Everyone enjoys a road trip. Few things are more exciting than loading all your possessions into the back of the family car and heading off into pastures unknown. Many families have much-loved pets too, and they can be just as much a part of the road trip, particularly where dogs are concerned. Safety should be paramount on a road trip, however. Here are some important tips from our dealership about keeping your pets safe on summer road trips.
Be prepared
In the rush to get the family ready for the trip, don’t let faithful furry friend be forgotten. Plan ahead by making an appointment with your pet’s vet before you leave for your trip in case he or she needs additional vaccinations. Make sure that you carry a record of this with during your vacation. It is also important to ensure that your pet is micro-chipped. Make a temporary ID tag with the details of your destination and a contact number.
Ensure proper restraints
Your pet needs to be safely restrained in transit just like the other members of your family. You can either carry the animal in a crate or a seat-belt harness. A crate secured inside the vehicle is the safest way to travel, but make sure you have the right size crate. Your pet should be able to stand up, sit, lie down and turn around in the crate, but it should not be so big that he or she can pace around. Ensure that your pet is used to the crate by taking him or her on a few short trips beforehand. Also bring along comfortable and familiar toys and cushions for reassurance.
In-transit safety
Your dog might want to stick his head out of the window during a car trip, but this can be very dangerous. Debris can injure the animal, especially when you drive at high speeds on the highway. Small dogs may even be able to jump out of an open window.
Ensure that you stop every 3 or 4 hours for exercise and a bathroom break. Your pet should never spend more than 12 hours in the car in a single day. Don’t leave your animals alone in the car, either. Even with windows cracked open, the temperature inside a car can reach dangerously high levels, especially in the summer heat. Animals can also suffer from motion sickness, so it helps to feed your pet well before you hit the road and avoid feeding them while in the car.
Ensure you have pet-friendly accommodation
Never assume that a hotel, lodge, motel or campsite accepts pets. You should always pre-arrange this and ensure that where you are staying has the right facilities. Are there places to exercise your animal nearby? Where is the nearest vet in the event of an emergency? It is important to plan ahead. Take everything you need with you, too, including the animal’s bed and food. Hotels may be pet-friendly, but they are unlikely to be able to offer these types of things to you.
By taking simple precautions, you can ensure that a summer road trip is fun and safe for everyone, including your four-legged friend. You owe it to your pet to make sure that he or she has just as many happy memories as you. Be sure to check out our dealership’s Facebook page and tell us your tips for keeping your pets safe during road trips!
