Cars & Pets: Transporting Safely

Die hard dog lovers…loyal and true… have an agonizing moral dilemma when it comes time to leave the house for a trip or vacation of some sort: Take your little buddy with you or leave him at home?  Hell, some pet owners can’t even go to Walmart without feeling guilty.  Total duration of trip, drive time, season of the year, destination environment, the dog’s age and health and a multitude of other issues factor into the decision making process.  As tempting as it can be to want to bring them with you…the most humane approach boils down to a variant of the Golden Rule: Putting your dog’s best interests first, not your own.  Having to leave him/her in a strange hotel room or kennel for any length of time may actually be more difficult for your companion than your imagined separation anxiety for him if we find a pet-sitter and leave him at home in his own realm.

Dilemma: Should He Stay or Go?

So you get over the hump of the first decision and decide to take him with you. Here are some rules of the road:

Dogs: No roaming in the car

The safest way for your dog to travel in the car is in a crate that has been anchored to the vehicle using a seatbelt or other secure means. Dog restraints or seatbelts are useful for preventing your dog from roaming around the car and being a distraction to the driver, but they haven’t been reliably shown to protect dogs during a crash.

Cats: Belong in carriers

Most cats aren’t comfortable traveling in cars, so for their safety as well as yours, keep them in a carrier. It’s important to restrain these carriers in the car so that they don’t bounce around and hurt your cat. Do this by securing a seat belt around the front of the carrier.

Front seat is for humans only!

Keep your pet in the back seat of the car. If an airbag deployed while your pet was in the passenger seat (even in a crate), it might injure your pet.

Heads inside!

If you’ve bought into the previous three rules, this one is already handled. Dogs and cats should always be kept safely inside the car. Pets who are allowed to stick their heads out the window can be injured by particles of debris or become ill from having cold air forced into their lungs. Never transport a pet in the back of an open pickup truck.

If you’re a frequent traveler with pets, some of this stuff can just be stored in a designated plastic storage tote at home. For multiple pets, the best bet is to bring a separate tote for each one. That way, you can keep their food, medications, and toys organized. Some suggestions for the tote include:

• Pre-packaged food – Bring along your pet’s usual food, and prepack each meal in a Ziplock bag. Familiar food is good for your pet on the road, and can save money over buying as you go. Packing by serving is less messy and more convenient. If you have more than one pet, label each one’s food separately, and always bring spares in case you get stuck.
• Biscuits, treats, toys – A favorite toy or two relieves stress.
• Water in resealable plastic container – Any plastic bowl will do, but a number of sources offer specialty travel bowls.
• Collar ID Tag – Get one with your pet’s name, your name, and your telephone number. A cell number is best for the road, or you can tape a local number to the collar. Bring along your own vet’s number, too. Permanent microchips for tracking are also available. Ask your vet.
• Pet friendly guide book – For tips on lodging, pet stores, emergency services, and pet friendly parks along the way. Also check out websites like PetFriendly.com and PetsWelcome.com.
• Dog towels – if your dogs like to swim, bring along some old towels. They’re also handy if the pooch takes an unexpected mud bath. Your friends and hotel staffs will thank you.
• Leash, and maybe a longer run – It should be obvious, but don’t forget the leash. A longer run is good if you’re going to be tying the dog outside.
• Documentation of shots – Don’t leave home without them.
• Medications – Don’t forget any pills, ointments, or anything else you give your pet at home.
• Plastic bags – For cleaning up after your pet.
• Litter and box – If you’re traveling with a cat.
• Pet carrier – For cats and smaller dogs.
• Cleaning supplies – in case there’s an upset stomach or “accident” on the road.

Plan ahead

As much fun as it can be for both the pet and the family to bring Fido or Snowball along on a trip, traveling with animals generally requires a bit more planning. If you’re staying in hotels, make sure they’re pet friendly before you book. And keep in mind that some hotels and motels that say they allow animals may have weight limits. If you have a 200-pound Mastiff, make sure you let your hosts know ahead of time.

While on the road

• Stop every couple of hours to let your pet take a break and have some water.
• Never let your pet ride with its head out the window – eye, ear, and head injuries could result.
• Don’t leave a pet in the car unattended in the car without leaving windows a few inches open. Open the sunroof if you have one. And never, ever leave a pet in the car on hot days.
• Always put your pet on the leash before opening the door or tailgate to let them out.

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