How to Travel with Pets by Car

Bringing a beloved pet along can make a getaway much more enjoyable.

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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.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

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

Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 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.
Step 6

Unless someone is onboard to hold them comfortably, a dog might be safer in a special traveling crate or harnessed in.
Step 7

Make certain to bring your pet's rabies certification, collar ID tag, and vet’s phone number along.

Comments

Tippy said

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on 6/14/2008 I absolutely LOVE this article. It should be required reading for everyone who acquires a pet. I have three Saint Bernards and we make "overnight" bags for each one. In addition, they are microchipped in case they ever get separated from us and their collars. The good thing about a microchip is that you pay a small yearly fee and in return all your pet's ID is uploaded to a national database and all Humane Societies and most vets will scan any dog brought to them before euthanasing it.