Car Travel Tips
Most traveling with our pets is done in the car, be it for just a short shopping trip, or a trip across the country.
We have provided a few tips to make your trips safer, more fun and enjoyable for both you and your pet.
Preparation
You should purchase a harness, or pet carrier prior to you first car ride so that your pet will get used to being restrained in the vehicle. We know it’s more fun to have her in your lap, but a pet can get hurt, or worse, in a car accident, just like a person! For safety sake, your pet should be confined away from the driver, preferably in the rear seat or cargo area.
Always make sure your pet has his ID tags on (check us out) and the tags are up to date, just in case he gets away from you.
Have your dog’s nails clipped before the trip, or use nail protectors to prevent damage to the interior of your automobile.
Bring along some paper towels or towelettes to clean up your pets feet or any accidents they may have.
Take along water, his favorite toys and chews to keep her happy!
Prepare, or purchase a travel kit (See our Travel Tips for what should be included)
Before The Drive
Take your pet for a walk to work off energy and to take care of any business that he may have to do. He’ll be more relaxed and less nervous.
Don’t feed him a big meal or give him too much water a couple of hours prior to the trip, especially if it’s his first trip, animals can get car sick too!
First Time Out
To ease your pet into enjoying traveling by car, start with a trip to the store, around the block, or to the park.
Teach your pet to sit or lie quietly in its own place, not to bother the driver, or bark at other people or vehicles.
Then, graduate to day trips and then to overnight or weekends.
Finally followed by longer trips away from home.
During The Drive
ALWAYS restrain your pet with a harness, or pet carrier. NEVER let your pet ride unrestrained, especially in the back of a truck.
Don’t let him ride with his head out the window, we know they love it, but they can be injured by particles of debris or become ill from having cold air forced into their lungs.
Make sure your pet’s area is well ventilated, if it is warm, make sure the air conditioning is circulating to the area where the pet is restrained.
Take breaks at least every three hours so your pet can exercise and relieve himself. (Its good for you too!)
Rest Stops
Make sure his leash is fastened BEFORE you open the door. They
are quicker than we are! Don’t let your pet run loose at any time. They can get hurt or lost. Don’t let strangers, especially children, pet your animal, they may be nervous from the car ride.
Clean up after your pet!
NEVER leave your pet in a hot car! Even with the windows down, on a hot day the inside temperature of an automobile can quickly climb into the 100′s!
If you have to leave your pet in the car, If possible, park in the shade and leave the windows on both sides of the car open for cross ventilation.
Don’t leave your pet in the car for long periods of time, they can get heat exposure, or if cute enough, they could be stolen!
Freezing winter days can also be a problem, so if you’re traveling in winter months, bring along plenty of blankets or bedding to keep him warm!
Make sure to leave a bowl of cold water in the car if you have to leave your pet unattended for even short periods of time. You should use distilled, purified, or tap water from home to prevent them from getting diarrhea.
Anytime Along The Way
If at anytime during the trip your pet exhibits any signs of distress or heat stroke (heavy breathing, unstable walk, or dazed effect), contact a veterinarian as soon as possible! (see Emergencies)