Planning the Perfect Road Trip with Your Pet

Don’t Skip That Vet Visit!

Before hitting the road, swing by your vet to make sure your pet is current on vaccinations and protected against fleas, ticks, and heart worm. Travel can be stressful for pets, especially if they’re not used to car rides, confined spaces, or the unfamiliar sights and sounds of new environments. But don’t let that stop your adventure.

With a little preparation, you can ease their anxiety and make the trip more comfortable. If needed, talk to your vet about calming medications or other strategies to help your pet feel more at ease while traveling.

Test the Waters with Mini Road Trips

Bringing your pet on short trips is a great way to help them get comfortable with traveling, build their confidence, and prepare for longer journeys.

Be sure to pack a few treats and their favorite toy or blanket. Familiar comforts can go a long way in helping them feel safe and relaxed.

Pet-proof your car

Pets pose a hazard to you and themselves if they are moving around in the car while you drive. The safest way to travel with your pet is keeping them out of the front seat and using a booster seat, travel crate, or safety harness.

Car Seats: Ideal for small dog breeds, car seats keep your pup safely in the backseat while still allowing them to comfortably look out the window.

Carriers & Crates: Choose a size that lets your dog or cat stand, turn around, and lie down with ease. Place the carrier near the center of the car when possible, and secure it using a seat belt or restraint system. If it’s in the cargo area, make sure it’s safely tied down to prevent shifting.

Tethers & Seat Belts: A dog seat belt or harness tether keeps your pup secure in the backseat while giving them enough room to move, turn, and lie down. This setup helps reduce distractions for you and offers a good balance between safety and comfort for restless travelers.

If your pet has an accident or makes a mess in the car, you can find helpful tips on how to clean it up quickly and effectively on this site.

Take necessary breaks

Just like people, pets can get restless during long car rides. If you’re taking a road trip, plan to stop every few hours so your pet can stretch, use the bathroom, and stay hydrated. Try to keep total travel time to around seven hours per day to avoid overwhelming them.

Many rest stops across the country even have dog parks or fenced-in areas where your pet can safely burn off some extra energy.

Plan Ahead with Pet-Friendly Places to Stay

If your trip spans multiple days or you run into unexpected delays, it’s smart to have a list of pet-friendly hotels and restaurants with outdoor patios ready to go.

Make Unforgettable Moments with Your Pet

No matter where the road leads, traveling with your furry best friend is a special kind of joy. Embrace the adventure; together, you’ll share companionship, discover new places, slow down to savor the moments, and create memories that will last a lifetime.