10 Road Trip Safety Tips for Your Pet

November 6, 2017 Abigail Green Pet Care

Whether it’s going to visit family or friends or traveling to somewhere new, road trips can be difficult due to long hours on the road. Bringing along your precious pet can cause added stress. However, taking your pet on a road trip doesn’t have to be difficult if you prepare ahead of time and keep their safety in mind.

Here are 10 tips to help you prepare for a road trip with your pets!

1. Spend time prepping your pet

Your pet may not be accustomed to long road trips, so it is a good idea to take them out for shorter rides before taking that long journey. Lengthen the time spent in the car each time you go out for a ride.

2. Be up-to-date on vaccinations

3. Wear proper ID

Make sure your pet wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address and a temporary travel tag with your cell phone number, as well as anything other contact information. Microchipping is also a great idea before departing.

4. Don’t feed your pet before your departure

In order to avoid your pet getting car sick, don’t feed your pet immediately before departure. A light meal four hours before leaving is okay. Keep the feeding time to a minimum and give them their regular food instead of snacks you may pick up while on the road.

5. Prep a travel kit

Bring all of the essentials that you possibly can, including: water, food, a bowl, leash, waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, pet first-aid, vaccine records, and any medications. A familiar toy or pillow may also help comfort your pet.

6. Bring plenty of water

Staying hydrated is important. Panting may increase while in a moving vehicle, which leads to faster loss of fluids, so bring plenty of bottled water. Water from an area your pet isn’t used to can upset their stomach.

7. Keep your pet safe and secure

Pets should never be in the front seat of a car. Being in the front seat or in the driver’s lap can cause distraction, leading to an accident. A crate is the safest way to transport your pet. The crate should be big enough to stand, sit, lay, lie down, and turn around in. Secure the crate so it will not slide. If you decide to let your pet out of the crate or go without it completely, keep them in the backseat buckled up with a harness attached to the seat buckle.

8. Don’t allow your dog to ride with their face out of the window

If you do decide to allow your dog in the backseat, don’t allow them to ride with their face out of the window. Debris could easily injure your pet both externally and internally. They could also use the window as an opportunity to escape and jump into traffic or get lost.

9. Make frequent stops

Make frequent stops not only for you to stretch and go to the bathroom, but for your pet to do the same. Take the time to feed and give water to your pet. After putting them on a leash, you can take them out to stretch their legs and use the bathroom.

10. Never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle

Hopefully, it goes without saying that you should never leave your pet unattended in a vehicle. In a parked vehicle, even with the windows down, your pet could become overheated if it is warm outside. In cold weather, your pet could freeze. It could also lead to an opportunity for thieves to steal your pet.

For some pet parents, a trip without their furry babies isn’t enjoyable. With thoughtful preparation, you can now bring them along for the fun!

Are you going on a road trip soon? What do you think of these tips? Let us know in the comments below!