Every day, millions of people get in their cars to drive without a second thought. However, if you plan to take your furry friend along, some planning is required. While a car ride can only be improved by bringing your four-legged best friend along, you need to ensure that they are safe.
Whether you want to drive around town or hit the highway for some sightseeing, here are six safety tips for driving with your pet.
1. Get Your Pet Acclimated
Although you are used to the feeling of being in a car, your pets need some time to get used to it. Prepare your pet for a long trip by bringing them along on a series of short ones. If possible, have them come into a stationary car to get acquainted with it. Over time, you can increase the amount of time they spend on the road.
2. Make Sure Your Pet is Secure
While some may allow their dogs to roam freely throughout the car, this could endanger you and your pet. Keep your animals safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier when driving. Check to see if your pet can stand up, lay down, and turn around inside the carrier.
3. Feed Your Pet Well Before Your Trip
Nothing ruins the atmosphere of a trip more than hearing your animal puke in the backseat. To avoid this, feed your pet a light meal several hours before your trip to allow their food to settle.
4. Have a Pet Travel Kit
Create a pet travel kit to take with you. In your kit, you can include enough food and water for your pet, as well as any grooming supplies and medications. Don’t forget to include waste bags, a first-aid kit, and their favorite toy to help keep them calm.
5. Tag or Microchip Your Pet
Before embarking on a road trip, it’s recommended that you tag or microchip your pet. If you aren’t able to do this, design a collar with your name, phone number, and home address. If you get separated, your contact information will make it much easier for you to be reunited.
6. Don’t Leave Your Pet Inside A Parked Car
Never leave your pet inside a parked car under any circumstances. Not only is this illegal in certain states, but parked cars become very hot, very quickly. If an emergency prevents you from returning to your pet quickly, heatstroke can develop, possibly leading to death.
Take A Drive Down To Pet Ponderosa
Safely driving with your pets in the car is very important. The safety of your four-legged friends is in your hands, so do all you can to protect them.
Once you get your pet used to driving, why not visit us here at Pet Ponderosa? We aim to meet each pet and owner’s needs in every service, so visit us today!
To schedule an appointment, fill out our online contact form, and a member of our team will be in touch. We look forward to meeting you and your furry friend!