Phoenix, Ariz., Oct. 28, 2009. More than three-quarters of traveling pet owners would take Fido or Fifi on every vacation if they could, although more than half report difficulty finding pet-friendly accommodations, according to a recent survey commissioned by AAA and Best Western International.

The survey also found:

• Thirty-five percent of pet-owning respondents admitted to sneaking their pet into a hotel or motel in the past.

• Nearly one-third (28 percent) of those who travel with pets indicate they would rather travel with their pet than with their significant other.

• The top five frustrations respondents have with others who travel with pets are those who do not clean up after them (77 percent); those whose dogs constantly bark (53 percent); those who do not notify others their dog is aggressive (45 percent); not walking pets on a leash (42 percent); and owners whose pets are not trained to relieve themselves outside (30 percent).

• The most popular pet-inclusive vacations are visiting friends/family (73 percent) and road trips (56 percent).

“Not every pet is right for travel and not every trip is right for a pet, but when the right dog or cat and the right trip come together you never forget it,” said Linda Gorman, public affairs driector, AAA Arizona. “AAA is pleased to provide the millions of traveling pets owners with the tools and information needed to plan the perfect vacation.”

Pet owners can find all the information they need to make their pet vacation easier and safer in Traveling with Your Pet: The AAA PetBook® including property listings and advice on transporting pets. Many hotel operators have discovered the popularity of traveling with pets and are making special efforts to accommodate four-footed friends.

AAA Arizona, the Arizona affiliate of AAA, provides automotive, insurance and auto travel services to nearly 800,000 Arizona members. Annually, AAA’s Emergency Road Service responds to more than 450,000 calls for help on the streets and highways of the state as well as providing insurance, travel, and financial services to AAA members and motorists. Since its founding in 1927, AAA Arizona has been a leading advocate for the safety and security of all travelers. In 2008, AAA was ranked the No. 1 “socially responsible” brand by Landor’s BrandAsset® Valuator.