Road Trip Prep for Traveling with Dogs
Your furry family member or members need special equipment and attention when traveling in a car. Even if your pup is an eager travel companion and likes riding in a car, there are steps you need to take before you and your dog embark on a road trip. By doing a little road trip prep, you and your dog will have a more successful journey.
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Safety harness, crate or equipment
Although you may be tempted to keep your pup within arm’s reach or give him his freedom inside the cabin, it’s just not safe for you or your dog. Readers Digest editors suggest using a safety harness or pet carrier designed for your dog. If your dog takes his seat at the back of your SUV, they recommend both a harness and a pet divider.
Proper identification
My dogs don’t always wear their collars. They have them with tags, but it’s only when we’re going for a walk that they sport the red and blue accessories. Not only is it important for your traveling dog to have his tags, but it is also essential that the tag has the correct contact information. (I hate to admit it, but my older dog’s tag has an outdated address on it).
“Since you’ll be away from home, double-check your pet’s ID tags to make sure they include your cell phone number. When you arrive at your destination, type up a temporary tag listing the address of your hotel, campsite, or vacation rental,” advise the RD editors.
Do a test run
Even if your dog is a good passenger, there’s no harm in doing a test run, especially if you’ll be using new or different safety equipment. Your dog won’t know that it’s a fake road trip, he’ll be so excited about going with you. If he’s a reluctant traveler, the practice may help him overcome his fear, making your real road a more pleasant journey for the both of you.
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These road trip prep suggestions will help keep you and your dog on track for your next adventure on the road.
DeAnn Owens is a Dayton transplant by way of the Windy City, yet considers herself to be a California girl at heart even though she’s only visited there once. To get through the dreaded allergy season unique to the Miami Valley, she reads, writes, complains about the weather, and enjoys spending time with her husband, two sons, and their newest addition, a Boston terrier puppy that is now in charge of all their lives. In the future, she hopes to write a novel and travel through time. See more articles by DeAnn.