Whether you are moving across country or just taking a family vacation, you need to know how to make a long car trip both safe and comfortable for your pets. Even adults and children can find long car trips stressful and pets, who don’t understand what’s going on or where they are headed, can suffer more than their families when on the road. Preparing in advance and being attentive to both safety and comfort will make long automobile journeys more enjoyable for pets and humans alike.

Preparation is Important

If your dog or cat hasn’t traveled by car much, try to take a few trips in the weeks leading up to a long journey to get them used to it, making each trip progressively longer and finishing the journey with a reward and some fun activities or cuddle time with you. Be sure you always travel appropriately. For cats and small dogs, this means an appropriate pet carrier in the back seat; larger dogs should be restrained with an approved safety harness.

If you will be staying overnight with friends or in hotels, make sure that the accommodations allow for pets and check to see what the arrangements will be. Will pets be allowed in the rooms, or will there be kennel facilities?

Have your pet examined by his or her veterinarian within ten days before your trip and make sure all vaccines are up-to-date. Get a health certificate verifying that the animal is in good health and that all required shots are current, including Bordatella (required by many boarding facilities and pet friendly hotels).

If your pet suffers from excessive anxiety, discuss this with your vet. There are homeopathic medications that may make the trip less stressful if your vet feels they are appropriate.

Have the Proper Supplies

All pets should have proper identification tags when traveling in the event they become lost. You should also have a current picture of your pet in your purse or wallet. Your car should be stocked with jugs of fresh water for your pet, dry pet food and a first aid kit.

Frequent stops will be a must when traveling with your pet. Try not to feed your pet much in the morning if you’ll be on the road all day; this will minimize the potential for accidents or car sickness. Every few hours stop in an area where you can walk your pet on a leash so that he/she can relieve herself and stretch their legs. Some cats who have always been indoor pets are finicky and may prefer that you provide a small litter box even outdoors. This is fine – just scoop it clean, cover and repack until the next stop.

A few favorite pet toys or a loved blanket should always go with a traveling pet. These “lovies” can reassure your pet and keep their stress level down. Talking to your pet periodically during the journey will also help. The sound of your voice will let them know that although the surroundings have changed, their family is still with them, which is the most important thing for any pet.

Always remember when traveling that you should never leave your pet in the car when the sun could raise the temperature to dangerous levels, causing serious injury or death. Even with the windows cracked, on a hot day, the inside temperature can quickly rise to triple digits and cause heat stroke and seizures. If you wouldn’t stay in the car, don’t leave your pet there!