Being a pet owner comes with so many joys, and taking them with you on road trips or any other car ride is one of them. However, it’s essential to ensure your furry friend is safe before hitting the road.

Car accidents happen all the time, and just like you wear a seatbelt for safety, you must take precautions for your pet’s wellbeing, too. In this article, we’ll share what you need to know regarding pet safety on the road.

Invest in a Pet Restraint System

Keeping your pet in one place whilst driving is essential. Not only does it prevent distractions, but it is also an essential safety precaution.

Your pet may find it tempting to stick its head out the window for a good time, but doing so can cause injuries. A restraint system, such as a travel carrier or a pet seat belt, can keep them securely in place. Although it may be tempting to keep your furry friend on your lap as you drive, studies show that it’s a danger to both you and your pet.

Never Leave Your Pet Alone in the Vehicle

This point cannot be overstated enough. Even with the windows cracked open, the temperature inside your vehicle can rise pretty quickly. This can put your pet’s life at risk, leading to heatstroke or suffocation.

Therefore, before leaving your house with your pet, ensure that you have a plan on how to take care of them when you’re stopping at certain places.

Exercise Your Pet Before Road Tripping

Before taking your pet on a long road trip, it is vital to exercise them. Dogs and cats need their workout, and going for a walk or playing with them before you hit the road can keep them calm and make them less restless.

Make time to take your pet for a pre-drive walk to keep them calm and relaxed while on your journey.

Pack Your Pet’s Essentials

When preparing to travel with your furry friend, it’s essential to pack their essentials. The first item on the checklist should be their water bowl and water reserve.

Additionally, a spare leash, waste bags, and a few of their favorite toys can make the journey comfortable for them. Also, bring along their food and treats, and consider how easy it will be to feed them while on the road.

Get Your Pet Accredited by the Vet Before Your Road Trip

Before taking your furry friend on a road trip, it is essential to ensure that they are up to date with their vaccinations. Also, if your pet is on medication, ensure they have enough for the entire journey.

Visit your veterinarian and have them give your pet a thorough check-up. In case your pet becomes anxious on long journeys, you can ask the vet to recommend medication that can calm them down during the trip.

Provide Your Pet with Adequate Ventilation

Sometimes, you may feel chilly and want to close the windows to keep the temperatures in check. Before doing that, it’s important to ensure your pet is getting enough ventilation.

Dogs, cats, and other pets depend on the free flow of air to maintain a comfortable temperature, and overheating can cause serious health problems for your pet.

Take Breaks and Let Your Pet Stretch

Going on a long road trip can be tiring for both you and your pet. Make sure to take breaks every few hours, let the pet stretch and take a walk. This will help keep your pet calm and relaxed during the journey.

Additionally, fresh air can help you and your pet avoid motion sickness.

Ensure Your Vehicle is Pet-Friendly

Before embarking on a road trip, check your car for hazardous items that your pet could ingest. Such items can include loose wires, small pieces of plastic, and any other sharp objects that your pet may chew on.

Additionally, check to ensure that your windows and doors can lock from the inside, and avoid having items that can obstruct the driver’s view.

Ensure Your Pet is Easily Identifiable

If your pet accidentally gets lost during the journey, it can be difficult to track them down. To avoid this worry, ensure that your pet has identification tags that have a phone number or an address.

Additionally, get your pet micro-chipped to make it easier to locate your pet in case they go missing.

Conclusion

Keeping your pet safe during a road trip is crucial. By following the tips above, you can ensure your pet’s safety and have peace of mind while on your journey. Remember, road safety applies to both you and your furry friend.

Creating a checklist can be helpful in ensuring that you do not forget anything that your furry friend may need during your journey. Always remember that prevention is key when it comes to avoiding accidents on the road, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry.