How can I bring my pet on a road trip
Road trips can be so much fun. There’s nothing quite like taking an extended period of time to experience the open roads of America. However, if you have a pet, you’ll have to decide whether to board the animal while you’re away or take them along. If you choose to bring your pet, make sure the trip goes smoothly by following these tips.
Plan the route. While it’s tempting to get in the car and start driving, it is not a good idea if your dog is coming along. He or she can’t last in the car as long as you can; they’ll need regular breaks to stay comfortable and happy. This trip should be as fun for him or her as it is for you, so plan to take a 15- to 30-minute break every four hours. Making stops at pet-friendly parks or rest areas is a good way to make the ride more enjoyable for everyone. Figure out how to get there by planning your route via GPS, including each stop as a specific point on the way to your final destination.
Visit the vet. It’s important to make sure your pet is healthy enough for such a trip. He or she needs to be up-to-date with vaccinations, as they could come into contact with potential diseases along the way. It might be a good idea to ask about medication that could help calm your pet while on the road. Just having it could give you peace of mind, even if you don’t end up needing it.
Book pet-friendly accommodations. Keep your pet in mind when making accommodations along the way. Fortunately, pet-friendly hotels are becoming increasingly common. If you’re staying at campgrounds during your trip, this isn’t as much of an issue, but it’s still a good idea to check with the managers to make sure your pet will be safe there.
Bring the necessities along, and keep your routines. Before leaving, you should make sure that your pet’s ID tags are accurate. You’ll also want to bring along all of the necessities he or she needs to stay comfortable, well-fed, and active. This isn’t the time to try out a new food. Pets thrive on routine, so try to surround them with as many familiar things as you can and keep up as many of your normal activities as possible.
Secure your pet. Once you’re actually on the road, your pet needs to stay in one place as much as possible. While we’re all familiar with the common image of a dog hanging their head out of the window of a car, the safest place a pet could be while in a moving vehicle is in a secured crate. Another option is a doggie seat belt, but make sure to test it out before you leave on your trip to make sure it will work for you.
10 tips for epic road trips with your dog [Cesar’s Way]
How to Take Your Pets on a Cross Country Road Trip [Go Pet Friendly]