Whether you are headed
to the grocery store or headed to another country there are a number of
ways that your pet can join you on your journeys that are both safe and
comfortable.
Traveling with your pet - whether short or long distances - requires
forethought and planning. The best thing you can do prior to traveling
with an animal is to see your veterinarian. She can decide whether your
pet will be able to withstand the strain of a car trip and what kinds of
precautions you will need to take before heading off into the great blue
yonder. An unhappy pet makes for a miserable trip, and an unsafe pet may
bring heartbreak.
Riding shotgun
We've all seen the dummies on television. They crash into walls, lose
limbs, and generally convince you that wearing seat belts saves lives.
Did you ever think this might apply
to your pet as well?
Riding unrestrained in a car or truck is as dangerous for your pet as it
is for you.
Think about it:
Your four-legged friend has far less
ability to keep himself upright in a careening vehicle than you do. In
an accident, Rover is likely to go straight through the windshield, and
the chances of him surviving impact upon landing are slim.
"But my dog loves to hang his head out the window!" you say. "Am I
supposed to deprive him?" Yes, you should. As you're traveling on the
highway and Rover happily is taking in the breeze he is at the mercy of
flying rocks, debris, and branches that can easily put out an eye or
otherwise cause permanent damage to his head. Save headache and
heartache for both of you and buy a restraint for your pet.
Don't be a dummy
They make several types of seat belts for animals, and most are
available at your local pet supply store. Wholesale pet supply
companies, such as R. C. Steele (call 800/872-3773), might also have
what you're looking for, and you don't have to be a veterinarian or a
pet shop owner to use them. Seat belts for your dog are available in
several sizes, and they work with a harness piece that goes over the
chest and attaches to the car's seat belt. The dog can sit and see the
scenery or lie down for the duration of the trip.
We have all seen dogs riding happily in the back of a pickup truck - but
how happy would they be if a sharp turn sent them flying? Although
riding unrestrained in the bed of a truck is not illegal everywhere, it
is certainly illegal in some cities.And it is severely frowned upon by
humane societies, law enforcement, and most of the general public. Do
yourself - and your dog - a favor and buy a "seat belt" for the bed of
the truck. Somewhat more difficult (though not impossible) to find, this
contraption is more like a leash that is adjustable and can be attached
in the bed of the truck. You can shorten or lengthen the leash as you
wish, making it long enough to give the dog some standing room but short
enough to prevent him from flipping over the side of the vehicle and
hanging himself. Seat belts all vary in price depending on size and
type, but will probably run between $20 and $40.
Car seats for smaller pets (up to ten pounds) are also available, though
not many people have heard of them. It looks somewhat like a square
cloth bucket attached to the back of your vehicle's seat and can be
raised or lowered to allow your pet to see out the window. The seat
contains a safety harness, and it retails for about $50.
No carrot cake for Rover
Another option for restraining a cat or dog inside a vehicle is a
carrier, which has the added bonus of portability. These sturdy,
well-ventilated carriers can be a comfort zone for your pet if you get
him used to it by taking him on frequent trips at first. And in a
carrier, he can't (out of sheer boredom) eat the carrot cake you've left
on the dash or otherwise destroy the interior of the Chevy.
When choosing a carrier, keep in
mind that it should:
- Allow your pet to sit, stand, or
lie down comfortably
- Have no interior protrusions that
may injure the animal
- Be well-ventilated, with exterior
rims to keep other objects from blocking air flow
- Be equipped with handles or grips
for secure transport
You may want to include a few familiar
toys or a favorite blanket to lie on. Carriers, in general, cost between
$50 and $150 (depending on size), and can be found at just about any pet
store. Smaller carriers can usually be secured to the seat using the
car's seat belt. |
Leaving an animal
inside the car requires attention to temperature: If it's too cold for
you, it's probably too cold for your four-legged pal. And the
temperature in the interior of a car can be lethal - even in winter -
with temperatures rising extremely quickly to 150 to 200 degrees. And if
you're on a long car trip, you must stop every two hours for Rover's
roaming pleasure. He is just as cramped in the car as you are, and a
quick walk will do both of you some good. When you do stop, be sure to
give your pet water - he gets just as thirsty as you do.
Once you're there
The car ride ends, but the trip may have just begun. Once you arrive at
your destination, you'll need to find lodging. Pet-friendly hotels and
motels do exist, though you may have to do a little searching to find
them. (See "Finding Pet-Friendly Lodging," below.)
Some questions to consider before
you make reservations:
- Will other pets be staying
there at the same time? If so, what kinds of animals?
- Will there be fees or deposits
for my pet? Are the fees per pet or per room? Daily or one time
only? Is the deposit refundable?
- Will I be limited to a certain
type of room?
- Are there restrictions on where
I can walk my pet?
- Do they offer special services
for pets? (Some five-star hotels may.)
Expecting the unexpected
Despite all of your forethought and planning, from time to time medical
emergencies with your pet will occur. Before you leave, ask your
veterinarian for a referral to a veterinary hospital in your destination
location. You can also visit Healthy pet's Hospital Locator to search
for AAHA member facilities by zip code.
With a little preparation and forethought, traveling with your pet in
the car (but not in the trunk) can be a safe and enjoyable experience
for both of you.
Finding Pet-Friendly Lodging
The American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Express Travel
Service can help you make arrangements at motels and hotels accepting
pets. Their numbers can be found in your local directory. Or telephone
800/496-2665 for Vacationing With Your Pet!, a national listing of
pet-friendly hotels and motels. |