For many of us, our pets are considered family, and bringing them along on car trips is both fun and exciting. However, as you may already know, driving with them isn’t easy.
Even if your furry friend loves being in the car, they can still get overwhelmed. This might cause you to become distracted, and you may find it challenging to keep your eyes and hands on the road.
Below we will discuss five tips to drive safely with pets so that you can be prepared for your next trip.
Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Plan trips ahead of time.
Pets are different from humans and will need a lot more potty breaks than you. Therefore, planning your trips is a good idea, especially if you’ll be on the road longer than an hour.
It will also help them burn off some energy, so they relax more for the next leg of the journey. They will be content, and you’ll be able to focus on driving.
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Secure your pet correctly.
Even well-trained pets can become anxious in the back seat, so keeping them secure is essential. There are a few different ways to do this, so be sure to look into your available options.
Alongside seat belts and harnesses, there are specific crates designed for travel. It’s also possible to purchase a safety barrier to prevent them from jumping into the front.
Never leave them unattended.
There will be times on your trip when you may need to run into a local store. However, as tempting as it may be, you mustn’t leave your pet unattended in a vehicle (even if you think it’s only for a short time).
The temperature of a parked car can go up 20 degrees Fahrenheit in just ten minutes. Heatstroke is severe and can cause many health complications for your beloved family member.
Avoid winding down the window.
Seeing your dog hanging their head out the window in the breeze may be adorable, but it’s something that you should avoid. While cute, it can be hazardous, leading to injury or causing them to be thrown from the vehicle.
Again, it would be best if you had your pet secured correctly. However, if they happen to be near a window, keep it closed or cracked slightly.
Keep documentation on hand.
Finally, one habit you certainly want to get into if you frequently go on roadtrips with your pet is keeping their documentation in your vehicle. ID, proof of ownership, and vaccination may be required when boarding or crossing state lines.
Keep everything in your glove box for easy access. Trust us when we say it will save you a lot of hassle later on.
Final words.
And that’s it! These were five tips to drive safely with pets. Now you can get behind the wheel with confidence and enjoy your next adventure with your best friend by your side.
What do you think? Do you have any other advice that you would recommend to others?
