Pet Safety & Wellness

Safe Car Travel with Dogs

Never leave your dog alone in the car. Temperatures on even a moderate day can soar, turning your car into an oven.

Whether we were going on a vacation or just on a short excursion to the beach for the weekend, Farley was a part of the family and came along. The little Dachsie was always eager to go and racked up tons of road miles with us. He watched us packing and paced the floor until he was sure his own bag was stuffed and ready. Taking pets on a road trip is an added responsibility, but it’s worthwhile to have your good friend along while you stroll on a beach or hike through a park.

Before we packed Farley’s duffel, though, we always researched our destination. Some places don’t allow pets. If that’s the case, we wanted to either make alternate plans or leave Farley at home. It was no fun to see his sad face peeking out of a crate as we darted off on another adventure.

Here are ten tips to make your car travel experience fun and safe:

When traveling by car, pets are safest in a crate. Most owners prefer a metal mesh crate so they and the pet can see each other, but a molded plastic airline crate will also work. The crate serves as the pet’s seat belt and keeps the pet from suddenly jumping into your lap or playing peek-a-boo while you’re maneuvering along a winding mountain road.
Be sure to pack your pet’s favorite toys and any other comforts to make him feel at home. Put a rug or blanket on the crate bottom and give him a favorite toy and he’ll contentedly snooze away the miles. Take along clean-up equipment so that your dog will be a welcome guest.
Every dog should wear a collar with a license and ID tag attached. Pack a color photo of your pet just in case. It’s important to be prepared for a “worst case scenario,” such as your dog escaping after an accident. Make sure your dog is microchipped in case he gets away from you – it’s the only reliable way to ensure identification.
Never leave your dog alone in the car. Temperatures on even a moderate day can soar, turning your car into an oven. Battery operated fans can be attached to crates for short stops. Ice cubes in a non-spill bowl are better than water.
Assemble a first aid kit with all the necessary medications and emergency supplies. If there’s an accident, you’ll want to have this critical equipment on hand.
Prevent dehydration. Bring water from home or use bottled water, and make sure your dog always has fresh water available. Pack his usual food; it may not be available at your destination and dietary changes can cause stomach upsets.
Acclimate your dog to short trips before attempting a long one. It’s no fun for either of you if he becomes carsick. Don’t feed him a full meal before embarking on your trip. Use absorbent material on the bottom of the crate “just in case.”
Stop every couple of hours to exercise your dog. It’s a good excuse to stretch your own legs and to see local sights!
Make sure the motel where you’re going to stay allows pets. Find out whether or not animals are allowed at a campsite or a national park. Ask about any pet restrictions. Most places that welcome pets require them to be on leash or confined. Always confine your pet inside a crate if you have to leave him alone in a motel room. It will ease your mind to know that he’s not tearing down the drapes or chewing the television cord as a consolation while you’re dining, and he won’t accidentally escape if housekeeping ignores the “Do Not Disturb” sign.
Lastly, if car travel means that your pet will be confined most of the time and that you won’t be able to enjoy each other’s company, do both of you a favor and give him a vacation at a good boarding kennel or find a dog sitter to keep him content until you’re reunited. A postcard wouldn’t hurt either.