As most travelling pet owners will tell you, the tricky part isn’t the actual road trip. Rather, it’s managing the rest of the stops you need to make. Cats and dogs generally need more rest stops than your typical human companion.
Still, travelling with both of your pets can be a joyous experience—especially if you follow the pointers below:
Socialise Your Pets Before You Travel
It’s not recommended for you to travel with pets of any species if they haven’t been properly socialised. Unsocialised pets can get spooked more easily on the road, making them stressed or even run away.
What’s worse is that they might be so anxious that they won’t know to come when called if they run away at a rest stop. Be sure to socialise your cat and dog beforehand so that you can greatly minimise their stress (and your own) and increase the odds of a safe trip.
Keep Your Pets Secure
Before you start your trip, you’ll want to invest in a sturdy carrier, harnesses, and escape-resistant Martingale collars with contact details for your pets. Get them used to these so they won’t feel uncomfortable when you start your trip. If your pets haven’t been microchipped, have a vet implant their chips ASAP.
During your road trip, always ensure your dog and cat are in a carrier or on a secured leash to keep them from wandering off or getting lost. Always remember that even well-behaved pets can become disoriented in unfamiliar surroundings.
Make Detailed Plans
Before hitting the road, map out your route and identify as many pet-friendly rest stops as possible. Look for parks, rest areas, and pet-friendly establishments where your cat and dog can stretch their legs and relieve themselves.
Contact all these places to verify their pet-friendly status so your pets can truly relax as needed. Also, get the contact details of veterinarians along your route in case of emergencies.
Plan Frequent Breaks
As mentioned above, pets need more frequent breaks than people. You want to aim for at least a 15-minute break every two hours of driving. This won’t always be possible, but it’s a good benchmark to follow to keep your cat and dog comfortable.
Make Your Stops Count
Stops aren’t just times to stretch your legs and use the bathroom. They’re also valuable moments for keeping your cat and dog engaged and happy. Try to get a few snippets of exercise and exploration in your short breaks so your pets remain physically and mentally healthy.
Stock Your Vehicle with Pet Supplies
Before hitting the road again, ensure your car is fully stocked with pet supplies tailored for life on the move. Include shatter-proof feeding bowls, safety gear, comfortable beds, grooming tools, medications, crates, and safe storage for their essentials. Also, restock consumable supplies like water and pet-friendly snacks at your rest stops as needed.
Make Sure Everyone’s Hydrated
Your pets need access to fresh water during rest stops to prevent dehydration, especially during hot or dry weather. Invest in portable water bowls or water bottles designed for pets for on-the-go hydration. If you’re bringing a cat along, stock enough wet treats, too, since many cats have a poor thirst drive.
Never Leave Pets Unattended in Your Car
Leaving your pets unattended at a rest stop is incredibly dangerous, particularly during hot weather. Even if you park in the shade and leave the window open a crack, leaving your pets alone can cause them to become anxious–which can, in turn, cause them to chew on things inside your car. Worse, you also risk them getting lost or stolen. It’s also worth remembering that leaving your pet unattended is against the law in many areas.
Again, plan stops at pet-friendly establishments so your pets can accompany you wherever you go. Never leave your pets unattended, even just for a few minutes.
Bring Another Human Along
Road trips with pets are much easier if another human is present to watch over them. With another human companion present, you can divide tasks such as driving, navigating, and pet care, making the journey more manageable for everyone involved.
Perfectly Planned Pauses with Your Pets
With proper planning and careful consideration, rest stops can be more than just speed bumps on your road trip—they can become opportunities for adventure, exploration, and quality time with your cat and dog. Whether playing fetch at a roadside park, enjoying a scenic hike together, or simply snuggling up in the comfort of your vehicle, every moment spent with your pets will strengthen your special connection and make your travel adventure all the more special.
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