How to Drive with Pets

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Categories: Pets | How Tos

  • Pets are not as easy to transport as carry-on bags or groceries. They're living things, delicate and often very sensitive to change. A first-time car ride can the the most alien experience an animal has ever had. With the proper precautions and preparations, however, your pet will breathe easy—even if it lives underwater. Read on to find out How to Drive with Pets.

  • Introduction

    • You share your life with your pet. Depending on the animal, that may mean lounging on living room couch, playing in the backyard, running at the park, or even eating out. However, there's at least one human experience your companion may not enjoy: the road. A routine commute for you could feel like the The Twilight Zone for an animal. Consider these precautions and your pet will enjoy first class transit.

  • Step 1: Assess the Situation

    • A car ride can be traumatic. Before traveling with your pet, determine if it's in his best interest.

  • Is it Necessary?

    1. A trip to the veterinarian is usually reason enough for a little discomfort.
    2. If you're going on vacation, consider the following options before you consider taking along your pet:
      1. Can a friend or relative baby-sit your pet?
      2. Can your pet stay at a nearby kennel?
      3. If your pet is a rodent, small mammal, bird, reptile, or fish, can it survive at home with an automatic feeding system?

  • Is Your Pet Fit to Travel?

    1. Exclude your pet from vacationing if it is ill, injured, or pregnant.
    2. Call your veterinarian and ask about your pet's ability to travel.
    3. The vet may be able to assess the situation based on your pet's age and medical history.
    4. In an emergency, safety precautions are less of a concern than getting your pet to the vet as quickly as possible.
    5. As a precaution, post a note on your fridge with phone numbers and addresses of the nearest 24-hour animal clinics. If your regular vet has a 24-hour emergency line, post that too.
    6. If an emergency arises at night, try to call the office before driving, in order to make sure you can be seen right away.
    7. Take a few precautions to preserve your pet. Never place your pet in the trunk. Never place your pet in front of an airbag—the potential impact could kill your pet.

  • Step 2: Prepare Your Pet

    • Imagine: Your best friend invites you aboard a spaceship. Sounds silly, right? But that's more or less the same proposition you make to your pet when you place it in a car. An animal cannot fathom human technology (as far as we know) and will fear this strange machine, regardless of its trust in you. Whether you're going on a short or long trip, your pet needs this fear allayed.

    • Introduce your pet to your car. There's no perfect icebreaker—it takes time and repetition.
      1. Put a treat or a favorite toy inside the car and leave the car doors wide open.
      2. Before entering, escort your pet for a few leisurely laps around the vehicle.
      3. If you have a dog (or a cat or ferret that tolerates a leash), give it the opportunity to enter the car itself.
      4. Don't command—avoid forcing your pet verbally or physically.
      5. Once inside, make sure your pet has access to the treat/toy.
    • Accustom your pet to the motions of a car.
      1. Take a few short trips with your pet, to the grocery store, park, pet shop, or whatever might be species-appropriate.
      2. In particular, do this before a long road trip.
    • "Sell" the veterinarian as harmless.
      1. Arrange a social visit with the vet.
      2. To ensure that your pet doesn't join the waiting room chorus of barking and meowing, show your pet the waiting room like a realtor would a prospective buyer.
      3. When exploring the examination room, give your pet a treat.
      4. Your pet should leave feeling that there is nothing unknown and, therefore, nothing to fear.
      5. For a detailed desensitization procedure, have a look at About.com's Help, My Dog Is Afraid of Car Rides!.

  • Step 3: Plan the Journey

    • Whether you're going to the vet or to a vacation spot, follow these precautions:
    • Create a map for your journey.
      1. This is recommended for any road trip and it is even more important when playing chauffeur.
      2. A lost driver means a worried pet. Animals are attuned to our moods.
      3. Choose a route with as little traffic, or other potential hazards, as possible.

    • Know the locations of parks and rest areas.
      1. If the ride will last longer than 20 minutes, your animal may need a bathroom break.
    • Check the weather.
      1. If the sun is out, your air conditioning should be operational.
      2. A stressed animal's body temperature is elevated already—on a hot day, it will only be more stressed.
      3. If it's cold, an effective car heater can make the ride much for comfortable for your pet.
      4. Regardless of the temperature, abandoning your pet in the car spells disaster. Brain damage, death, illness, and ruined upholstery are possible consequences.
    • Plan your car ride like a vacation.
      1. Grandma's house and the Four Seasons may have accommodations for your pet, but don't forget the journey.
      2. Icy roads, chemical spills, overturned big rigs—plan on setbacks, but be a step ahead of them.
      3. Research hotels along your route and mark them on the map (the one on which you've already dutifully marked rest areas and parks).
      4. Many motels allow animals that are 20 pounds or less. Call your prospective hotel and inquire about their policy. Visit the hotel Web site or sites such as Orbitz and Expedia for more information.

  • Step 4: Pack Smart

    • Now that you and your pet are emotionally prepared, it's time to load the car. Remember to bring the following:
    • First Aid
      1. Never use pharmaceutical drugs like Tylenol or aspirin on an animal—they could be harmful or deadly!!!
      2. Supplies like bandages and baking soda, however, can be useful for dogs and cats in case of injury. For details, see What About Cats' guide to cat first-aid and Pawprints & Purrs' guide to dog first-aid.
    • Veterinary records
      1. Bring your pet's most current registration, as well as its history of vaccinations, treatments and prescriptions.
    • Pet ID
      1. Your pet should wear an identification tag with your name, home address, and cell phone number.
      2. The barrel-type tag is useful since it can store a note with your hotel and veterinarian information. However, barrel-type devices may become unscrewed and the information may get lost.
      3. A metal engraved tag may be more reliable.
      4. The microchip implant is controversial, but worth considering. If your pet is lost, a microchip may save its life and insure that you are reunited with it. However, some studies have suggested that the chips could cause cancer.

    • A photo of your pet
      1. If you and your pet should become separated, you can show it to strangers, or use it to make lost-pet flyers.
    • Pet medications
      1. If your pet uses medication that must be refrigerated, as your vet if it's available in a form that can last at room temperature. If it's not, reconsider the trip.
      2. Follow the socks-and-underwear-rule of traveling: If your trip is two days, pack enough for three. Similarly, do so for meds. You don't want your pet's medication running out.
    • Water
      1. Just because you're going to Lake Arrowhead doesn't mean the water on the way will be potable. Pack enough water for you and your pet. Include a bowl for easy lapping.
    • Food and Treats
      1. Bring the your pet's favorite edibles. Unfamiliar food may not sit well. Think: gas, diarrhea, nausea. Worse, your pet may altogether go on a hunger strike.
      2. Take separate bowl for food and water.
    • An Extra Leash and Collar
      1. Two is better than one—you can tie them if you need a long tether.
      2. A spare leash also doubles as a first aid device, whether a tourniquet or a fastener for splints.
      3. Attach a spare ID tag to the spare collar.
    • Favorite Toys and Blankets
      1. There's no place like home, but your pet can't click its heels. Remind your pet of home by packing its favorite belongings.
      2. The smell and feel of familiar comforts will pacify your pet.
    • Sanitation Supplies
      1. Bring disposal bags, scoopers, paper towels, towels, and antibacterial cleansers (for your hands).

  • Step 5: Drive with Your Pet

    • So, your map is detailed with parks and hotels. Your pet is trained to love cars. Your car is packed with the right supplies. There are still a few things to know and preparations to make. We'll start with general tips, then go over specialized information for different species of pets.

  • General tips

    1. To deter vomiting, place your pet in the front seat. According to American Kennel Club, your pet has a greater chance of motion sickness in the backseat. Also, don't feed your pet a full portion before driving. Consider one third to one half or nothing at all, if your pet is habitually queasy.
    2. A car ionizer can help fight odor. The air will smell clean because it really is—ionizers create particles that intercept airborne contaminants.
    3. Your pet won't ask, "Are we there yet?" but it will be thinking so. Talk to your pet. Ask how it's doing. Reassure it that everything is going to be all right.
    4. Stop the car every four to six hours for bathroom relief and stretching. This applies to you and your pet.

  • Dogs

    • If you're ready to put Rover in the Rover, you need to make a few decisions.

    1. Choose between a pet crate, a harness, or a divider.
      1. A crate is confining, but appropriate for small dogs.
      2. A harness keeps a dog in its seat like a true passenger.
      3. A divider gives dogs their freedom, while helping to prevent them flying through the windshield.
      4. According to some experts, a dog should not hang its head out the window. Beside the risk of colliding debris, the wind can cause eye and lung damage. By the same token, do not let your dog ride in the back of an open truck.
    2. When using a crate, make sure it is...
      1. roomy so that your dog can stand, turn and lie down.
      2. leak-proof with absorbent bottom material.
      3. ventilated on at least two opposing sides.
      4. labeled "Live Animal" with arrows upright, your name, and contact information.
      5. stocked with a mat and your pet's favorite toys.
      6. placed on the floor or fastened with a seatbelt for stability.
    3. When using a harness, cover the seats with something removable and washable. An old blanket or towel will suffice.
    4. When using a divider, make sure it does not impair your rear view vision.

  • Cats

    1. Avoid feeding your cat three to four hours before the drive.
    2. Put your cat in a crate. This is the safest option. A crate doesn't straitjacket a feline the way a harness does, and it affords some physical comfort.
    3. If your cat is miserable in solitary confinement, strap it into a harness. Cat owners report unhappiness from harnessed cats, but ultimately resignation.
    4. As a last resort, use a divider. Keep in mind that an anxious cat may still roam and that a grouchy one may barricade itself in small spaces, making it difficult to spot when you're ready to get out of the car.
    5. Don't worry if your cat rejects food and treats during the trip. It will eat later, when you have finished driving and it has forgiven you.
    6. Remember to harness or leash your cat when exiting the car. A cooped up kitty is unpredictable and may run off.

  • Rodents and Small Mammals

    • Since this category encompasses everything from chinchillas to ferrets, we'll use the safety guidelines for driving with a rabbit.
    1. Leave the full-size cage at home and use a rabbit carrier. Carriers have a variety of occupancy sizes: singles, doubles, triples, quads, and more. The larger ones even have separate compartments for individuals.
    2. Consider lining the carrier with bird litter or pine cat litter. These materials absorb odor well and do not contribute a strong odor either.
    3. Pack hay in the carrier. When your rabbit chews this, it relaxes.
    4. Keep things cool. Make sure that your pet is out of direct sunlight and away from heating vents. Consider a crate fan.
    5. Once the car is parked, put your pet in a harness or on a leash, if removing it from the cage.
    6. For more about driving with rabbits, listen see the travel guide from Pet Rabbit Care.
    7. If your pet is a guinea pig and your trip crosses state lines, you will need health certificates. They are issued for a 15 to 30-day period and should list your home address as well as your destination. For more about traveling with guinea pigs, see the article on PETCO.com.
    8. If your pet is a hamster, avoid cardboard carriers. These may suffice for transporting a hamster home for the first time, or for an emergency trip to the vet. But a will wear out with extended use. A plastic carrier is a better option.
    9. If your pet is a ferret, keep in mind that ferrets are illegal in California, Hawaii, as well as some cities, including New York City. For more about traveling with ferrets, see PETCO.com's overview.

  • Birds

    1. Have your bird's wings clipped before embarking on a journey. A frightened bird may escape.
    2. Leave the full-size cage at home and use either a travel cage or carrier.
    3. Before leaving, allow the bird to occupy the travel cage or carrier at home. Let it become used to the accommodations and adjust to them accordingly.
    4. Hang only soft toys in the carrier and secure them firmly. If there is turbulence, these objects may fall on your bird and scare it.
    5. To reduce spilling, place ice cubes rather than water in the drinking dish.
    6. Fill a spray bottle with water and bring it along. You will need this for cleaning and for cooling off your bird, if necessary.
    7. Fasten a seatbelt over the carrier before driving.
    8. While driving, don't allow direct sunlight into the carrier. Bring a cover for this purpose. A cover will allow your bird to sleep at the appropriate time, as well as block out the confusing scenery outside. Some birds enjoy the novelty of transit, but others get carsick or fearful of overpasses and windshield wipers. Use the cover at your discretion.
    9. Talk to your bird. Some birds are more conversant during a stimulating car ride. Some may enjoy a singing companion.

  • Reptiles

    1. Never let a reptile loose in the car. It could get itself inextricably wedged somewhere, or even crushed beneath the gas pedal,
    2. There are several options for carriers—the kind you choose depends on the size, species and temperament of your pet.
      1. A breathable bag, such as a pillow case, or well ventilated duffle (modified with air holes) can be a good choice, particularly for snakes.
      2. A plastic container (with air holes) can work as well.
      3. Cardboard carriers can work, but be mindful of both ventilation and the strength of the cardboard—you don't want your iguana clawing its way out.
      4. Depending on the size of your pet, a dog or cat carriers may be an acceptable alternative. However, it can also be too cool an environment for a reptile.
    3. With cold-blooded animals, it is particularly important to regulate the temperature. Be sure to ask your vet about the temperature requirements for your particular pet and the best way to make it comfortable in the car.
    4. If the weather is mildly warm, your reptile will probably be happy, but constant heat can be as much a hazard as for a dog or cat. Never leave your pet in a hot car.
    5. Bring along a spray bottle filled with water. You may need this for cleaning, moistening, or cooling off your reptile. Turtles, in particular, require moisture.
    6. Test your carrier at home, before the road trip. See how your reptile reacts inside of it. See how escape-proof it is.
    7. Fasting occasionally, at least for turtles and iguanas, is fine. In these cases, do not feed your reptile for one day before the trip. This will save your car from odors.

  • Fish and Amphibians

    • Of all pets, fish and amphibians may be the most traumatized by car travel. Without warning, they are evicted from their comfortable home and assigned a travel-size dormitory. Worse, your cold-blooded friend is fragile and probably requires more regulation of its environment than any other kind of pet.

    1. If you're thinking of transporting an aquatic animal, be sure to ask a vet or expert for advice, particularly pertaining to the maintenance of temperature and water quality.
      1. Try calling a local petshop that specializes in aquatic animals.
      2. Ask if there's anyone on staff with an expert knowledge in your pet's species.
    2. Pack all necessary food, medicines and sanitation supplies.
    3. Use the appropriate kind of travel container for your particular animal. A plastic bag may be acceptable for certain small fish on short trips, but deadly to some amphibians. For longer trips, ask your vet or local specialist for guidelines specific to your animal.
    4. If you do use a bag, avoid products meant to store food. Instead, use special fish travel bags which are less apt to leak.
      1. Double-up the bag for extra protection.
      2. Make sure there's plenty of oxygen in the bag, as well as water
      3. Seal with rubber bands—not wire twist ties, the ends of which could cause a puncture.
    5. If using a tank for a longer trip, pack a small spare tank (just in case), as well as masking tape to anticipate cracks.
      1. Ask your local expert about special transport tanks.
      2. If using a tank, place it inside a cardboard box on the floor of your car. This will reduce the risk of spills and limit damaging, direct sunlight.
    6. It is often recommended to use tank water in the travel container. However, without a filter, this water can quickly build up deadly levels of ammonia. Ask the opinion of an expert.
    7. Relocate your pet as quickly as possible. The longer you take, the more traumatized it will be.
    8. For fish, depending on the species, you may add a stress-reducing product, such as Stress Coat or Stress Guard. However, be sure to consult an expert beforehand.

  • Conclusion

    • The road conditions, the traffic, the estimated time of arrival—you have plenty of concerns when driving already, and your pet adds to the list. With a little sensitivity and prudence, you can reduce your pet's level of stress. It wants to be comfortable. It wants to be home again. And when you near that red light, it wants you to decelerate ever so slowly.

  • Fish


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