How to Travel with a Pet

For many families road trips are a summer-time staple. When school is out for vacation parents back their children into the car bound for an hours-long trip to a new, exotic place. Most people have friends or family members to take care of the many pets that find themselves in the family home while on their road trip. However, what about those who don't have that option? Sometimes you need to bring your pets with you. Of course, if you don't have pets that are used to long car trips this can be quite a chore.

Faced with this situation myself when taking a 40-hour trip across the country, cat included, I realized that there is very little resources with people who have such a problem. Internet searches revealed little, aside from some "shipping services" that are clearly designed for those with a full house staff, not a middle class family. It became obvious to myself, and I'm sure many before me, that the only way to solve this problem is by sticking it out with the pet in the car.

So how do you do this? It's certainly not just as easy as sticking your pet in the car and driving. There's a few steps to take, but the first place to start is at the vet. This is probably going to deter your pets from wanting to get in the car in the future, but it's still something that needs to be done. Once at the vet, check to make sure that your pet is updated with all of their shots. Let them know that you're going on a trip and request some pet tranquilizers and the paperwork showing that your pet is in good health.
Pet tranquilizers is a heavily debated option, but regardless, it's still a good idea to have in hand just in case. If you're driving for 10 hours and your cat won't stop yowling, you're going to want an option. It doesn't have to be your first resort, though. There are many things that you can do to make your pet comfortable and happy which may eliminate the need for tranquilizers.

When preparing the room that you'll have in your vehicle; be sure to keep one seat free for your pet. By this, I mean the actual seat, not on the floor. When going out to buy a carrier, you'll want a large one which likely won't fit on the floor. Your pet is going to want room to move around and be comfortable, so the basic small carrier used for carting your pet to and from the vet is likely to make them more upset. Get something that is larger than intended for your pet. For example, when shopping for a carrier for a medium sized cat trying looking for one for a small sized dog instead.

Once that is bought you'll need to prepare it. Find a small litter box, if needed for your pet, and some disposeable towels. The towels will be layed in the carrier for comfort for your pet. In your vehicle lay down garbage bags and/or newspapers on the seat just in case anything leaks through the carrier itself. Aside from that, you'll want to bring along ample supply of litter and cat food, and a bowl of course, some small bags for when emptying the litter box and a litter scoop.
While on your trip be sure to empty the litter box everytime it is used, but make sure you don't keep the door open when you do so, to keep your pet from escaping. Feed your pet only at night to keep them from getting sick on the trip. When stopping along the way feel free to give them water or food in small amounts. Lastly, even though it may be tempting to comfort your pet by taking them out of the carrier, it is likely to only stress them out further.

If something happens these tips and preparations don't keep your cat happy and you're forced to deal with hours of yowling, simply give your cat some of the tranquilizers to keep him calm. Keeping all of these things in mind, you're sure to have a successful trip - pet and all.