Rules of the Road When Traveling with Your Pet

By Kim Salerno

You're all packed and ready to hit the open road with Fido and Fluffy for your next travel adventure. Practicing some common sense rules of the road will help ensure that your precious pet has a happy and safe trip.

No heads out the window: Although many pets find that sticking their head out the window is the best part of the road trip, it's not safe. Your pet can easily be injured by flying debris. This should go without saying, but NEVER travel with a pet in the back of a pickup truck. Some states have laws restricting such transport and it is always dangerous.

Frequent pit stops: Always provide frequent bathroom and exercise breaks. Most travel service areas have designated areas for walking your pet. Be sure to stay in this area particularly when you pet needs a potty break...and of course, bring along a bag to pick up after your pet. When outside your vehicle, make sure that your pet is always on a leash and wearing a collar with a permanent and temporary travel identification tag.

Proper hydration: During your pit stops be sure to provide your pets with some fresh water to wet their whistles. Occasionally traveling can upset your pet's stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water.

Watch the food intake: It is recommended that you keep feeding to a minimum during travel. Be sure to feed them their regular pet food and resist the temptation to give them some of your fast food burger or fries (that never has a good ending).

Don't leave them alone: Never leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle. On warm days, the temperature in your vehicle can rise to 120 degrees in minutes, even with the windows slightly open. In addition, an animal left alone in a vehicle is an open invitation to pet thieves.

Practice restraint: Be sure that your pet is safely restrained in your vehicle. Utilizing a pet safety harness or travel kennel are the best ways to keep your pet safe. They not only protect your pet from injury, but they help by keeping them from distracting you as you drive. A safety harness functions like a seatbelt. While most pets will not have a problem adjusting to it, you may want to let them wear the harness by itself a few times before using it in the vehicle. If your pet prefers a travel kennel, be sure it is well ventilated and stabilized. Many pet owners prefer vehicle barriers, particularly for larger pets. Vehicle barriers are best suited for SUVs. No matter what method you choose, back seat travel is always safer for your pet.

Safe and comfortable: Whatever method you choose to properly restrain your pets in your vehicle, be sure to make their comfort a priority. Just as it's important for your "seat" to be comfortable for your long road trip, your pet's seat should be comfortable too. Typically their favorite blanket or travel bed will do the trick. There are also some safe and very cozy pet car seats available that your pet may find quite comfy.

Pet-friendly accommodations etiquette: If your journey's itinerary requires an overnight stay along the way at a pet-friendly accommodation, there are a number of tips to consider.

Get a ground floor room to make bathroom runs easier.

At check-in, inquire about areas to walk your pet.

Cover any furniture and beds your pet will be allowed on.

Place litter boxes in the bathroom to make clean up easier.

Avoid leaving your pet alone in the room. Even the best-behaved pets can bark and become destructive when in a new environment. If your plans require you to stay for a longer period of time, inquire about local pet sitters or pet day care. If your pet's demeanor is such that you are able to leave them alone for a short period of time, be sure to alert the front desk. It also may help to put the tv or radio on to keep your pet comfortable, and place a note on your door indicating that your precious pet is inside.

Always keep your pet on a leash and refrain from taking them into the lodging dining areas.

And of course...always clean up after your pet after bathroom runs.

Following some basic rules during road travel will help to make your journey with your little one much more enjoyable and safe!

TRIPSwithPETS.com is the premier online guide for pet travel. They provide resources for pet travelers to ensure they are welcome, happy, and safe. They offer directories of pet friendly accommodations across the U.S., pet hospitals, pet friendly recreational activities & restaurants, an online pet shop, airline pet policies, along with other pet travel resources.

Article added on April 29, 2005

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