If you have ever wanted to go on a leisurely drive with your pup or kitty by your side, here we will tell you how you can plan well to make sure it goes smoothly.
It is quite a common thing to travel with your pet nowadays, given the fact that there are currently 69 million households in the USA with at least one dog. Around 67% of American households have pets, and 78% of these pet owners travel with them every year. So, if you want to go on a road trip with your furry friend, there is no time like the present.
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Carry the Essentials
Carry a pet first aid kit and bring a leash, crate, food, and water bowls. Also, take along grooming supplies like a brush, shampoo, wipes, or other materials you might need to keep your pet looking clean and shiny on your road trip.
Bring a portable litter box if needed, as well as any other items that could help make the trip more comfortable for your pet, like toys.
You can buy all the essential items like food, medicine, treats, training, and grooming supplies online on a reliable portal like PetCareRx. It will help you focus on planning the trip without having to step out to purchase pet-care essentials.
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Prep Your Car in Advance
Make sure your pet is comfortable in the car. If you have a small animal, use a carrier to transport them safely. They’ll be less likely to throw themselves out of the car if they’re contained.
Make sure you have an appropriate carrier for transporting your furry friend in the car; if you have an infant seat or booster seat available, this can serve double duty as both something to carry your dog inside during long drives.
If you are taking a larger animal on your road trip, make sure they have enough room to move around and get comfortable.
Clean off any windows that will be exposed before setting off on your journey. You wouldn’t want your dog licking up all that grime from outside when he sticks his head out of the window.
And finally, bring plenty of snacks for yourself and treats for your pawed friend.
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How to Keep Your Pet Comfortable
The most important thing to do when taking a road trip with your pet is to make sure they’re comfortable. This means keeping them in a crate or carrier that’s large enough for them to move around in, with enough space for their head and neck to relax.
If you’d rather not have your pet confined in the car, you can still make sure they’re comfortable by bringing a blanket, along with water and food. That way, if they get hungry or thirsty during the ride, there will be something available for them.
Book all hotels in advance. It needs to have an inclusive policy toward pets. The New York Times reports that 44% of hotels currently have a pet-friendly policy, so you shouldn’t face any issues if you check with the hotel while booking your stay.
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Adopt a Safety First Approach
Before you get on the road, make sure your pet is wearing a collar with identification tags. Your pet’s collar should have a microchip installed, with an updated ID tag, just in case they get separated from you or lost while on the road.
Make sure your pet is also wearing a harness or other restraint to keep them safe while traveling.
If you plan on driving long distances, it’s important to have a vehicle equipped with air conditioning and seatbelts for everyone in the car.
- Get a Check-up Before You Leave
If you’ve never taken your pet on a road trip before, or if it’s been a while since the last time you went for a drive, make sure to get them checked over by the vet before heading out.
The first step is to make sure that your pet is up-to-date on all of its vaccinations. If any vaccines are due and not up-to-date yet, getting those shots done at least two weeks before leaving will prevent last-minute delays from occurring and possibly having to cancel the trip altogether. Your veterinarian should be able to tell you which ones these are based on where you live and what state or city laws require.
Once this is done, it’s time for another check-up, fleas and ticks. These unwanted hitchhikers can cause problems during car trips since they can bite through clothes and even skin while riding around in cars all day long, not fun for anyone involved.
Be sure not only to look for flea eggs lying around but also to check them thoroughly under their fur for any signs of ticks as well. Tiny black dots could indicate an infestation in progress.
We hope we have helped you understand how to keep our pets safe and happy on the road. A road trip is always a lot of fun and can be an excellent break from your routine, but it’s also important to remember that there are times when your pet may need special attention or care. If you want to make sure that both of you enjoy yourselves during this journey, remember these tips.
