Pet Travel - Traveling by car with your pets

Make sensible decisions when your pet travel is by car. Here are some common sense tips:

• If you do not have any experience traveling by car with your pet, take them on several "practice" trips to see how they react and to help them become accustomed to it.
• If your dog or cat has trouble getting in or out of the car, consider a pet ramp
  
• When traveling by car with your pet, do not allow them to roam free to annoy the driver and passengers. For safety reasons, avoid putting your pet in the front seat. If your pet will be traveling on one of the car seats, use a dog car harness or for cats and small dogs a soft sided carrier or a plastic sided carrier. If your pet will be traveling in the rear of your vehicle, you can easily install a car barrier for your pet. Travel crates can be tied down in the back of your vehicle.
  
  If you use a crate, make sure that it is large enough for your pet to turn freely, stand, and lay down inside, with ample space for food and/or water dishes.
• Avoid leaving pets unattended in a car, if you must, lock the doors, leave the windows open a crack and provide drinking water. Do not leave your pet unattended on hot days. Prevent spills with a combination water bottle and drinking bowl.
  
• If an overnight is planned, find a hotel that allows pets prior to leaving on your trip.
• Avoid motion sickness by rolling down the windows a crack in order to provide your pet with some fresh air.
• Before opening the car door, make sure your pet is securely fastened to their leash.
• Take frequent stops (at most every two hours) for a "bathroom" break and exercise.
• Protect your car with a waterproof pet cargo liner.
  

Read more pet travel articles
Pet Travel - Planning to travel with your pets
Pet Travel - What to bring when traveling with your pets
Pet Travel - Traveling by car with your pets
Pet Travel - Traveling by air with your pets
Pet Travel - Staying at pet friendly hotels
Pet Travel - Things to do during the trip

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