How to Travel with Your Pet Safely

Planning a road trip? Before you load up the car, remember to plan for the four-legged member of your family. 

Whether you have a dog, cat or another kind of furry friend, pets require preparation before embarking on a road trip adventure. At LeSueur Car Company, we have you covered with a list of the top pet traveling tips!

Before hitting the road, you should:

Secure Your Pet

Keep your pet safe and secure in a well-ventilated crate or carrier. There are a variety of wire mesh, hard plastic and soft-sided carriers available. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in.

Exercise Your Pet Before the Drive

Get your pet ready for a long drive by playing with them or taking him/her on a long walk or run before you hit the road. This will make them less anxious and restless.

Prepare Your Pet

To get your pet used to riding in a car, start with a series of short drives first. Overtime, gradually lengthen the time of each drive.

Feed Your Pet Before the Drive

Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure. Do not feed your furry friend in a moving vehicle, even if it is a long drive. This could create a big mess, and could possibly make your pet nauseas. Instead, stop at a rest area or gas station to feed your furry companion.

Never Leave Your Pet Left Unattended

Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, even with the windows open, a parked car can become very hot, very quickly. This could cause your pet to suffer a heatstroke and die. Alternatively, a car can act as a refrigerator in cold weather, causing your pet to freeze to death.

Create a Traveling Kit for Your Pet

It is a great idea to have a travel kit prepared for your pet. Some things you can include in this kit are:

• Vet records

• Food

• Bowl

• Leash

• Plastic bags for waste

• Travel Litter Box

• Water

• Grooming materials

• Favorite toy

• Pet bed

Microchip Your Pet

Make sure your pet has a microchip for identification purposes and wears a collar with a tag imprinted with your home address and phone number. It’s also a great idea to have a temporary travel tag made with your cell phone number and destination address on it.

Invest in Vehicle Mats

If you travel frequently with your pet, you may want to invest in rubberized floor liners and waterproof seat covers to protect the interior of your vehicle.

Why Choose LeSueur Car Company

Don’t have a vehicle that fits your pet comfortably? We can help! At LeSueur Car Company, we have a wide variety of vehicles that are gently used! Click here to schedule a test drive!