There are more than 120 million dogs and cats in American households. Each year millions of them are taken along on family vacations and weekend getaways — most often in cars. But, how do you ensure that your pet is kept safe during the journey?
Before you go
Have your veterinarian examine your pet to ensure that he or she is in good health before taking any lengthy car trips. (For some modes of travel or some destinations, an examination is required by law.) Be sure all vaccinations are current and that you have a sufficient supply of any medications your pet takes regularly. Remember to check with the local health department in the destination to which you are traveling about specific requirements and ask your veterinarian about any documentation, such as a health certificate, that may be necessary to bring with you.
Take a test drive
If your pet is not used to taking long car trips, try a couple of test runs to help acclimate your pet to the ride. For pets who have not ridden in a car before, you may want to start by simply spending time in the car while parked and work up to short trips to nearby destinations. Be aware of your pet’s level of comfort or fear and try to make the experience enjoyable by bringing treats or toys.
Drugs?
Some pets experience a great deal of anxiety when traveling in a car. Common reactions include excessive drooling, shaking and vomiting. Your pet may simply be fearful of the experience or have motion sickness. A question for many pet owners is whether or not to medicate pets who do not travel well.
Check with your veterinarian for advice on the use of either over-the-counter or prescription medications.
Safety
Although dogs who enjoy car travel do not have to be confined in a carrier, it is always a good idea to keep them in a restraining harness to protect them from injury in an accident and prevent them from interfering with the driver. Cats should be kept in a carrier. Pack a First Aid Kit that should minimally include: tweezers & alcohol for tick removal, cloth bandages and topical antiseptic.
Cautions
Do not allow your pets to stick their head out of the window. Small stones and debris become dangerous projectiles when traveling at highway speeds. And, never let your pet ride in the rear of an open pick-up truck, where they can be thrown in the event of a sudden stop or sharp turn. Never leave your pet in a car in warm or hot weather. Even with windows open or when parked in the shade, a car interior can quickly rise to temperatures of more than 160o with lethal consequences.
What to pack?
Be sure to bring your pet’s food and water dishes, bedding, litter and litter box, leash, collar and tags, favorite toys and their regular grooming supplies.
Food & water
In addition to a bottle of water, take ice cubes for your pet to chew on. Too much water can upset their stomachs on the road. Feed your pet less than you would normally.
Along the way
Don’t forget to stop regularly for exercise, water and relief.
Identification
When traveling to places your pet is not familiar with, you’ll need to be particularly careful they don’t get lost. Always keep your pet on a leash.
Make sure your pet has a collar with an ID tag that includes your permanent address and phone number and, if possible, the address and number of where you’re vacationing. You may want to discuss a micro-chip identification implant with your veterinarian.
If lost
Unfortunately, pets do get separated from their owners. So, bring a current photo of your pet in the event you have to show it to police, shelter workers or to make "lost pet" posters for distribution in the area the pet was last seen.
Driving with Your Pet