For many Americans, pets are essential participants in family outings but bringing them along can pose some challenges. The new edition of "Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA PetBook," offers resources for planning pet-friendly vacations that can make the process easier.

The book includes a listing of all pet-friendly AAA Approved and Rated lodgings throughout the U.S. and Canada. Listing more than 600 pet-friendly campgrounds, dog parks and attractions, the guide has useful tips for preparing four-legged travelers for the road or air and handy information about pet etiquette, insurance and emergency animal clinics.

"We know pets are very much a part of our guests' families. As such, we want to welcome pets and their owners to our more than 1,600 pet-friendly properties," said Dorothy Dowling, senior vice president of marketing and sales for Best Western.

AAA runs an annual Photo Contest that picks winners to appear on the back cover and spine of the next edition and also receive cash and prizes.

In this year's contest, sponsored by Best Western, two winning pet photos will be featured on the cover and spine of the book, published in May 2013. The first place winner, featured on the back cover, will receive $300, a $150 Best Western Travel Card (valid at any Best Western Worldwide), pet treats and five copies of the book. The second place winner, featured on the book's spine, will receive $150, pet treats and two copies of the book.

"Traveling With Your Pet: The AAA PetBook," in its 14th edition, is annually updated and available at many AAA and CAA offices as well as select bookstores and online booksellers.

Flickr photo by David d'O

Filed under: North America, Canada, United States, Hotels and Accommodations, Transportation