While some pets are excited by trips in the car, most pets associate it with vet visits or transfers to a boarding kennel. Even if your pet does like to travel, moving long-distance, over a few days is much harder than you've anticipated.
There are a few points you should keep in mind when traveling with your pet.
Car Trip Tips
- Prepare your pet. Take your pet on shorter trips. For instance, let them accompany you while you do your errands. If you do this a few times, then build up to a further distance, this will assist in adjusting your pet to your car. In addition, performing errands will help get your pet used to you leaving the car, then returning. When you travel with your pet long distances, there will be times when you'll have to leave them in the car. It's a good idea to get them used to this behavior.
- Trial different ways of traveling. Some pets feel more comfortable in a carrier, while others prefer to find a safe spot in the car to retreat to. If your pet seems more comfortable not being in a carrier, before you leave, allow your pet to explore the car. A wandering animal can be dangerous if they get under foot or obstruct your view, so allow time for them to settle in.
If your pet seems anxious, a pet carrier is probably a good idea. Purchase one that is large enough for your pet to move around in. A month before you move, keep it in your pet's favorite part of the house. Place a soft blanket and a toy inside and leave the carrier door open. Allow your pet the opportunity to explore the carrier and have it become a safe place to be. This will help your pet adjust more easily to car travel.
- Talk to your vet. Before you take your pet on a long journey, get a full physical done to ensure your pet is healthy enough to travel. Ask your vet what shots are required for the area you are traveling to, and if your pet seems anxious, talk to your vet about sedatives. Sedatives may be okay for your pet if you're able to watch them carefully. Sedatives are not recommended for air travel and they must be used with caution. Again, your vet can help you make this decision.
If your pet is very anxious, your vet may recommend that your pet fly to your new home. Flying is faster and sometimes easier on anxious animals.
- Plan your trip ahead of time. Knowing the route you'll be driving, you can reasearch hotels/motels that accept pets and pre-book the room. Make sure the room has easy access to outside for those late-night bathroom breaks. Make sure the hotel/motel doesn't give you a sub-standard room. Ask before you book.
Also, if you know where you'll be staying at night, make a list of emergency veterinarians in that city or town. Knowing where you can get help could save your pet.
- Pack everything your pet will need. Food, water, bowls, toys, pillows, chews and a favorite bed will help make your pet feel more at home.
- Check the weather before you leave. If the temperatures are going to be warm, make sure you have adequate ventilation or air conditioning. A stressful animal can overheat quickly. Keep the air conditioning on or windows cracked for proper air flow. Likewise, cold temperatures require careful monitoring as well. Never leave your pet in a car overnight or for long periods of time. Animals should always be closely monitored to ensure their comfort and safety.
- Make sure your pet has sufficient identification. Address tags with your cell phone number, pet name and rabies tags should be worn by your pet at all times. If your pet should get lose, you'll want to know that s/he can be quickly identified.
Resources
- U.S. State and Territory Animal Import Regulations: Provides links to state websites outlining animal import rules and regulations.
- Dog Friendly offers accommodation guides for you and your dog. Includes hotels, motels, campgrounds, and dog-friendly parks, beaches and restaurants.
- Pets Welcome is a great site with lots of great information on traveling with your pet. They have a large database with accommodation information for Canada, the U.S., and international destinations. Also included is a listing of emergency vets and cat-friendly lodgings.
- Traveling by Air: If your pet is traveling by air, check out these rules and regulations from the Department of Transportation.
