If you are planning a road trip with your pet, making them comfortable in the car will make your ride so much smoother. Preparing for and helping your pet feel at ease in the car can also help with essential trips such as visits to the vet, moving to a new home or taking your pet somewhere to be minded while you are away. We have come up with ten tips to help make car rides with your furry friend run smoothly.
1. Pet restraints
Keep your pets safe and secure by investing in a good fitting pet restraint or well-ventilated crate or carrier. Cats should be kept in a pet carrier and dogs should be wearing a seat belt harness or kept in a dog carrier. Never allow your pet to sit in anyone’s lap or in the front seat. Not only is this dangerous, but it can also result in a car accident.
Pet carriers/crates need to be big enough for your pet to sit, stand and turn around in comfortably. It should also be sturdy enough to not slip when the car moves and stops.
2. Practice, practice, practice
If you are using a carrier, you will need to make sure your pet is comfortable using the carrier at home, prior to using it in the car. This can take days or weeks depending on your pet’s age, temperament and past experiences. Always associate the crate with something pleasant and take small steps, don’t go too fast.
Once your pet is relaxed inside their carrier, start practicing short car trips and gradually increase the amount of time spent in the car. Keep it positive, bring along their favourite toys, bedding and treats and reward them along the way for good behaviour.
3. Make sure your pet is microchipped and wears a collar
Make sure your pet is microchipped and their details are up to date with the national microchip database and your local council. For more information on how to do this click here. We also recommend that your pet wear a collar with their ID tag. This way they can be easily identified and reunited with you should they become lost.
Attach a leash to your pet when you remove them from their carrier or the car. The last thing you need is for your pet to scurry off in an unfamiliar place if they get spooked or distracted.
4. Food and water
Feed your pet 3-4 hours before leaving so they are fed, but not overfull. Don’t feed your pet in a moving vehicle, even if it’s a long drive to minimise motion sickness. If your pet needs to eat during a long trip, feed them at a rest stop and give them time to digest their meal before taking off again.
Keep your pet hydrated by supplying and offering bottled water during their trip. Have a think about the length of your trip and make sure your pet is well cared for during that time.
5. Offer regular breaks
Before leaving, take your pet for a walk or play with them to encourage them to rest or be more relaxed during the trip. Also offer your pet a toilet break before you go. If taking a long trip, take regular breaks to allow your pet to eat, drink, exercise and go to the toilet along the way.
6. Entertainment and comfort
Bring along your pet’s favourite toys, treats and bedding to stop them getting bored, anxious or restless. It can get really hot and stuffy in the car, so ensure your pet has plenty of fresh, cool air.
If you travel frequently with your pet, you may also want to consider rubber floor liners or waterproof seat covers to keep your car clean.
7. Never leave them alone in a parked vehicle
On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked car can heat up quickly. According to the RSPCA, it takes just 6 minutes or less for an animal to suffer severe heat exhaustion in a car and die. Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. If you see an animal locked in a parked car phone 000 immediately.
8. Travel kit
Depending on how far you are travelling, you will need to pack a travel kit to ensure their car ride and time away is comfortable and enjoyable. Create a list and stock up on their essentials. Here are some key areas to think about:
Pet restraint - seat belt harness, pet carrier/crate
Equipment - Collars, leashes, muzzles, safety vest
Comfort - favourite toys, blanket, pillow
Sanitary - cat litter, pooper scooper, bags
Food - pet food, can opener, treats, dental chews
Hydration – water bottles, collapsible bowl
Grooming - brushes, pet wash, towel
Health – medications, travel documents
Emergency – vet contact details, first aid items
9. When you arrive
Take extra care of your pet when you arrive to ensure they are comfortable in their new environment. Show them around, play with them and give them extra cuddles to help them settle in. If you are staying overnight, set up their bed, water bowl and toys to play with. Ensure that your pet is secure and supervised at all times. Check all fences, gates, windows and doors are secure to prevent your pet from escaping. It’s important not to leave your pet alone in a strange environment or with people they don’t know.
10. Plan for emergencies
Before setting off, create a list of important contact details and documents to take with you or to provide to your pet carer in case of an emergency. This can include:
Vet contact details
Emergency after hours clinic contact details
Pet insurance details
Your contact information including your name, where you will be staying and contact details
Your pets care requirements including special needs and essential medications
Pet registration and vaccination records
Going on holidays with your pet can be fun. Planning and preparing so your pet feels calm and comfortable during car trips is well worth the effort. If you have any questions about travelling with your pet, give us a call on 03 8784 4444.