9 Tips for Safe Road Tripping With Pets
Summer road trip season is here! If you are a pet owner, it can be a tough decision whether to take your pet along or arrange for them to stay home. We’ve done both, but our two giant gold dogs typically get to come along when we go camping. When you opt to take them along, here are some great safety tips for road tripping with pets.
Road Trips With Pets ~ Safety Tips
There’s no denying how happy your pets are when they get to join their hoomans on an adventure away from home! Just look at the goofy smiles on our dogs faces, in every one of these photos – lol. With a little planning, your summer road trip can be even more enjoyable with your fur baby along.
The animal advocates at Humane Society Silicon Valley offer these great tips on how to keep pets safe and comfortable while traveling this summer.
1. Travel Buddy or Homebody?
Consider whether your pet would enjoy traveling. Some pets, particularly cats, would prefer to stay home in their familiar environment. Some pets may not do well traveling due to age, injury, issues with car sickness, or temperament.
2. Are They Pet-Friendly?
Make sure your hotel, campground, etc. are pet-friendly and check on any weight or breed restrictions before you book your stay.
3. Where Will They Ride?
Determine ahead of time where your pet will ride during the trip. Harnesses, crates, carriers, seatbelts, and other accessories can keep pets secure and comfortable during a car trip.
4. Remember Tags and Microchips
Ensure that your pet’s tag and microchip are up to date with your current information. If your pet does not have a microchip, get one! If you are in California, HSSV offers a low-cost microchip clinic. One in three pets will be lost at some point in their life. If not microchipped, only 17% of lost dogs and 2% of lost cats ever find their way home. But more than 94% of lost pets with microchips are successfully reunited with their families!
5. Mind the Temperature
Do not leave your pets in the car unattended in hot weather, even for short periods of time. It only takes minutes for a pet left in a hot vehicle to succumb to heat stroke.
6. Keep Pets Cool and Hydrated.
Always have fresh water available, keep pets in air-conditioned areas when possible and make sure they have access to shade when outside.
7. Stay on Schedule
Try to keep your pet on their regular feeding schedule.
8. Vaccinations
Make sure your pet’s vaccinations are up to date, especially if you will be hiking or camping on your trip. Check out HSSV’s low-cost vaccination clinic if you need to update your dog’s vaccines before the trip.
9. Take Breaks
Make frequent stops for potty breaks and to allow your dog to exercise a bit. Make sure they have access to shade when outside.
*o* *o* *o*
Are you planning any summer road trips this year with your pet? Share with us where you’ll be going!
Looking to Adopt a Great Pet?
About Humane Society Silicon Valley – Humane Society Silicon Valley (HSSV) is an independent, privately funded, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization serving people and pets for over 90 years. In 2017, HSSV became the first organization ever to earn model shelter status according to the guidelines set forth by the Association of Shelter Veterinarians. As an independent non-profit organization, HSSV does not receive funding from the Humane Society of the United States, ASPCA, or state and federal government entities. HSSV offers quality adoptions, affordable spaying/neutering, vaccinations, microchipping services, pet care services, and education programs to enhance the human-animal bond. Established in 1929, HSSV has adopted more than 500,000 animals into permanent, loving homes. Animal welfare is their top priority and their mission is to save and enhance lives. For more information, visit HSSV.org.
