6 tips for traveling by car with your pet. Illustration: petepop.
It is common for pet owners to choose to take their animals on road trips and car rides. Undoubtedly, it’s one of the ways we get to spend time with them, as many pets are treated like family members and deserve all the affection.
Veterinarian Thaís Matos, who works in Trust and Safety at DogHero, the largest pet services company in Latin America, explains that when taking your pet in a car, it’s important to pay attention to several details. “The safety of everyone is the main concern. The well-being of the animal should also be taken into account. You need to make sure your pet gets the proper care during a car trip”.
Check out some expert tips for traveling by car with your pet:
1 – Use the seatbelt
Yes! This rule applies to pets too. Don’t let your pet loose during the trip, even if they are very obedient. It can be dangerous, distract the driver, and the driver could even get fined. So, use a seatbelt for dogs, which was specially designed for this. The device works as an extender, as it is fixed to both the car’s seatbelt latch and your pet’s harness (at the same time).
For cats, carrier boxes provide comfort and safety and should also be secured with the seatbelt.
A tip to help your cat feel comfortable with their “new home” is to buy the cat carrier a few days before the trip and place their blanket and toys inside. This way, the cat will feel that the carrier is a safe and pleasant place, preventing any aggression or other reactions from your pet.
2 – Always in the back seat
Definitely! In the back seat of the car, your pet will be much safer. Another thing that will make your dog feel more relaxed and comfortable during the trip is placing their bed on the back seat of the car.
3 – Temperature, not too hot or too cold
Be careful, as your pet can become uncomfortable and start sneezing if the temperature inside the vehicle is too cold. So, check this aspect of the trip to ensure they feel comfortable. If the car has air conditioning, try to keep the temperature neutral, meaning neither too hot nor too cold.
4 – Keep the car window closed
We know dogs love to stick their heads out of the window and feel the wind during a car ride, but this can have consequences for both the safety and health of your pet.
It can cause ear pain and damage your dog’s hearing, as well as irritate their eyes. It’s also not safe for you or your pet, as they could get hurt.
There is also the risk of accidents if the driver isn’t paying attention to the road.
5 – Pet seat protectors
This can be a tip to make the car ride with your pet much more enjoyable.
They are made of fabric to make your pet comfortable, and waterproof models provide safety, preventing your dog from slipping on the seat and also protecting the car doors.
6 – Vet consultation
To ensure even more safety for your pet during the car trip, it’s essential to consult a veterinarian.
The specialist will check if everything is fine with your pet and recommend the best transportation method to ensure maximum comfort for your pet during the trip.
When visiting the vet, be sure to bring your pet’s vaccination record (even if it’s up to date) and provide details such as the distance you’ll be traveling.
Some pets tend to get car sick, so the vet may recommend the appropriate medication and dosage.
No medication should be given to your pet without the prescription of a veterinarian.
Only the professional is qualified to prescribe the right medication that will alleviate your pet’s discomfort during the trip.
In some places, there is now the option of hiring veterinarians without having to leave your home. Pets require care such as vaccinations, regular vet visits, collars, food, and more.
Your pet might also have special needs (e.g., being blind, elderly) or suffer from a condition that requires treatment, so it’s important and safe for everyone to have a vet consultation before traveling.
Illustration: petepop. This content was created with the help of AI and reviewed by the editorial team.
