Pets are part of the family. They keep us company on the couch when watching movies, but sometimes we want to share the outside world with them. Just like bringing a baby along for a trip, there are certain things we need to consider when traveling with pets. The considerations increase when we are planning to take them for longer rides or overnight. Here are a few things to think about when bringing your furry friend out with you!
Keep Them on a Leash
Keeping your pets on a leash is the best way to ensure that they don’t dash off into a parking lot or traffic. Most dog owners know the various kinds of collars and harnesses that can help keep their puppy in check, but cat owners have choices too! There are harnesses like the “Come With Me Kitty Harness & Bungee Leash” that allow kitty to have minimal restriction, or if you have a more wriggly kitty, a Kitty Holster might be in order.
Bring Water!
Pets seem to drink more water on the road. Whether this is due to stress or excitement, you’ll need to keep plenty of water on hand. Fill an old milk jug and bring it along with a collapsible pet water bowl, or try one of these handy AutoDogMugs from Highwave.
Start Small!
Your pets will appreciate the car more if their first trip isn’t a grueling four-day 12 hours a day cross country trip from Miami to Seattle. Give them a chance to enjoy the car rides, take them for a few spins around the block and gradually work their way into longer rides. Make the trips enjoyable for your pet, taking them to places other than the vet’s office. Give your pet a sniff around the local park or pet store!
Kennels Save Lives
Dog kennels and cat carriers keep everyone safer in the car. It may be cute to let your child hold their pet hamster on the ride to Grandma’s house just up the road, but there are so many ways it can go wrong. Cats turn into escape artist ninjas when put into a car. If you must slam on your brakes, the carrier provides some protection and keeps your pet from being tossed around the passenger compartment. In the event of an actual accident, nothing is safer for your pet than the walls of their car pet carrier. Kennels should be large enough for your pet to stand up and stretch, sit, and turn around.
Plan Hotels Ahead
Bringing your companion along for a road trip sounds like a great idea! Just you and your road dog on the highway to points unknown, right? In theory, this sounds great, but at the end of the day when it’s time to hit the hotel, finding an animal friendly place to stay may be a challenge. Plan ahead and look at sites like Pet Friendly Hotels to find out where you can stay when your furry friend is with you.
Potty Breaks
Just like the kids, Rover and Fluffy will need to relieve themselves. Cats may be easier if you can get them to go in a disposable kitty litter box, or a portable kitty litter travel box. Dogs however, generally aren’t box trained, and you will need to plan that extra time to let them out to stretch their legs and pee. A good schedule will allow them a 15-minute break outside the car every 2 hours.
Bringing your furry little family members along for the ride can be a great way to have a memorable trip. Not only do you get to spend the time including your best friend, but they don’t have to spend the time cooped up in a boarding kennel, stuck with other animals who may not be friendly. You wouldn’t like it if your family tossed you in a cage and went out for the day, or on vacation, and neither does your pup! Bring them along and let them be part of the fun!