Before anything else it’s best to do some research about the actual law pertaining to pet travel in cars that apply to your state. This way you’ll know exactly what’s not allowed as well as what’s legal so that you avoid having to pay a hefty unnecessary fine should you be caught unaware that you were doing something wrong.
Now that’s taken care of let’s move on to what you have to do to make sure that you and your dog are both safe while traveling by car.
Always travel using durable, crash-tested crates
No matter what you’ve seen in the movies, always use crates to make sure that your dog is as safe as possible while the two of you are traveling.
Be sure to shop around for the right size and make sure that you don’t cheap out by not choosing a safety-certified, crash-tested crate.
Common materials of choice are aluminum and plastic reinforced with fiberglass since they’re very durable. Also make sure that the design of the crate leaves your canine companion enough room to breathe properly.
The best and most reputable brands will carry warranties lasting for a year or two so while they may be a bit pricier, always choose them over others.
Other optional safety features to keep in mind include having crash bags inside the crate as well as a ramp or steps to help your pet dog get in and out of the car easily.
No to power windows!
As safe and as convenient as power windows are for humans the same can’t be said when we’re talking about dogs.
It’s easy for them to accidentally open them using their paws and once opened overexcited dogs may jump out and this can be fatal. Some may also close the window on their necks by mistake chocking them and that too could prove fatal.
As much as possible turn off the power windows when you’re traveling with your dog.
Take frequent breaks.
Dogs need to stretch their legs and do their business every now and then especially when boxed up in crates. To help make them feel less anxious as well as to not stress them out be sure to take breaks every two to three hours.
During this time take the time to rest as well since you don’t really need to drive 12 hours straight.
Bring water and food.
Never ever think that it’s a better idea to just head out to the store during one of your stops than it is to pack your own food and water.
Not only is it better for emergencies, it’s also a bit more convenient for your dog since it may feel stressed and cry out if you leave it alone in the car to buy stuff from the store. Also this should already go without saying but letting your pet ride at the back of a pickup or letting it rest on your lap during the trip or leaving it in the back alone are all bad ideas.
Not that we’re recommending that you shouldn’t spend time with your dog but if you have a hard time following these safety tips you may want to call on the pet sitter and just leave your pet at home. This way you won’t be putting their lives as well as yours in danger by traveling with them on the road.