How to Acquaint a Pet to Traveling in a Car

Depending on the type of pet you will be traveling with, acclimating your pet for travel can be easy or moderately difficult. Dogs tend to be fairly easy to adapt to the motion of travel, whereas cats sometimes get scared with the movement. Further, horses often become spooked with fast movement around them. Reptiles, amphibians and fish require special handling while traveling.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Introduce your pet to your vehicle by sitting in your vehicle with the engine off and the pet in your arms. Let the pet become used to the new surroundings. Spend about 5 to 10 minutes with the initial introduction to your vehicle.

2. Have an animal carrier available if your pet is a mammal, such as a dog or cat. This not only can make your dog or cat feel secure in a familiar environment, but it will also be safer if you have to stop quickly. If your animal does not like being in a pet carrier, have a family member or friend with you to hold the animal while you drive. Many animals tend to be stir crazy in a vehicle and want to climb all over the inside of a vehicle, including on the owner's lap, which could distract the driver.

3. Bring an amphibian, reptile or fish in a container that allows the pet to breathe but not escape. Further, if it is an amphibian, make sure that whoever is with you holds the terrarium-like habitat still and that the amphibian does not get water in its lungs with the movement of the vehicle.

4. Make sure a horse has blinders on so that it does not get spooked or afraid from the traffic going by. This could be dangerous for the horse if it gets scared and raises itself on its hind legs while the vehicle is moving.

5. Start your engine on the second visit to the car with your pet. Let it get used to the hum of the engine and the slight vibration of your vehicle. If your pet gets nervous, assure it in a soft tone of voice that it is only the car. Leave the vehicle running for 5 or 10 minutes. Turn on the radio as you normally do while traveling in your vehicle.

6. Drive a short distance with your pet on the third visit to your vehicle. A drive around the block or to the grocery store and back will acquaint your pet with the feeling of travel without overwhelming it.

7. Increase the length of time you drive with your pet with each visit. Make it a part of your daily routine to where your pet looks forward to going for a ride. Praise your pet for its good behavior as it begins to calm itself down for the journey. Eventually, your pet will want to go everywhere with you!

Tips & Warnings

• Note, it is easier to train a mammal that is young such as a puppy or a kitten than it is to train an older pet. However, all pets can get used to the idea of traveling as long as you are patient and persistent in your endeavor. Many pets feel more comfortable on the floor board of a vehicle. This may be because it appears calmer on the floor than where it can see fast movement going by. However, some pets do like to travel with their noses pressed against the window.