states except North Carolina and New Hampshire, if you have Collision coverage with your Progressive auto insurance policy, you automatically have Pet Injury coverage, which protects your dogs and cats if they're injured because of an accident while riding with you. Pet Injury coverage provides up to $500 to cover vet and medical bills related to the injuries.

Make Sure Your Destination is Pet Friendly

Remember, it's not all about the car ride. Make sure your destination is pet friendly, too. If you're heading to the store or a restaurant, check to make sure pets are welcome before you leave the house. Look for pet friendly lodging if you're planning an overnight trip, and make sure any places you visit, such as parks, lakes, etc., also allow pets.

Remember: Your pet is part of your family, too, so if you follow these simple tips, you can make both short and long car rides more enjoyable for everyone.

Make sure you come back to Progressive.com soon, too. We'll have a new option for you to show off your pet to everyone — more details to come!