How to Prepare For Your First Road Trip With Your Pet

Taking your pet along with you on a road trip can be a lot of fun, but it’s important to keep in mind that pet road trips can be stressful for both you and your pet. So, before taking to the road, it is important to ensure you have everything you need to make your pet happy and relaxed during the trip. To help make your trip more enjoyable, here are a few travel tips for a safe and comfortable road trip with pets from our East Valley Emergency Pet Clinic vets.

Visit the Veterinarian

The first step is to take your pet to your veterinarian in Diamond Bar, CA for a full check-up and to make sure they are healthy enough to travel. Make sure all vaccinations are up to date and talk with your vet about possible flea, tick or heartworm risks in the area where you will be traveling. It’s also beneficial to get recommendations for restlessness and car sickness-just in case. If your pet isn’t already microchipped, now is the perfect time to talk about this with your vet in case your pet should become separated from you while traveling.

Packing for Pet Road Trips

Pack a separate bag for your pet that includes:

• Food
• Water and food bowls
• Bottled water
• Snacks
• Favorite toys
• Treats
• Bedding
• Leash
• Medications
• Plastic bags to pick up after your dog

Prepare Your Vehicle

Because it is both dangerous and many states don’t allow pets to roam around in a moving vehicle, it is essential that you crate your pet while driving. If your dog is used to riding in the car and you don’t want to put them in a crate the entire trip, it is important to use pet safety harnesses. A pet harness will keep your pet safely secured should you get in an accident and it will prevent them from accidentally jumping out a window.

Make sure to verify the hotel you will be staying at is pet-friendly and be aware of their rules and regulations regarding pets in the room. Try to maintain a schedule as close to your regular schedule as possible when it comes to feeding, sleeping, playing and bathroom times for your pet.

To make sure your pet is road trip ready; contact us at the East Valley Emergency Pet Clinic.