How to Travel with Pets by Car

Bringing a favorite pet along on a road trip can greatly add to the enjoyment. You’ll need to be completely prepared, however, to ensure not only their comfort, but their safety as well.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Leash
• ID collar
• Phone number of vet
• Rabies certification
• Food
• Water
• Bowl
• Can opener

1. Bring plenty of water, food, doggie treats, and all their other necessities, such as leashes and bowls. As dogs can get upset stomachs from unfamiliar water, consider mixing in new water with the current container as your trip progresses.
2. Consider the time of year in determining whether to bring blankets or pet sweaters. Regardless of the season, stop at least once every three hours to let your pets get some fresh air and relieve themselves.
3. Make 100 percent certain the lodgings you’re visiting take pets--you don’t want an unpleasant surprise following a five-hour drive to a remote area. If your pet is elderly, or just has trouble with stairs, make sure to reserve a first-floor room.
4. Research what pet hospitals or veterinary clinics will be in proximity to the places you’ll be traveling through. Should a health crisis occur on the road, you’ll know just where to go.
5. Bring along paper towels or some old cloth towels to clean up any accidents in the car. You can plastic-bag and toss out any that get really dirty; some cloth towels may turn out to be cleanable and reusable afterwards.
6. Unless someone is onboard to hold them comfortably, a dog might be safer in a special traveling crate or harnessed in.
7. Make certain to bring your pet's rabies certification, collar ID tag, and vet’s phone number along.

Tips & Warnings

• Think twice about taking pets along on long driving trips through intensely hot or cold weather.