For some pet
parents, a road trip is no fun if the four-legged members of the family can't
come. But for animals, traveling can be highly stressful. Here are 10 tips to
help ensure a safe and comfortable trip for everyone.
1.
Keep your
pet safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety
of wire mesh, hard plastic, and soft-sided carriers available. Be sure the
carrier you choose is large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down, and
turn around.
2.
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. It's smart to get your pet accustomed
to the carrier before your trip. Be sure to always secure the crate so it
won't slide or shift in the event of a quick stop.
3.
Your pet's
travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal 3 to 4 hours prior to
departure. Don't feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle, even if it is a
long drive.
4.
Never leave
your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows
open, a parked car 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.
5.
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.
6.
Make sure
your pet has a microchip for identification and wears a collar with a tag
imprinted with your contact information, as well as a temporary travel tag with
your cell phone, destination phone number, and any other relevant contact
information.
7.
Don't allow
your pet to ride with his or her head outside the window. He or she could
be injured by flying objects. Keep him or her in the back seat in the carrier
or with a harness attached to a seatbelt.
8.
Traveling
across state lines? Bring along your pet's rabies vaccination record; some
states requires this proof at certain interstate crossings.
9.
When it
comes to H2O, we say BYO. Opt for bottled water or tap water stored in plastic
jugs. Drinking water from an area your pet isn’t used to could result in tummy
upset.
10.
If you
travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor
liners and waterproof seat covers, both of which are available at auto product
retailers.
Safe
travels!
