Whether you’re headed on an extended family vacation or a quick weekend getaway, traveling with pets involves an additional level of planning to keep your pet safe and comfortable. The team at Davis-Moore Auto Group has more than one four-legged family member and recommends following these seven tips when traveling with your pets.
1. Invest in a Well-Ventilated Carrier
Select from a variety of hard plastic, soft-sided, wire, and mesh carriers to find the one that fits your pet’s needs. You will want the carrier to be large enough so that your pet can easily and comfortably sit, stand, turn around, and lie down while inside.
2. Practice With Short Drives
If traveling longer distances is something new for your pet, help them acclimate by taking them on shorter drives while in their carrier. It’s essential to ensure their carrier is secure so it doesn’t shift and slide while driving or in case of a sudden stop.
3. Plan Your Pet’s Meals
Feed your pet a light meal approximately three to four hours before you depart. Never feed your pet while riding in the car, regardless of the distance of the drive. If needed, stop and give your pet adequate time to eat and drink, and then plan another stop shortly after to let them get out and use the bathroom or give them access to their litter box.
4. Never Leave Your Pet in a Parked Vehicle
Always make sure someone is in the vehicle with your pet, regardless of the temperature outside. A car can quickly become a furnace potentially leading to heatstroke for your pet on hot days, even with the windows open. On cold days your vehicle is similar to a refrigerator, keeping the inside cold enough for your pet to freeze if left unattended for an extended period.
5. Update Your Pet’s Travel Kit
Depending on what kind of animal you have, your pet’s travel kit should include practical items like:
- Bowls.
- Food and water.
- A leash.
- Plastic bags.
- A waste scoop.
- A litter box and extra litter.
- Medication.
- Travel papers.
- Medication.
- Grooming supplies.
Add a first-aid kit for your pet along with comfort items including a pillow or favorite toy.
6. Make Your Pet Easy to Identify
There are several ways you can help make identifying your pet easier in the event of separation. Use a temporary flat collar for your pet while on your trip with contact information including your destination, home address, cell phone number, and backup contact. Implanting a microchip allows most vets and animal shelters to simply wand your pet to obtain your contact information.
7. Keep All Heads Inside the Car
Looking at pictures of happy dogs with their ears flapping in the wind while their head is hanging out of the car window makes us smile. However, this is very dangerous for your four-legged family member as flying objects can cause serious injury.
A trip can certainly be more fun when you bring your four-legged family member along. By following these quick and easy tips, you can make sure your pet is safe and is having as much fun as you are.
https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-car-ride-happy-travel-pet-2379878/
Image via Pixabay by MarPockStudios
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