Some pet parents love to take their pets with them on holiday, and while some can do this often, most of them feel that it might be too much hassle to pack and equip your car for long-distance travel with your pet. Even with thoughtful planning traveling with your furry companion can be stressful but we have put our heads together to come up with some helpful tips that’ll and your pet well on the way to having a fun field road trip.

Before we go into the car tips, it might be worth remembering to bring your pet’s documentation, food, and enough water to last the duration of the journey. Also, don’t forget to carry a small dog bed for them to sleep comfortably in during the journey. Sleeping in a car seat might not be the most relaxing experience for your furry friend. Finally, before beginning your travels, refer to the vet to see if your pet is healthy enough to travel long-distance in a car, as it could save a lot of hassle in case they get sick during the vacation. You can take your pet to a Veterinarian in your neighborhood for a basic health check-up so that you don’t encounter issues while on the road.

Restrains

The first thing is to figure out how to restrain the pet in the car, it is not safe to let your pet roam free in the car unrestrained. You should consider crating your pet if you are driving long distance or if your dog is a nervous passenger. Doing this will help you concentrate when driving because distracted drivers can easily cause accidents. Depending on the type of car you are driving, another option could be to confine your pet to the back of the car. You can easily do this by putting a wired grid to stop them from jumping over the back seat, you can also lay some blankets on the floor as well as some water and food to make them more comfortable. Finally, you should always make sure that however you try to transport your furry companion you should always make sure that it is well ventilated and there is always enough water.

Car checks

If it has been a while since your last MOT check then you’ll need to inspect the car. You should start by checking out the tyres, it is well known that your tyres are the most important part of any car. It is the only part of the can in constant contact with the ground and if not maintained properly it can cause danger to you, your passengers and other people. You should look at all four tyres (including spares) for cuts, bulges and punctures in the sidewalls of the tyres. You should also be checking the tyre pressure on all tyres. Not only is it important for your safety it is also a legal requirement to drive with the correct tyre pressure.

Safety

Driving with your pet could be fun but it could also be very dangerous. If your pet is confined to the back of the car you should make sure that all windows are up and if they have electric openers you should make sure they are all locked and the childproof lock is on. Riding with their head out of the window could open your pet to being injured by flying objects.

Rewards

When you arrive at your destination you can now open the crate or confinement and let your pet out to run around and stretch their legs. You can even give them treats to complement their good behaviour and even encourage it in the future.

Points to Ponder

Taking your furry friends out on a road trip with you can truly be an exciting and memorable experience for both you and your pet. However, it requires careful and extensive planning and preparation to ensure their safety and comfort throughout the journey. If you are ready to take up the hassle, then just follow the above-mentioned tips and you will be good to go. Otherwise, consider leaving your four-legged friend in a nearby Dog Boarding facility, so that they can stay safe and comfortable while you are away. This could be a much better option than exposing them to the stress and discomfort of an unfamiliar journey.

Alternatively, when choosing to take them with you, remember to pack all the necessary supplies, plan for frequent breaks, and secure your pets properly in the car. Additionally, it’s important to research pet-friendly accommodations and activities along your route beforehand. By following these tips, you can enjoy a fun and stress-free road trip with your beloved pets.