How to Road Trip Safely With Pets

From test drives to packing lists to pet-friendly rest stops, vacations with animals require careful planning

PORTLAND, Ore. – Road trips are a summertime staple, and travelers plan every detail of their trip – but do pets have a packing list, too? DoveLewis Veterinary Emergency and Specialty Hospital thinks they should.

“It’s important to be as prepared as possible when you bring pets on long car trips,” said Dr. Coby Richter, DoveLewis surgeon. “My dogs go on road trips with us a lot, and our trips usually take us far away from civilization. Anything can happen when you are that far away from home, so I don’t take any chances when it come to my animals’ safety.”

Air travel is not recommended for pets unless necessary, but traveling with pets on road trips can be fun, safe and stress-free with some planning. Consider the following to make your trip safe:

Practice pet restraint

Whether you opt for a harness, crate, carrier or pet barrier, it is very important to keep pets secured. Pets can be distracting to drivers if they roam the car, and unrestrained animals risk serious injury to themselves and other passengers in the event of a collision. Much like small children, they should not ride in the front passenger seat to avoid injury from airbag deployment. Also, never let your pet ride in the cab of a truck without proper restraint.

Take test drives

Get pets geared up for the trip by going on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. See how pets react to riding in the car and being restrained in a harness or crate. This is a good time to assess cage set up or possible car sickness. Car sickness can often be prevented by feeding pets a light meal three to four hours before departing.

Plan for pet-friendly stops

Make sure itineraries include pet-friendly locations – hotels, restaurants, stores and rest stops.

Research nearby veterinary care

Keep a list of multiple clinics along the way and at the final destination, and research the closest emergency or 24-hour hospitals for any emergency situations.

Before you go

Pet should get a checkup at their regular vet before going on a long trip. Make sure vaccinations are up to date and ask for copies of the records. Veterinarians can also share knowledge about potential health risks at your destination and what preventive measures to take.

What to pack

Regardless of destination, bring the following:

• Identification: up-to-date tags and a collar. DoveLewis recommends microchipping pets as a permanent form of identification. Make sure the contact information on the microchip is regularly updated.
• A recent pet photo in case they get lost.
• Documentation: medical records and proof of vaccinations (especially rabies). If a pet gets sick on the road, these documents will save valuable time.
• The pet’s regular food, plenty of water, including extras of both in case of road delays.
• Pet first aid kit. First aid is not a substitute for veterinary care, but it could save a pet’s life or prevent further injury until they receive medical treatment.
• Medications. Do not forget to bring the pet’s pills, ointments or other medications.
• Linens: extra towels for water-enthusiastic pets and blankets for sleeping.
• Cleaning supplies: pet waste bags and cleaning supplies in case of accidents.
• Litter box. For car trips over six hours, consider making a travel-sized litter box for cats.
• Toys, including a new toy and old favorites. Providing something for a pet to do during the drive will keep them occupied.

On the road

• Keep pets and paws inside at all times. Dogs will be most tempted to hang out the window and catch a breeze, but they risk falling or getting debris in eyes.
• Be sure there is plenty of air circulating to pets and that they are comfortable with the temperature.
• Never leave pets in the car on a warm day. Even with the windows cracked, it can only take a few minutes for the temperature in a vehicle to reach heatstroke-inducing levels.
• Make frequent stops for bathroom breaks and exercise on leash. Adult dogs will need a break every three to four hours, while puppies need a break every two hours.
• Always keep dogs on a leash in unfamiliar areas. Pet can be spooked, chase a squirrel or run after another dog at any moment, especially in unfamiliar situations while traveling. This can result in injury or a lost pup.

With the right prep work and planning, pet owners and their four-legged friends can focus on the fun and enjoy a great road trip together.

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