If you’re like most pet owners, you consider your furry friend to be a member of the family. So it’s only natural that you would want to include them in your everyday activities, which may include driving. Travelling with pets can be a great way to bond with your furry friend and make sure they get the exercise they need – for example, you might decide to take your dog to the beach. Or you may need to travel with other pets, such as cats and rabbits, in order to take them to the vets for a check up.
Whatever your reasons, it’s important to take some precautions to ensure everyone stays safe. With a little preparation, you and your pet can enjoy many happy miles together on the open road.
1. Get your pet used to travelling
Driving with a pet can be a challenge, but there are a few things you can do to make the experience more enjoyable for both you and your furry friend. First, take some time to get your pet acclimated to car rides by taking short trips around the block.
Pets can get anxious when they’re out of their element. If your pet isn’t used to car rides, it’s important to take some time to acclimate them before hitting the road. Give them plenty of treats and praise to create a positive association with the car. This will help them to become less anxious about being in the car and make the experience more pleasant for both of you.
Once your pet is comfortable with short trips, you can begin planning longer journeys. Remember to make frequent stops so your pet can stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
2. Make sure your pet is securely restrained
Whether you’re taking a puppy to the vet for the first time or going on a cross-country road trip with your furry best friend, it’s important to make sure your pet is properly secured when travelling in a car.
To ensure they don’t become a distraction or impede your ability to drive safely, pets need to be securely restrained. Loose pets can be a danger to themselves and to other passengers: they can be thrown around in the event of an accident, become a distraction to the driver, or block the view of other drivers. There are a variety of ways to restrain your pet in the car, including crates, seatbelts, and harnesses.
Securing your pet correctly is also a legal requirement of driving with pets. The UK Highway Code recommends seat-belt harnesses, pet carriers, dog cages or dog guards as ways of restraining animals in cars. Whichever method you choose, make sure your pet is safely secured before hitting the road.
3. Plan your journey well
If you’re planning to travel with your pets in the car, it’s important to take some time to plan your journey ahead of time. This will help ensure that your furry friends are comfortable and safe during the trip.
First, consider the length of the journey and whether your pet will need to take any breaks. It’s also important to make sure that your pet has a comfortable place to sleep during the drive. If you’re travelling with multiple pets, you’ll need to make sure that they have enough space to move around and stay out of each other’s way. Finally, remember to pack any essential supplies, such as food, water, and toys.
By taking some time to plan ahead, you can ensure that your pet has a safe and comfortable journey. Ideally you should also never leave your pet unattended in the car, as it can quickly become too hot for them. So you need to plan your journey and ensure you have enough fuel for the trip, or you’re travelling with someone else who can take care of your pet.
With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy quality time with your pet while keeping everyone safe on the road.
