No Sticking Their Heads Out The Window: Although most pets will take great enjoyment from spending the entire road trip with their head out the window, it's not safe. Your pet can easily be injured by flying debris from the road not to mention other cars. Along this same tip, I hope that it should go without mention that traveling with your pet in the back of the pickup truck is also a definite no-no! Some states even have laws restricting this type of animal transport because it is always dangerous.
Stop Frequently: You should take frequent stops to let your pet walk around for a few minutes and use the bathroom. Most rest stops and travel assistance areas will have specific areas for you to take your pet. Always pickup after your pet and try to stay in the designated "pet zone" when walking your pet. Always keep your pet on a lease and make sure that they have proper identification on their collar whenever they are outside of the car.
Keep Them Hydrated: During your rest stops make sure to provide your pet with some fresh water so that they can re-hydrate themselves. Occasionally, traveling in a car can upset your pet's stomach and keeping them hydrated will work to help prevent any 'accidents.' Another trick is to bring ice cubes for your pet as it's easier than having to bring large amounts of water (plus by the time you're done with the trip it IS just water).
No Feeding Your Pets Fast Food: It's a safe bet to refrain from feeding your pets anything extra on long road trips. Just stick to their regular amount of food at their regular feeding time. Try to refrain from letting them eat any leftovers from your own meals, especially if they're from a fast-food restaurant. Greasy food and pets aren't a good mix.
Don't Leave Them Stranded: Never leave your pet by themselves in a parked vehicle. On average warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even if you have the windows slightly open. Another reason to not leave them in the car is it sometimes can act as an open invitation to pet thieves.
Keep Them Restrained: Make sure that your pet is safely restrained while in your car. Using a pet safety-harness or travel kennel are the easiest ways to keep your pet safe. These will not only protect your pet from harm, but they also help by keeping them from distracting you while you are driving. A pet safety harness acts the same way as a regular seatbelt does. While your typical pet will not find any problems adjusting to it, you may want to let them test it out by wearing the harness by itself a few times before using it in the car. If your dog prefers a travel kennel, make sure that the kennel is well ventilated and stabilized. Many pet owners prefer vehicle barriers, particularly for larger pets. Vehicle barriers are best suited for SUVs or other cars with large connected storage areas. No matter what method you choose, back seat travel is always safer for your pet than in the passenger seat.
Comfortably Safe: Keeping your pet comfortable during the trip will go a long way in not having to deal with any flare-ups or 'accidents' during the getaway. Just as it's important for your seat to be comfortable, it is important to keep their area of the car pet-friendly. The easiest way to do this is by bringing along their favorite toy or blanket, sometimes even a travel bed.
Stop Frequently: You should take frequent stops to let your pet walk around for a few minutes and use the bathroom. Most rest stops and travel assistance areas will have specific areas for you to take your pet. Always pickup after your pet and try to stay in the designated "pet zone" when walking your pet. Always keep your pet on a lease and make sure that they have proper identification on their collar whenever they are outside of the car.
Keep Them Hydrated: During your rest stops make sure to provide your pet with some fresh water so that they can re-hydrate themselves. Occasionally, traveling in a car can upset your pet's stomach and keeping them hydrated will work to help prevent any 'accidents.' Another trick is to bring ice cubes for your pet as it's easier than having to bring large amounts of water (plus by the time you're done with the trip it IS just water).
No Feeding Your Pets Fast Food: It's a safe bet to refrain from feeding your pets anything extra on long road trips. Just stick to their regular amount of food at their regular feeding time. Try to refrain from letting them eat any leftovers from your own meals, especially if they're from a fast-food restaurant. Greasy food and pets aren't a good mix.
Don't Leave Them Stranded: Never leave your pet by themselves in a parked vehicle. On average warm days, the temperature in your car can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even if you have the windows slightly open. Another reason to not leave them in the car is it sometimes can act as an open invitation to pet thieves.
Keep Them Restrained: Make sure that your pet is safely restrained while in your car. Using a pet safety-harness or travel kennel are the easiest ways to keep your pet safe. These will not only protect your pet from harm, but they also help by keeping them from distracting you while you are driving. A pet safety harness acts the same way as a regular seatbelt does. While your typical pet will not find any problems adjusting to it, you may want to let them test it out by wearing the harness by itself a few times before using it in the car. If your dog prefers a travel kennel, make sure that the kennel is well ventilated and stabilized. Many pet owners prefer vehicle barriers, particularly for larger pets. Vehicle barriers are best suited for SUVs or other cars with large connected storage areas. No matter what method you choose, back seat travel is always safer for your pet than in the passenger seat.
Comfortably Safe: Keeping your pet comfortable during the trip will go a long way in not having to deal with any flare-ups or 'accidents' during the getaway. Just as it's important for your seat to be comfortable, it is important to keep their area of the car pet-friendly. The easiest way to do this is by bringing along their favorite toy or blanket, sometimes even a travel bed.
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