If you are a pet “parent” like me, you don’t want to wait for a big road trip—you want your pet by your side even on your days off, as you run your weekend errands. Whether you are traveling locally or across the country, you will find this chapter from No Pet Left Behind, an invaluable guide to acclimating your pet to traveling, whether by car, bus, or plane, and whether for 3, 300, or 3,000 miles

Traveling By Car

There is no better way to create wonderful memories than taking a car trip with the ones you love. And with a little practice, your pet will look forward to spending quality time with his best friend on road trips large and small. He will listen raptly as you ramble on about the sights and experiences you enjoy together and will share your interest in the passing scenery. Your pet can be part of your delight in hiking and camping, or just be a companion as you run errands.

Prepare with Basics

Put your pet in your place—you wouldn’t attempt to take up a new sport like scuba diving, skiing, or kayaking without taking a short, hands-on course. Now that you have acclimated your pet to her carrier, it’s time to take a few practice spins around the block to get the hang of car travel. Most of the time, your “car time” is spent running local errands. So do start your pet with car rides ranging from a half-hour to an hour, and don’t wait until you have to take him to the vet—make training fun for both of you. Go on short errands together, and take your pet where she is sure to be rewarded.

Begin with trips that allow you to stay with your pet, because getting used to being in a car for the first time is stressful enough for her, without putting her in a situation where she feels abandoned in a strange place. Great first destinations include drive-in banks and fast-food restaurants, which often include a dog cookie or cat treat with the transaction when a four-footed passenger is on board. Drive your furry or feathered companion to pet-friendly stores, such as pet shops or garden centers, where she will get lots of attention and be stimulated by interesting sights, sounds, and smells. Chauffeur her to a park for a special outing or to a sidewalk café where you can enjoy a treat together. Pets are quick learners; after only a few special outings, they become excited to see you take out the car keys.

A note of warning: while it may look cute in the movies, do not allow your pet to ride with his head out the window or, worse, in the open bed of a truck, because stones, glass, and dust can blow into his eyes and sudden stops can cause injuries. A loose pet in the car is distracting and dangerous for the driver, as well. For safety’s sake, always properly restrain your pet in a carrier or car-approved security harness.

Check List: Car Trip Do’s and Don’ts

·         Don’t plan car travel with a pet in extremely hot or cold weather.

·         Do park in the shade, and leave the air conditioning or heater running if you must transport the pet in extreme temperatures.

·         Don’t attach a pet’s collar to a seat belt, clothes rack, or door handle—sudden stops could cause a neck injury.

·         Don’t put a pet in the front seat where she is vulnerable to air-bag injuries.

·         Do use a between-seat barrier or cushioned car harness that can be fastened to the back seat belt for short trips.

·         Do put a pet carrier in the back seat for longer trips. If possible, position the carrier door so that the pet can see you through the opening between the front seats.

·         Don’t put a carrier in the cargo area of your car where it will be vulnerable to being rear-ended.

·         Do keep bottled water in the car, and offer your pet a drink at each stop.

Basic Car Supplies

If you take your dog on frequent short car trips, be sure to keep some pet essentials in the car. A cover designed to create a hammock between the front and back seat will prevent your pet from being thrown to the floor during sudden stops. I recommend a halter; it is more secure than a collar, which can slip off an excited or frightened pet. There are harnesses designed for pets as small as reptiles, birds, and cats. Keep an extra leash in the glove compartment, just in case. If you dedicate a pet bed to the car, you can keep it where you want your pet to stay and be reasonably certain that she will get the idea.

Carriers are, of course, an absolute necessity. When it comes to carriers for small dogs and cats, my choice is the soft-sided carrier. These carriers have a strap specifically designed to run a seat belt through, roll-up and roll-down flaps for privacy, and a travel tray that slides in and out. Some soft-sided models also include wheels for even more ease of travel. Other innovative products for creatively restraining your smaller pet in the car include companion seats and portable mesh containers. You can find any of these products online and in many pet stores.

The only car-carrier option for large dogs is a hard-sided crate. You’ll findhard-sided containers to suit every need, including stationary models, folding ones, some with double doors or triple doors,others with divider panels, and designer containers that have cushioning. Hard-sided containers can be used in the cargo area of a station wagon, SUV, or minivan, or in the back seat of a car (depending on the size of the dog and the container). Hard-sided containers are a safe, portable option for traveling with your pet, but some can be quite cumbersome.

An alternative for a large dog that’s both safe and comfortable is a car halter and seat belt combination. It enables your pet to either sit or lie down safely, and protects both your pet and the car’s passengers. A car harness is most suited to short trips—it may restrict movement more than a properly sized carrier. The potential disadvantages to this type of harness system are that it may not work outside the car or on airplanes, and if your pet experiences motion sickness, you’ll need to protect your upholstery.

The barrier is another option for restraining pets in a car. Barriers are built into some new model cars, while others are adjustable and will fit most car models. A lot of people find the barrier effective because once it’s installed in your car, it’s a fast and easy way to transport your pets—particularly if you have several large dogs and there’s not enough room for multiple carriers. The only downside to a barrier is that while it keeps the pet contained and away from the driver, it offers no added safety for your pets if the car is involved in an accident. Upon impact, pets could suffer serious, or even fatal, injuries if they are hurled against the barrier or the side of the car.

Make a Pet-Preparedness Kit

Your pet depends on you to make his traveling experience a pleasant one. Before leaving home, ask yourself what else you could bring along that would help make your pet comfortable and keep him relaxed and happy. Have a Pet Preparedness Kit always on hand, and then all you have to add are perishable items such as medication, along with some of your pet’s favorite toys, before you and your pet have an outing.

Purchase a backpack, small duffel bag, or any other zippered tote, fill it with the supplies listed below, and keep it inside the carrier, which you should store with your suitcases or in your car, if your pet is a frequent traveler.

• A waterproof container, such as a sealable plastic food storage box, with:
  • Copies of pedigree, license, medical, and vaccination records
  • Contact information for your pet’s vet, kennel, and breeder
  • Your cell phone number and another emergency
  • Photos of your pet labeled with his or her name
  • Feeding instructions
  • Styptic powder
  • A travel-sized pet health-care book
  • Flashlight
• Halter and leash (for dog, cat, bird, ferret, or lizard)
• Clean-up supplies:
  • Disposable garbage bags and paper towels
  • Liquid dish soap and disinfectant
• Blanket to protect your pet from cold temperatures and for scooping up a fearful pet to place into the pet carrier
• Muzzle (for an injured animal)
• Long leash and yard stake
• Litter bags and an absorbent, washable liner, such as the Sherpa Liner^® (for dog or cat), along with bagged litter and disposable litter box (for cat), wee wee pads (for dog), or newspapers (cage liners for birds and reptiles)
• Unbreakable food and water bowls
• Sealed dry or canned food (for dog or cat), seed mixes, and supplements (for birds and reptiles) (Note: Refresh these supplies quarterly.)
• Bottled water (Note: Refresh these supplies quarterly.)
• One or two durable toys
• Jacket or rain coat (for dog or cat)
• Brush, flea shampoo, or other grooming aids

Author: Gayle Martz