By KRISTEN LEVINE
Tribune correspondent

TAMPA - Will you be packing your bags for a vacation this summer? Chances are good your pet would enjoy the trip, too.

Two-thirds of pet owners travel with their pets, says a 2005 national study by the American Animal Hospital Association.

Of those taking their pets on the road, 65 percent stay overnight with friends or family, while 43 percent stay at a hotel or motel.

Travelocity.com recently polled its customers and found that at least a quarter of them take their pets when they vacation.

Not surprisingly, more hotels and motels are catering to four-legged guests and their owners.

Loews Hotels, W and Fairmont are some of the national chains that have pet policies. They cater to critters with room- service menus, spa treatments and even concierge service. Usually, they provide guests with information about pet-friendly destinations nearby, including dining, parks, beaches and recreation.

“Hundreds of guests take advantage of our Loews Loves Pets program every year,” says Michael Chagnon, director of marketing at the Don CeSar Beach Resort and Spa in St. Pete Beach. “They don’t want to kennel their pets when traveling, so our pet-friendly policy eliminates their worries so they can truly relax and enjoy their stay.”

Vacation Ideas

Before packing, think about all aspects of your destination to ensure you and your pets’ needs will be met while away.

“Aside from choosing a pet-friendly hotel and making advanced reservations on your flight, you’ll also want to think about ground transportation and daily activities,” explains Amy Ziff, Travelocity’s editor at large.

“Research ahead of time to find out if public transportation allows pets, if restaurants or cafes are pet-friendly, or if there are parks accessible for walking your pet.”

A recent pet travel report was posted by Ziff at http://www.travelocity.com/animals that suggested several great pet vacations, including these:

Ocean voyage: Cunard Cruise Lines’ Queen Mary II offers cabins that accommodate pets (with pet beds in two sizes), healthy gourmet pet cookies baked daily, toys and premium pet foods. The ship even issues an Atlantic crossing certificate to furry seafarers. Be sure to bring a life preserver for your pet as a precaution.

Mountain views: These are some of the most beautiful, pet-welcoming destinations in the country. The dog parks normally have thousands of acres of land, lakes, streams and gorgeous mountain views. Pet-friendly lodging is readily available.

If you decide to take a trek in the Rocky Mountains with your pet, keep it on a leash because you may spot elk, deer, moose, bears and other animals. At the Keystone Resort in Summit County, Colo., dogs ride for free in the chairlifts. Be sure to keep your pets and yourself well-hydrated at high altitudes.

Big cities: Cosmopolitan areas rolling out the red carpet for your pet include Chicago, New York City and San Diego.

In Chicago, bring your pet along on Mercury’s Skyline Cruise for a relaxing view of the skyline from Lake Michigan. The cruise operates Sunday mornings from June to September. Go to www. mercuryskylinecruiseline.com.

In New York, dog runs are as common as playgrounds from Central Park to Battery Park and the Hudson River to Washington Square. Go to http://www.urbanhound.com for a list of places to play with your pet in the Big Apple.

San Diego’s baseball stadium is named Petco Park, so you know you and your pet won’t strike out there. It has dozens of pet-friendly hotels, pet happy hours and restaurant menus for your pet. It also has pet-friendly beaches, dog runs and pet salons.

Travel Tips

Here are some pointers to ease travels with your pet:

• Be sure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations and has necessary medications. Your veterinarian can provide a document showing vaccinations are current in case you need to show this information before or during travel.

• Be aware that your hotel may charge for your pet’s stay and levy a cleaning fee. Call ahead to find out.

• Research where the nearest emergency veterinary clinic is before you depart.

• Be sure your pet is securely buckled in for car trips, either in a modified pet safety seat or a kennel.

• If your pet has trouble traveling, ask your vet about tranquilizers or travel-sickness pills that may help.

• Do not leave your pet in a hot car.

• If your pet must travel by air, book it to fly in the cabin with you. If cargo is the only option for your pet, make every attempt to reserve a direct flight. For pet air travel advice, go to http://www.takeyourpet.com.

• Be sure to take along the comforts of home. Hotels that are pet-friendly may provide items such as food and water bowls, blankets and toys, but your pets may prefer their own.

• Be sure your pet is wearing a secure collar with proper identification. You can obtain a “travel tag” and list your cell phone number. If your pet does not have a microchip implant, it might be wise to get one.

• Be sure to bring a leash, health records, toys, medications, food and water with you. For cats, remember to bring a litter box, liner, fresh litter and a scoop.

Here are some other Web sites that can help:

• Loews Hotels (Don CeSar Resort): http://www.loewshotels.com.

• W Hotels: http://www.whotels.com.

• Fairmont Hotels: http://www.fairmont.com.

• Cunard Cruise Lines: http://www.cunard.com.

Write to pet-lifestyle expert Kristen Levine at Fetching Communications, P.O. Box 222, Tarpon Springs FL 34688; fax at (727) 934-6451 or e-mail .

(CHART) CRITTER CALENDAR

JAZZ SERIES: Take your dog and listen to jazz played by Allon Sams and Friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Old Hyde Park Village, 1509 W. Swann Ave., Tampa. Beer and wine sales will benefit the Humane Society of Tampa Bay. For information, call (813) 876-4150 or e-mail specialevents@

humanesocietytampa.org.

CHILDREN’S EXHIBIT: The Pinellas Animal Foundation will open a children’s exhibit, “Be a Great Pet Vet,” on April 22 at its new home, Great Explorations, The Children’s Museum, 1925 Fourth St. N., St. Petersburg. Hours are 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The exhibit will teach children about the importance of regular medical care for pets by letting them pretend to be veterinarians. Children can work with toy stethoscopes or view X-rays and microscope slides of fleas, ticks and other parasites. Well-mannered pets and toy stuffed animals are welcome. From 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., there will be pet contests for stuffed and live animals. For information, call Great Explorations at (727) 821-8992, Ext. 212.

ART AUCTIONS: The Humane Society of Pinellas and Park West Gallery will present live auctions at 8 p.m. April 22 and 3 p.m. April 23 at the Tampa Marriott Westshore, 1001 N. West Shore Blvd. Previews begin an hour before each auction. About 300 pieces will be on the block each day. A percentage of the art purchased will go toward the care and medical needs of animals at the Humane Society of Pinellas County. Go to www. humanesocietyofpinellas.org or call (727) 797-7722.

BASEBALL EVENT: Take your dog to a baseball game for Bark at the Ballpark on April 23 and help the Humane Society of Pinellas. The Clearwater Threshers will host the Lakeland Tigers in a Florida State League game at Bright House Networks Field, 601 Old Coachman Road, Clearwater. First pitch will be at 1:05 p.m. Dogs and their owners are welcome at the game. Tickets for canines are $3; proceeds go to the Humane Society. Human tickets range from $3 to $8. If you have not microchipped your pet, the service will be provided there for $15. Call (727) 797-7722 or go to http://www.humanesocietyofpinellas.org.