Dogs In Cars - Preparing For Your Trip

Traveling with your dogs in cars can be one of the greatest pleasures for both of you. Of course, making preparations pertaining to such a trip involve the both of you at the same time. Taking a few moments of one's before you decide to venture, will make the trip more pleasurable and safer.

Getting Ready For YOUR TRIP

May I see some Identification please . . .

It might appear redundant, but hold a copy of your veterinarian's name, phone number and fax number convenient. There are accommodations that will require proof of up-to-date inoculations, therefore having a duplicate on hand can save you some time and hassle. We all assume that your canine friend already has some sort of collar. Getting a good Identification tag is an easy matter. Virtually each and every veterinarian and pet shop provides forms or the capability to make your own. We also suggest that your pet be microchipped. This can be done without having anesthesia, and it's also a straightforward procedure. If both you and your dog are divided while traveling, this can raise the likelihood of reuniting you with your dog.

Is it safe?

Many of us consider making use of a seat belt second nature, but a majority of haven't properly secured their dog in the car. What many tend not to take into account is the fact your dog unfastened in a car is actually a safety problem for them as well. Research indicates that many have been distracted by their dogs. As the mobile phone regulations state, "Distracted driving is actually impaired driving."

Choosing to secure your pet is something, figuring out how to is yet another. It's not as though seat belts are produced with regard to dogs, no matter what their weight and size. The easiest method to restrain your dog is to use a harness. There are numerous types offered at any pet store or on-line. These fabric harnesses can be found in several sizes and have a loop at the back side perfect for connecting to your own seat belt on the road and your leash upon arrival.

The next step of comfort and safety is a pet carseat. These can range from a cushion to a full-fledged carseat including micro suede lining and drawer for leashes and other accessories. In addition to security, these have the added benefit of allowing your dog to experience the panorama. For those of you with large dogs, this may not seem like a problem, however for people with smaller sized dogs, this is often a real plus. With a smaller dog, you can purchase a car seat that can double as a dog bed after arrival. While a number of hotels will offer dog beds, others will not and will simply state that your dog not sleep on the hotel furnishings.

Are we there yet?

For most of us our pet dogs can be like our children - the good as well as the not-so-good parts. Traveling in a car with your dog requires patience for more regular stops. Older dogs particularly, will have to stretch their legs and take additional frequent bathroom breaks. Many rest areas currently have family pet specific sites.

Of course, please don't forget to pack doggie disposal bags for the trip. While many places offer them, it is usually best to have your own. Picking up after your dog is fundamental manners. Please be a conscientious dog owner.


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Tony B Lumpkin III is an outdoorsman and semi-retired executive living in Austin, Texas. With over 20 years of extensive experience traveling with dogs in cars. He now contributes to a popular website devoted to dog travel. For more valuable doggie travel tips, please visit the website => http://www.doggietravelinfo.com