Pick the right ride
The first step is to choose the right car, SUV, or minivan.
That ensures you begin with something that's reliable, scored well in our
testing, and performed well in government or industry crash tests.
A hatchback or small wagon is perfect for smaller pets. They
have room for some extra gear or a carrier, and allow sufficient space for your
pet to stand up and stretch its legs. Larger dogs tend to mean bigger vehicles,
especially if they're part of a larger family. SUVs are a good choice, and come
in a variety of sizes to meet your needs. Minivans provide the most room, and
have a lower load floor than most SUVs that makes it easier for the pets to get
in and out—especially as they get older.
Whatever size you choose, keep in mind that vehicles with
tie downs in the cargo area make it easy to safely secure a crate. Many wagons,
SUVs, and minivans have this feature. Chances are, you'll want to keep the pets
off the seats or cover them, but it's still a good idea to avoid cloth seats.
Some carmakers like Subaru and Volvo offer optional plastic liners and pet
barriers for the cargo area, and plenty of others are available through pet stores
or on the internet.
Aftermarket add-ons
Cargo Mat/Pet Guard
If you don't want or aren't in the position to take on the
added expense of a new car, there are lots of companies that make products to
make traveling with pets safer and easier. Keep in mind that none of these
products have been tested in our labs. All can be found in pet stores or big
box outlets, or online from suppliers like Drsfostersmith.com, Barkbuckleup.com, Frontgate.com, Ohmydogsupply.com,
or Solvitproducts.com.
Pet Barrier
Available in a variety of sizes for wagons, minivans, or
SUVs, a barrier gives your pet some room to move, but keeps them safely
contained behind the rear seat and off the upholstery.
Harness/Restraint
According to Barkbuckleup.com, a 60-lb dog traveling at 35
mph can turn into a 2,700 pound projectile in an accident. For the safety of
your pet and your family, look for a harness that lets your pet sit or lie
down, but will keep them restrained in an accident.
Cargo Area Mat or Liner
Mats and liners help protect carpets and make cleanup
easier. Look for one with a 2-3 inch lip around the edge to keep spills
contained.
Mat/Travel Bed
If you have a pet bed at home, you can bring it along to
help keep your pet comfortable and make them feel more secure. Or get one just
for your car. Beds for the cargo area are one option, as are hammocks that fit
over the rear seat area.
Water Bowl
A resealable container is fine, but you can find ones that
are collapsible, spillproof, or both. One cool model from BarkBuckleUp.com fits
in a cupholder.
Loading Ramp
Smaller and older dogs can more easily get in and out using
a ramp, and it makes loading easier on your back, too. A variety of models and
sizes are available. Telescoping or foldable models provide extra length
without being too long to fit in your car.
What to bring
Pack all your supplies in a zippered tote. If you travel
often with pets, some of this stuff can just be stored in the tote at home. If
you have more than one pet, the best bet is to bring a separate tote for each
one. That way, you can keep their food, medications, and toys organized. Some
suggestions for the tote include:
- Pet
friendly guide book -Â For tips on lodging, pet stores, emergency
services, and pet friendly parks along the way. Also check out websites
like petfriendly.com and petswelcome.com.
- Collar
ID Tag -Â Get one with your pet's name, your name, and your
telephone number. A cell number is best for the road, or you can tape a
local number to the collar. Bring along your own vet's number, too.
Permanent microchips for tracking are also available. Ask your vet.
- Pre-packaged
food -Â Bring along your pet's usual food, and prepack each meal
in a Ziplock bag. Familiar food is good for your pet on the road, and can
save money over buying as you go. Packing by serving is less messy and
more convenient. If you have more than one pet, label each one's food
separately, and always bring spares in case you get stuck.
- Biscuits,
treats, toys -Â A favorite toy or two relieves stress.
- Water
in resealable plastic container -Â Any plastic bowl will do, but a
number of sources offer specialty travel bowls.
- Dog
towels -Â if your dogs like to swim, bring along some old towels.
They're also handy if the pooch takes an unexpected mud bath. Your friends
and hotel staffs will thank you.
- Leash,
and maybe a longer run -Â It should be obvious, but don't forget
the leash. A longer run is good if you're going to be tying the dog
outside.
- Documentation
of shots -Â Don't leave home without them.
- Medications
-Â Don't forget any pills, ointments, or anything else you give
your pet at home.
- Plastic
bags -Â For cleaning up after your pet.
- Litter
and box -Â If you're traveling with a cat.
- Pet
carrier -Â For cats and smaller dogs.
- Cleaning
supplies -Â in case there's an upset stomach or
"accident" on the road.
Plan ahead
As much fun as it can be for both the pet and the family to
bring Fido or Snowball along on a trip, traveling with animals generally
requires a bit more planning. If you're staying in hotels, make sure they're
pet friendly before you book. And keep in mind that some hotels and motels that
say they allow animals may have weight limits. If you have a 200-pound Mastiff,
make sure you let your hosts know ahead of time.
While on the road
- Stop
every couple of hours to let your pet take a break and have some water.
- Never
let your pet ride with its head out the window - eye, ear, and head
injuries could result.
- Don't
leave a pet in the car unattended in the car without leaving windows a few
inches open. Open the sunroof if you have one. And never, ever leave a pet
in the car on hot days.
- Always
put your pet on the leash before opening the door or tailgate to let them
out.
Vet tips
Dr. Ernie Ward is veterinarian, lecturer, and author based
in Calabash, N.C. Dr. Ward gave us some of his own tips for traveling with
pets.
- Make
a travel litter box. For trips over 6 hours, provide a litter box
for cats. This can be made from a small cake pan or small cardboard box
filled with litter.
- Give
your dog a new toy for travel. The novelty of "new"
will entice your dog to pass the time playing with its new toy.
- Exercise
your dog prior to a long trip. A tired dog will be less anxious
and nervous due to the stabilization of the brain chemicals responsible
for stress.
- Take
your dog for a walk as soon as you arrive at your destination.
- Bring
recent vaccination and medical records. Should your pet become
ill, these documents can save valuable time and expense.
- Bring
a photo. It's a good idea to carry a recent picture of your pet.
The easiest way is to take one with your phone, or bring a print. If you
get separated from your pet, a picture is really worth a thousand words.
- Motion
Sickness. Contact your local pet prior to your trip to see what
medications you should consider if your pet gets motion sick.
