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10 Travel Safety Tips For Your Pet

By July 1, 2019January 18th, 2022No Comments
Dog With Sticking Out Tongue Sitting In A Car Seat

Planning a road trip? Taking your pet? Traveling with a pet involves more than putting her in the back seat and driving off. Pet safety is crucial.   If you ever had the experience of transporting your pet to the veterinarian or bringing your critter  to the dog park, you know that cars are not really designed for conveniently transporting animals.

Here are 10 safety tips for pet lovers who travel with their furry friends:

  1. Don’t let your pet sit on your lap while you drive. It’s distracting and unsafe in case you have to stop suddenly.
  2. Do not let your pet sit in a locked car when it’s hot outside. Even warmer temperatures in the mid-80s can turn the inside of your vehicle into an oven.
  3. Bringing water for your pet. There are containers that are collapsible and spill-proof.
  4. Purchase mats and liners to protect carpets and make clean-up easier if they make a mess.
  5. Don’t let your dog put its face out the window as you drive.
  6. If you are planning a long trip with your pet, take them on a series of short drives first.
  7. Consider transporting your pet in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. You can secure the crate so your pet is not thrown around if you stop suddenly or are in an accident.
  8. Use a safety harness. These have become popular in recent years.
  9. Stop every couple of hours to let your pet take a break and have some water if you are on a long trip.
  10. If you are traveling over state lines, bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record, as some states require this proof at certain interstate crossings. While this generally isn’t a problem, it’s always smart to be on the safe side.

If your pet is not secured, it can suffer serious injuries or death if you suddenly stop or are in an accident. Some car makers, including Subaru and Volvo, cater to animal lovers with special equipment packages.   Follow these pet safety tips and you can ensure a safe and comfortable trip!

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