5 Tips for Traveling With a Pet

People who travel know the struggle: do you pay an exorbitant fee to board your beloved pet while you’re out of house, or do you bring him or her along with you? If you’ve decided to bring your furry best friend along with you for the ride, there is an amount of preparation and care that you have to take. The tips below are with mostly dogs and sometimes cats in mind, many pets of different shapes and sizes can travel. Look up travel tips for your specific pet to ensure a fun, safe road trip.

1. PREPARE YOUR PET FOR THE EXPERIENCE

Don’t expect your pet to cooperate for a drive from Las Vegas to New York City if they’ve never even been in a vehicle before. So, before the big day, take your pet on a few small rides. Start with around the neighborhood and then down the street and then around time. The more experience they have within your car, and feeling the sensation of moving, the better off they’ll be when it’s time for a few hours at a time on the road.

2. PREPARE YOUR CAR FOR THE EXPERIENCE AS WELL

Many pets will behave well in your car and the trip will go off without a hitch. But, you have to prepare for the worst, just in case. Rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers are a great idea to make cleanup easy afterward. And when you return home, you’ll want to consider going to a car wash to vacuum out your vehicle of any pet hair. But it’s well worth it, right?

3. PACK FOR YOUR PET

Just as you need to pack up your suitcase for your big trip, you pet will need a pack as well. Food and water are easy to remember, but don’t forget a leash and a waste scoop or waste bags, so you don’t leave a mess at rest stops. Also consider asking your vet if there are any animal first aid supplies he would recommend you bring along. Last, but not least, if your pet has a favorite toy, blanket, or pillow, bring that with you to make your pet as calm and comfortable as possible.

4. BE SURE YOUR PET CAN BE IDENTIFIED

It’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the possibility of losing your pet. If your dog or cat or other furry friend breaks loose at any point, it could be a disaster. But only if you didn’t prepare properly. Before you leave, be sure your pet has a collar on and a tag with up to date contact information for someone to reach you if they find your four legged runaway. With a bit of a larger investment, you can get a microchip implant, so your pet can be identified even if the collar is torn off.

5. A PET WITH ITS HEAD OUT THE WINDOW ONLY WORKS IN MOVIES

This is mostly a tip for the dog owners out there. We all love the videos of dogs sticking their heads out the window, their tongues flapping in the breeze. And while this may be absolutely adorable, it’s not the safest option for your pet. They can be hit by flying debris or lose their footing and hit the car window with more force than is healthy. The best idea is to keep the windows up, or a leash that can be tied or held in a way that the dog must remain within the vehicle. Anything can happen on the road, so take this extra precaution.

Going on an open road adventure with your pet doesn’t need to be a hassle. It can be an enjoyable experience for both your pet and you. All it takes is some preparation and care and a whole lot of smiles. If you experience car troubles along the way, keep your pet calm and in the car, away from the other cars on the road, and give us at Tow Truck Henderson a call.

If you found this article helpful, share it with your fellow pet owners on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media. And if you have other insightful traveling tips, or have a funny story about cruising with your pet, comment below!