It can be a great experience to travel by road with your pet. It is very satisfying to have your pet along with you throughout the travel and not to have it go through the restrictions of air travel. But for the entire trip to be safe and happy, you have to take care to make it a stress-free time for your pet. You both will have to go through many unfamiliar conditions like cramped spaces, heat, and different food. Herein, we provide a guide for pet-friendly travel so that the trip stays memorable.

Familiarize your pet to travel

Our first tip in this guide for pet-friendly travel is to take your pet on short trips and visits before you plan that dream trip by road. This lets your pet get to know the vehicle and also learns to be seated in its crate or carrier.

Avoid exposure to heat
If you are making a summer trip with your pet, keep in mind that your car gets heated up very fast and so your pet should not be left in the vehicle unattended even for a short while. Your pet could be exhausted easily by the heat, so you have to watch out for differences in breathing or any other discomfort. If you know the weather conditions of your destination, you can plan accordingly and prepare your pet for the change.

Take care of their food
It’s advisable to carry enough food from home so that your pet feels at home during travel. Care should be taken to pack them in airtight containers and placed inside a cooler so that it is not spoilt. In warmer weather conditions, food is at a higher risk of spoilage. Your pet’s food should not be left in the car when you are stopping. It has to be stored in the hotel room in cooler conditions. You can start introducing small portions of new food once your pet has taken to the pattern of travel and is not complaining. An occasional treat like ice cream or chocolate is worth trying to keep your pet happy.

Water breaks
Dehydrated pets get exhausted and irritable. It is important to take frequent water breaks. It is necessary to carry enough water and a collapsible bowl from home as your pet may not drink water that tastes or smells different.

A comfortable seat
A comfortable crate or carrier for your pet with seat belts or restraints is our top safety tip in this guide for pet-friendly travel. It would be helpful if you get your pet accustomed to the carrier in advance. If the vehicle feels and smells like home, your pet will not have too many complaints. It is advisable not to let your pet free in the vehicle as it is unsafe for the pet and a distraction for the driver. Pets should not be allowed to stick their heads outside the vehicle.

Small breaks to stretch
Long hours of road trips need many breaks. Whenever you stop for food, petrol, or wash, it’s important that you and your pet get to stretch your legs and walk a little. This avoids cramps and keeps your pet happy. Your pet should have its collar, ID tag, and leash whenever you let it out.

The tips mentioned above are our complete guide for pet-friendly travel. Happy journey to you and your pet!