How to Prepare for a Road Trip with Your Pet

Bringing your dog or cat on your road trip adventure is so exciting! They’re going to love this quality time they get to spend with you, but there are a few things you need to know about how to prepare yourself, your vehicle, and your pet for this journey!

Get Them a Checkup

Before you hit the roads, make sure that you take your pet to the vet to ensure they are healthy enough to handle a road trip. It’s a lot harder for a dog or a cat to lay in the back seat than it is for you to sit and drive. They need to move around much more frequently – yes cats included! Make sure that they are physically capable of withstanding long car rides.

If they are on any medications, be sure you have more than enough to last you the trip! Always have extra just in case you lose some!

Book Pet-Friendly Hotels

If this is a multi-day road trip, make sure that the hotels you are booking are pet friendly. This particularly applies to cats and large-breed dogs. Many hotels will say they are pet friendly but be breed specific so make sure you call and get the name of whoever told you that it was okay to bring your pet, so you don’t run into any trouble at check in!

Bring Their Necessities

Your pet will need all of the things that they have at home with them on this trip. This means you will need to be sure to pack their:

·         Food (again, bring more than enough)

·         Water – you will be on the road, bring water bottles to provide your dog with refreshments!

·         Doggy bags if you have a dog

·         A portable litter box if you’re traveling with a cat, along with extra litter

·         A pet carrier and a leash. Never exit the vehicle unless your pet is leashed or caged so they don’t get out when you do!

·         Grooming supplies – any supplies such as brushes, shampoos, conditioners, paw care, etc.

·         Bedding – Bring something soft and comfy for your pet to lounge in while you drive and when you get to the hotel if you’re staying at one

Bring Some Homey Items

Road trips can be stressful for your pet. Help ease their stress by brining along some of their favorite toys (and maybe some new toys), their favorite blanket, some treats, etc. Bring items that remind them of home and make them feel comfortable. Afterall, they don’t know what’s happening. All they know is you guided them to the car and now they’re watching the world pass by through a window! Make them comfortable.

Taking your pet with you is sure to be a memory you’ll never forget. Most pets will enjoy seeing these new areas and experiencing this journey with you. You just have to be sure you remember their essential items and make them feel comfortable along the way!