It's Easier Here.
Leith Cars Blog
Photo: Fubiz
Many people will be taking road trips over the next few months, even those of us with pets. Whether birds, lizards, hamsters, cats, dogs, or anything else you feel attached to, hitting the road with your buddy can be a fun thing to do. Many people, however, wonder about the best way to bring their animal friend(s) along. For this reason, we have come up with the following checklist:
Is your vehicle protected?
Unless you’ve taken care to gradually accustom your pet to riding in your vehicle, they might not be used to the sensation. Queasy stomachs and a big breakfast can make for an unpleasant experience, so upholstery coverings are a must to protect your vehicle. Save yourself years of unfond memories by laying down some protective layers, and pack a few auto upholstery cleaners, just in case.
Leave your feelings at the door
If you’re picturing your pet having free reign over the interior of your vehicle, you can drop that fantasy right next to visiting Wonka’s factory and eating soup with Gorbachev. Many states have laws against the unrestrained roaming of your animal; do you really want to start your trip by researching traffic laws, or worse: paying a fine? Even states that permit unrestrained animals can still give you a ticket for distracted driving, which is no fun to pay. Consider:
- Distractions increase the likelihood of a collision
- Pets can harm themselves while your attention is diverted
- In a collision, pets become projectiles that can injure others and themselves
Some animals can be outfitted with a fancy seatbelt, but most will require a crate. We know it’s not what you want to hear, but it really is the most effective option.
Do the thinking for your pet
You might know that you’re embarking on a nine hour trip to Cleveland, but your pet will not. You have to figure out how to keep your pet from seeing this as a five minute trip around the block. For example:
- Give your pet plenty of exercise at the start of the day
- Take breaks to give them more exercise
- Fresh water and food, sure, but don’t let them load up
- Reserve the main meal for the end of the day
When in doubt, leave them home
A lot of pets are injured or killed because owners couldn’t bear to leave them home. Some situations, like the following, just aren’t right for animals. These should send up a red flag:
- The bed of a pickup truck
- Somewhere unattended, like a trailer
- Any length of unattended time in a parked vehicle
- Any open windows: fun for animals, but dangerous, too
They’ll be fine if you leave them with a petsitter and will be super excited to see you upon your return. Leave them home and enjoy your holiday with a clear mind, looking for to seeing their happy faces. We can’t think of a better way to come back home.
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