Road Tripping with Your Pet

As spring enters its full glory, with blooming flowers and budding trees, my thoughts turn to times of upcoming travel. This season, as well as summer and fall, are optimal road tripping times for people, and oftentimes those humans travel with their pets.

My husband and I look to take a vacation this summer to visit family back east, and we will be taking our springer/cocker mix, Mary, along for the L-O-N-G ride. As we make those plans, we’re considering taking in a baseball game. Since we can’t leave the dog in a hotel, we’ve turned to Rover.com to learn about pet sitters in the city that we plan to see the game. We’ve discovered a treasure in that website, as we’ve used it before, when going to a concert in another city and having Mary along on that journey. I recommend pet parents who travel, or who need pet sitting services in their own town, including boarding or daycare, visit Rover.com – the website is very helpful!

Another helpful site is BringFido.com. This site lists pet boarding/sitting services, hotels that allow pets, and even pet-friendly adventures in different locations. This, too, is a very helpful website for people who travel with their pets; the site even provides information on air traveling with pets.

Dog parks and rest areas provide great opportunities for both pet parents and their four-footed traveling companions to get out of the car, stretch, play, eat, and just break up the monotony of driving. Be sure to provide this respite for yourself and your pet.

Here are some other traveling trips for taking your pet on the road with you:

Pack well. Pack enough pet food for the trip – don't count on picking up your pet's favorite food along the journey as it may not be readily available.  Other things to pack: food and water dishes, bedding, litter and litter box, leash, collar and tags, grooming supplies, a favorite toy, a first-aid kit, and any necessary medications. In addition, a container of drinking water for your pet should always be with you.Make sure your pet wears a sturdy collar with ID tags throughout the trip. The tags should have both your permanent address and telephone number.  It is also very important to include a tag with the address and telephone number where you or a contact can be reached during your travels.Keep feeding to a minimum during travel. A light meal for your pet two to three hours before leaving is advised and give small amounts of water periodically in the hours before the trip.  Also, resist the temptation to give your pet part of your burger and fries during your journey – upset tummies and cars don’t mesh well.Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date and carry a health certificate with you.  Additionally, if your pet doesn’t travel well in the car, you may want to ask your veterinarian for a prescription to help keep your furry friend calmer.Carry a current photograph of your pet with you. If your pet is lost during a trip, a photograph will make it easier for others to help you find your pet.No heads out the window!  Although many pets find that sticking their head out the window is the best part of the road trip, it's not safe. Flying debris can easily injure your friend. And please -- NEVER travel with a pet in the back of a pickup truck. Some states have laws restricting such transport and it is always dangerous.Make frequent pit stops.  Always provide frequent bathroom and exercise breaks. Most travel service areas have designated pet walking areas. Be sure to stay in this area particularly when you pet needs a potty break…and of course, bring along a bag to pick up after your furry friend. When outside your vehicle, make sure that your pet is always on a leash and wearing a collar with a permanent and temporary travel identification tag.Provide proper hydration. During your pit stops be sure to provide your dog/cat with some fresh water. Consider taking along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water.Never leave your dog/cat unattended in a parked vehicle. On warm days, the temperature in your vehicle can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even with the windows slightly open. In addition, an animal left alone in a vehicle is an open invitation to pet thieves.Be sure that your pet is safely restrained in your vehicle. Utilizing a pet safety harness or travel kennel are the best ways to keep your dog safe. Cats should be in carriers for their safety (and yours!).  A harness not only protects your dog from injury, but also keeps them from distracting you as you drive. If your pet prefers a travel kennel, be sure it is well ventilated and stabilized. Many pet owners use vehicle barriers, particularly for larger pets. These are best suited for SUVs. No matter what method you choose, back seat travel is always safer for your pet.Whatever method you choose to properly restrain your pet in your vehicle, be sure to make their comfort a priority. Just as it's important for your "seat" to be comfortable for your long road trip, your pet's seat should be comfortable too. Typically their favorite blanket or travel bed will do the trick.
Following these ideas can make road tripping with your pet much more enjoyable and safe! Happy Road Tripping!