Driving with Daisy (First Primer in Pet Transport)

Vacationing with your pet this summer?   Attending to all the important details and preparing her well in advance are the keys to success.  Begin by considering whether your dog or cat actually wants to go.  Travel can be terribly stressful for pets, and they often don’t enjoy the destination in the same way as their humans.  Many of our furry friends would undeniably be happier staying at home with Grandma or in the comfort of a trusted boarding facility.

To fully acclimate your pet to the car, take multiple short excursions using familiar blankets and desirable treats.  It’s helpful if your practice trips end with a reward, like a walk in the forest preserve or a play date at the dog park.  If your pet suffers from motion sickness, be sure to embark on every trip with an empty stomach to minimize nausea.  If that doesn’t provide adequate comfort, consult your veterinarian; medication may be helpful. 

Remember that proper restraint inside the vehicle is as vitally important for pets as it is for children.  While it’s true that a restless cat or dog can squirm underfoot or leap out an open window, note that, in a collision, even the well-seasoned traveler will be instantly transformed into a projectile.  That’s dangerous for your pet and for everyone else in the car.  How dangerous?  My vehicle owner’s manual cautions against unrestrained passengers by using the example of a 13-pound infant.  It states that, even at speeds as slow as 20-35 miles per hour, the physics of a front-end collision invest that tiny baby (or cat, or Yorkie) with an effective weight of 260 pounds.  If you can’t easily lift 260 pounds, you’ll never keep that Yorkie on your lap.  The same math applied to a shepherd mix cruising at highway speeds yields a much greater number, which, by the way, hints at the damage she’ll sustain when striking the inside of your windshield.  Securing your passenger with a crate or seat belt harness could save you a whole lot of heartbreak.

Travel puts our pets in unfamiliar situations on unfamiliar turf, causing them to behave unpredictably.  Many treasured companions have been lost in this manner, so it is absolutely essential that your pet’s identification be clear and up-to-date.  Check the fit of her collar and the information on the tags.  A microchip is the perfect identifier and takes five minutes to implant at your vet’s office.  Pack a clear, current, color photo of your beloved with your belongings, just in case.  Don’t forget to take note of your veterinarian’s contact information before leaving, and obtain a sufficient supply of any regular medications.  A bit of internet research will allow you to compile a list of veterinary offices along your route, just in case of emergency.  Once you’ve done your homework thoroughly, you’ll be prepared for any of the more common perils of travel.  Bon voyage!

Dr M.S. Regan