As the weather gets warmer our furry friends will be coming along on trips to the park, the beach, or on a car trip for vacation. Having a dog unrestrained in your vehicle while driving can be a danger for both of you. Here are a few tips via The American Humane Association showing how to best keep your dog and yourself safe on the next car ride.

 

Important tips 

• If you are going on a long car ride, help your pet work up to this trip by taking shorter distance trips. This will help your pet feel more comfortable and less stress.
• Make sure all IDs are properly attached to your pets collar and that your microchip contact information is correct.
• Do not leave your pet inside a parked vehicle, the inside of a car heats up extremely fast. Even with the windows cracked your pet can be harmed.
• It is important to stop often for a restroom break and exercise.
• Never ever let your pet off the leash. In unfamiliar places, animals can act unexpectedly. You don’t want your pet to be injured or lost.

How to keep them safe

• Purchase a pet seatbelt, carrier or car barrier to ensure your pet is secure during the car ride. Most cats feel safer in a carrier or small crate.
• Never allow pets to roam around the car, sitting on your lap or being able to run around the vehicle causes danger to both you and your pet in case of an accident.
• Don’t feed your friends in a moving vehicle, give them a light meal a few hours prior to your departure. Water is fine while driving but stop at a rest stop for eating.

What to pack?

• Pack up a pet travel kit with food, bowl, leash, plastic bags, scoop, grooming supplies, and a few favorite toys.
• Bring plenty of bottle water or tap water in jugs.

 

 

These are just a few tips for travelling with your pets. Do you have any tips that work well for you? We would love to hear, post them below.