Travel With a Pet in the Car

The first step is when you take your pet to the vet. Ask him or her for a sedative for your pet explaining that you are taking your pet with you on a road trip. If you have never taken your pet on the road before and do not know his or her behavior, you may wish you wait and see how it does in the car first. Pet sedatives are expensive and difficult to get. The vet will interview you to figure out if a sedative is really what you need. If you have taken your pet on a road trip before and know that it becomes frightened, restless, nervous or loud--all things that can distract you when you are driving, tell the vet. In those instances they are more likely to sell you the sedatives. Store them until you need them.

If you have ever owned pets, you already know that they understand what you are saying to them. I suggest telling your pet that you are going on a road trip. Pack the essentials for your pet as you would a child. Anticipate what may be needed, such as food, water, a toy, a leash, your pet' s favorite blanket or even your pet' s favorite song. The key is to make sure your pet is comfortable because you will be driving and cannot tend to them if they whimper, cry or wail, without pulling over. Experience has shown that even if you stop and soothe them, they will probably start again when the car gets rolling.

Different states have different laws governing how to transport animals in the car. You can receive a moving violation for improper pet restraint. The safest way, for you and your pet to travel in the car, is to have them in an approved carrier, cage or restraint.

At some point both you and your pet will need to stretch your legs, use the bathroom, and get some fresh air. If you are traveling with a dog, you have it quite easy. Stop at a rest area, hook him to his leash and off you go. Carry a plastic bag and scoop up his poop. Rest areas have rules about this. It's not fair for an unsuspecting person to step in dog poop and drive with the remaining stench. Tie the bag and toss it into a garbage can.You can quickly feed and water your dog. Cats are trickier. The leash option is out--trust me, I've tried it. Curious by nature they will explore and end up frightened up a tree at the rest area, McDonald's, or wherever you stop. It is OK to let cats out of the carrier when you stop, but leave them in the car. They will wander into their litter box if necessary. They probably will not eat or drink anything, but put something out, inside the car just in case. Do not forget to crack a window or two.

I usually cover my seats with a throw from my house--a blanket will also work--because it has a familiar scent that your pet will recognize. It also alleviates fur being left on the car seat.