Traveling with your Companion
For some pet parents, a trip's no fun if the four-legged members of the family can't come. But traveling can be highly stressful, both for you and your animal companions. With thoughtful preparation, you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.
Planning a road trip? Traveling with a pet involves more than just loading the animal in the back seat and motoring off—especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. The Wisconsin Humane Society offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip:
- Keep your pets safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There's a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic, and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it's large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around in, and secure it inside your vehicle so it can't slide around. It's best to get your pet used to the carrier in the comfort of your home before your trip.
- In lieu of a carrier, utilize a harness and tether. Another great way to keep your dog safe is by tethering them during car rides, greatly reducing their risk of an ejection if you are in an accident. Tethers are adjustable, shortened leashes with a clip on one end that fits securely into your existing seatbelt slot, while the other end clips to your pet. They allow your pet some of the freedom they may be used to on trips, but act as a seatbelt to keep them safe during emergencies. Tethers should always be clipped to a well-fitted harness, never directly to your pet's collar.
- Get your pet geared up for a long trip by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. And please be sure to always secure the crate so it won't slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
- Your pet's travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Don't feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle—even if it is a long drive.
- Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked automobile can become a furnace in no time, and heatstroke can develop. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
- What in your pet's traveling kit? In addition to travel papers, food, bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first-aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.
- Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone, destination phone number and any other relevant contact information. Canines should wear flat (never choke!) collars, please.
- Don't allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window. He could be injured by flying objects. And please keep him in the back seat in his crate or with a harness attached to a seat buckle.
- Traveling across state lines? Bring along your pet's rabies vaccination record, as some states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn't a problem, it's always smart to be on the safe side.
- When it comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic jugs. Drinking water from an area he's not used to could result in tummy upset for your pet.
- If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers, available at auto product retailers.
