Travelling with Pets: How to Survive Car Journeys Safely
Summer holidays often mean travel adventures, but travelling with pets can raise many questions: Can you take your pet with you? Should you? How do you keep them safe and comfortable during the journey? This comprehensive guide offers practical advice on preparing your pet and yourself to enjoy car journeys without stress.
Choosing the Right Travel Restraint for Your Pet
Your pet's safety is paramount while travelling by car. The best method to ensure this is a properly secured carrier, crate, or harness designed for travel. Large, sturdy plastic crates offer excellent stability while softer, padded, folding crates may be better for pets prone to travel sickness. It is vital to purchase your crate or harness weeks ahead to allow your pet to get accustomed gradually. Start with very short periods inside the crate — just a few minutes — and reward your pet with treats or playtime afterward. This acclimatisation helps build tolerance and reduces stress on the actual journey.
For those who prefer not to use crates, high-quality car harnesses are a great alternative. They restrain your pet securely without restricting movement excessively. Consider using a waterproof car seat cover or blanket to protect your vehicle from fur and dirt.
Using puppies or general reputable breeders for your pets ensures they are of good health and temperament, making travel preparation smoother.
Makes Things Comfortable: Temperature, Airflow, and Refreshments
Keeping your pet comfortable inside the vehicle helps prevent anxiety and motion sickness. Maintain a pleasant vehicle temperature using air conditioning or heating. Consider attaching a small fan to your pet's crate for ventilation, but avoid using fans if your pet is only harnessed loose in the vehicle to prevent injury.
Window vents are a useful tool to provide fresh air while preventing your dog from leaning too far out. This also allows you to step away briefly without overheating your pet, although you should never leave them unattended for long periods.
Always bring your pet's regular food and water. Switching pets acclimatised to wet food to a drier option might reduce spill messes during the trip. Remember, pets may eat or drink less during travel, but it's important they have the option.
Rest Stops: Essential for Health and Hygiene
Frequent rest stops — ideally every two to three hours — are essential to let your pet stretch, relieve themselves, and drink fresh water. Try to find a safe, open area for these breaks to reduce your pet's stress and excitement.
If you're close to traffic or roads, use a stake and cable or secure lead that allows your pet some freedom while keeping them safe. Pet wipes are handy for quick clean-ups to maintain hygiene and comfort.
Keeping Your Pet Calm and Entertained
Long journeys can be tiring and boring for pets. Bring a few favourite toys or chew items to help distract them during travel. Be sure any toys are durable enough not to be destroyed quickly, which could lead to choking risks.
Familiar objects like their favourite blanket or toy can provide reassurance and reduce anxiety in unfamiliar surroundings.
Pre-Travel Veterinary and Safety Preparations
Before travelling, schedule a vet visit to assess your pet's health, update vaccinations, and discuss options for motion sickness or anxiety medications. Your vet can also advise on any legal documentation or health certificates required for travel.
Ensure your pet has up-to-date identification through ID tags and microchipping, a critical safeguard in case they become lost during travel.
During the Journey: What to Do
- Restrain your pet securely in the back seat with a crash-tested harness, well-fitted crate, or carrier.
- Never allow pets to ride unrestrained or with heads outside windows due to risk of injury.
- Keep the car comfortably ventilated but avoid direct drafts on your pet.
- Offer food and water at appropriate intervals, avoiding overfeeding before travel to reduce sickness risks.
- Take frequent rest breaks every 2 to 3 hours.
- Never leave your pet unattended inside a parked car, even for short times, as temperatures can rise dangerously.
Final Thoughts: Safe and Happy Travels
Car travel with pets requires thoughtful preparation and consideration. By securing your pet properly, preparing their comfort needs, taking rest breaks, and ensuring health checks in advance, you can minimise stress for both your pet and yourself. This allows both of you to enjoy the journey and reach your destination safely.
