How to Keep Your Pet Safe While Traveling In the Car

Planning a road trip with your furry family member in the near future? Make sure to follow these LeSueur Car Company list of suggestions to ensure that your pet says safe in the car!

1. Get a Pet Carrier

Most people don’t consider this, but pets need to be restrained in cars. No matter what size your pet is (whether it's a dog, cat, or hamster), it will be better off in a travel crate. To ensure your crate will not get ejected in the event of an accident, make sure you tie it down with bungee cords or a seatbelt. This will not only ensure the safety of your pet, but will also lessen the chance of your pet suffering from motion sickness.

Additionally, never let animals roam around your car freely. This can cause distraction and may result in a wreck.  

2. Keep Your Pet Out of the Front Seat

Your pet does not need to ever be in the front seat. Even if your dog is big enough for the passenger side seatbelt to fit over him, he/she would still be at risk even in the smallest of accidents if the airbag should deploy, or if they slid over or under the belt. Seat belts and airbags are designed for the adult sized human body, and dogs are not physically equipped for either of them. The results could be fatal.

3. Pack Food and Water

Make sure that you take enough food to last the duration of your trip. You might even want to think about filling a jug of water from home, to minimize any chance of digestive problems. Collapsible pet bowls are perfect for road trips, as you can stash them in your pocket and fill them for rest stop breaks.

4. Bring and Emergency Travel Kit

To prepare for any situation, pack the following items for your road trip:

• Roll of gauze

• Pet bandages

• Pain reliever that has been pre-approved by your veterinarian for your pet's weight and age

• Hydrogen peroxide — both for cleaning wounds and for inducing vomiting

• Antibiotic ointment

• Anti-nausea medicine (again, pre-approved by your veterinarian)

• A current photo of your pet

• Plastic bags for picking up after your pet

• Manual can opener

• Proof of rabies shots (remember, you're prepared for anything)

• Extra toys

• Baby wipes

• Cleaning wipes and paper towels

• Extra collar and leash

• A blanket or beach towel large enough to wrap around your pet

Why Choose LeSueur Car Company

Looking for a bigger vehicle to accommodate your furry family member(s)? Click here to browse our inventory today!