Road Trip 101: How to Travel With Pets in the Car

Whether you’re headed over the river and through the woods for a holiday visit to Grandma’s house or planning a big cross-country move, one thing’s for sure: You want to bring the whole family along. That means your furry friends, too!

Of course, your pets might not always share in the excitement. How do you keep them safe, happy and healthy in the car? Here’s what to know before you get on the road!

Pet Safety on the Go

As a pet owner, you work hard to protect your buddy wherever they go. However, that job becomes a bit more difficult when you’re on the road. Here are a few ways to keep pets safe when you travel by car:

Collars 

If you’re taking your dog on a road trip, remember to double-check that they have all the necessary tags. That usually includes a name tag and an up-to-date license.

The same is true for cats. Even if your kitty doesn’t wear a collar at home because they’re inside on your lap all the time, it’s smart to bring tags just in case the cat gets out during a rest stop. According to Michigan State University, most states don’t require your cat to have a license — but some areas do, so make sure you’re meeting all requirements.

Microchips

Even the best collars and tags can sometimes come off. Microchips are always with your pet, providing another way to identify and return them if they get lost. Talk to your vet about microchip options for your cat or dog before getting on the road.

Crates

It’s generally not safe to leave loose pets in the bed of a truck. To keep them protected, it’s better to put them in the vehicle with you. Some dogs are happy to sit and enjoy the ride, while others will be more comfortable in a kennel. Cats should be kept in travel crates so they don’t get too scared.

Keeping Your Pets Happy in the Car

Have you ever played a road trip game? Maybe you like to nap in the car, enjoy a podcast or read a book. Of course, you can’t share these entertainment options with your pup or kitty — so you might need to get creative if you want to keep them happy on your journey.

Here are a few ideas:

Bring Favorite Toys 

Dog toys and cat toys don’t just give your pet something to do. They’re also a fun, familiar reminder of home. Think ahead and bring whichever toy your furry friend is most interested in — or give them a brand-new toy to keep them occupied. 

One great choice is a “snack toy.” Any toy that holds treats, peanut butter or other tasty morsels will encourage your pet to focus on getting the reward — a great way to help them beat travel anxiety.

Put Down a Blanket

A blanket is another way to make furry friends feel more comfortable in an unfamiliar environment. To keep them even happier, put the blanket on your own bed for a few days so it feels and smells like home.

Grab Some Snacks

While a road trip might not be the best time to experiment with new snacks — especially if your pet has a sensitive stomach — it’s smart to bring your pet’s favorite treats. This keeps them from getting too hungry without filling them up all the way, as a full meal might make them sick on the road.

Take Breaks

Remember to let your dog out during rest stops to go potty and stretch their legs. If you’re traveling with cats, consider closing all the doors in your car and letting the kitty walk around the back.

Talk to Your Vet About Medications

Some cats and dogs can benefit from anti-nausea or anti-anxiety medications before a big trip. Be sure to discuss options with your veterinarian so you know which options are best and how to administer them safely.

How to Pack for a Pet-Friendly Road Trip

You probably have all kinds of lists to help you remember what to pack for yourself and your family — but your furry friends don’t have their own suitcases. If they could talk, they’d ask you to bring items like these:

Plenty of Food

According to the American Kennel Club (AKC), abrupt changes to your dog’s diet can cause stomach upset. The same is true for cats — and that’s not something you want to deal with in the back of your car! For this reason, it’s best to bring the type and amount of food your pet would typically eat at home.

Make sure to pack enough for the length of your trip. It’s also smart to bring a little extra, just in case you spill or lose a bag.

Bowls and Bottles

A travel bowl is a great investment for your road trip. They’re small, collapsible and easy to store, allowing you to pop them open and give your pet a drink anywhere and everywhere. Don’t forget bottles for fresh water on the go.

Leashes and Harnesses

Leashes and harnesses help you keep control of your cat or dog during potty breaks. This is important even for the best-behaved pet, because you don’t know how they’ll react if they see someone else’s cat or dog — or even a wild animal — at a rest stop.

Make Road Trips a Breeze With Pet Supermarket

At Pet Supermarket, we know your pets are part of the family. That means they deserve plenty of consideration when it comes to road trips. If you want to make things safe, stress-free and even fun for your furry friends, you need to plan ahead as much as possible — and we’re here to help.

Whether you’re looking for travel-friendly toys, comfortable kennels or stylish leashes and collars, we can direct you toward all the best options for your pet. Visit your nearest Pet Supermarket to get started!

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