Car Travel With Pets: 5 Tips for Safety and Security and Then Some

Some pet parents will agree that traveling is no fun if the four-legged member of the family can’t join the ride. Because we treat them as families, leaving them behind is often not an option. But pet parents will also agree that traveling long distances with pets can be stressful, leaving you burnt out during the entire trip.

But it doesn’t have to be if you know what to prepare and expect for a smooth ride. By taking the right steps, you can have a happy and safe road trip by taking the right steps, no matter the distance!

Keep them comfortable and secured.

Unpleasant odors, lingering stains, and dog fur on the seats–sometimes, these are just a fact of life for pet owners. You can scrub the seats and fill your car with air freshener, but we know that this may not get your pristine leather seats back. That is why investing in high-quality dog seat covers for leather seats is important, especially if you often travel with your pet. 

While some people view dog seat covers as just an accessory, we see them as an essential tool. Pets, particularly dogs, enjoy car rides. They might want to stick their head out of the car window. Using dog car seat covers will keep them safe and secure inside the vehicle. 

Prepare your pet’s traveling kit.

Always bring your pet’s essentials when you are traveling. Since anything can happen at any time, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Your kit should include the following–but not limited to prescription medications your pet could be taking, pet medical history, poop bags or litter boxes, and scoop; pet food, food bowl, water bowl, leash, and first-aid kit. In addition, pack your pet’s favorite toy and blanket to give your pet a sense of familiarity and help your pet settle in the car comfortably.

Prepare your pet for a long trip—with shorter trips beforehand.

You’re planning on a road trip, but have you asked your pet if they’re ready? Animals can be quite sensitive, especially when there are rapid changes to their surroundings. This could have a sudden effect on them. Many pets get carsick on their first car trip. Unless this is not their first car ride, you may want to take them on a series of short trips first. Then gradually make each trip a bit longer until they get the hang of it. 

If you are traveling with a dog, always make sure that your dog is safely secured in the car. A dog seat cover is recommended for pet owners who often take their pets with them when traveling. It does the job of keeping your dog in place without restricting them. It also provides them a comfortable spot, making them feel they have their own place in your car.

Use any form of identification.

Put a collar with identification tags with your pet’s name and your contact number. Another option is microchipping your pet. Like any other device, it comes with pros and cons, and you might want to check them out first. But when it comes to cases like lost pets, this is very useful. It is the easiest way for someone to know if an animal is a lost pet. 

In the event that your pet gets lost, Animal Control officers and animal shelters can run a scanner over the pet to see if they have an owner somewhere. The shelter will contact the microchip company, which keeps files and records, including their contact information. Reports suggest that most lost pets reunite with their owners—all thanks to the microchip.

Have your pet vaccinated.

No pet owner would want their pet catching or spreading disease while traveling. For this reason, ensure that your pet gets the needed vaccinations before your travel date. Don’t forget to bring your pet’s vaccination record with you. If you are traveling across state lines, keep in mind that there are some states that require this proof at the interstate crossings.

Set a feeding schedule.

Make sure your pet is fed 3-4 hours before leaving for the trip. Traveling with a not-too-full stomach helps your pet from getting carsick. Also, no feeding while the car is in motion.

Make sure your pets are never left in the car on their own.

Just like how it’s not safe to leave your children in the car, the same applies to pets. Regardless of the weather, leaving your beloved pet in the car can be fatal. During summer, there is a risk of heat stroke in a parked car, even with the windows open; and winter can quickly turn the car into a freezer, freezing your pet to death.

Get informed about pet travel regulations.

There are states that passed their own regulations for traveling with pets. It is crucial to be familiarized with these regulations, especially if you are crossing to other states. You can avoid getting into unnecessary trouble with the authorities by being knowledgeable of the different regulations.