Pet Travel Safety Tips

If you travel with your cats and dogs you should have a list of go-to tips at hand to help address any potential issues that may arise while you’re on the road. Even seasoned travelers sometimes look back at their itinerary and the checklist they have for car travel with their pets.  

Here are seven pet travel safety tips for you to consider before heading out of town:

Car Security

When you’re traveling with your cats and dogs in the car, make certain they are safely strapped in. Some pet parents use seatbelts and harnesses specifically designed for cats and dogs.

Other pet parents put their pets into their crates and secure them into the seats. Make sure if you’re using a crate that it is properly ventilated so your dog or cat doesn’t overheat.

Keep your pets out of direct sunlight by investing in sun shades to keep the sun from coming in through the car windows. 

Pack Your Pets Favorite Items

If your pet has a bed or toy or blanket he or she loves, bring it along. The favorite item may make the car ride more enjoyable for him or her – and for you! Also, having your pet’s favorite items will help ease any separation anxiety or stress of being in a different location. 

Never Leave Your Pet Alone in a Vehicle

When you’re taking a car trip, you need to plan for the stops you have to make along the way. If you’re traveling with someone it’s easy enough to stop and take a bathroom break while the other stays in the car with your pet.

If you are traveling alone you need to find rest stops that will accommodate your pets when you go in. A pet should never be left in a car as a car can quickly heat up to dangerous – even fatal levels.

Vet Visit

If your pet is due to go for his or her annual veterinarian visit, try to schedule it before you leave for your vacation. Ask your vet for a print out of your pet’s medical records and his or her most recent vaccination records. If there is a medical emergency while you’re on vacation you need to make certain you have the most up-to-date medical records to take to the emergency vet.
Don’t forget to bring any medications your pet may need as well.

Stay on Schedule

Even if your pets love a car trip, they also love their routine. Stick to the same feeding and calls-of-nature schedule to which they are accustomed. Bring food and water from home and stop when necessary to allow your pets to eat, stretch their legs, and relieve themselves.  

Microchip and Tags

Both cats and dogs should be microchipped or wear a collar with your contact information on their tags - or even both. If your pet gets loose in a strange location, you want to do everything you can to assure you’re reunited - a microchip and collar with tags could help. 

Pet First-Aid Kit

Whenever you travel you should have a pet first aid kit to accommodate the number of pets in the vehicle. A few items you should consider equipping the first-aid kit with includes:

• Bandages
• Tweezers
• Scissors
• Antibiotic Ointments
• Medications your pet takes regularly 

Bonus Tip

You should also take a photo of you with your pet on your trip. If you have a pet who gets groomed, get photos of them pre-groom and post-groom; these photos will help with being reunited with your pet if they get lost on your road trip.

Have a safe and fun road trip with your pets - and be sure you take lots of photos of your adventures!  Looking for a way to be extra safe on your adventures?  Consider packing an active pet insurance policy!