| Driving
Bulldog in Backseat of Car

You come home from work and plop down on the couch. Your dog’s soft, wet nose wiggles under your hand and he whines for a good ear rub. No matter how exhausted you are, you always have a little more energy left in you to love on your pet. He is, after all, one of your best friends, which is why you hate to leave him at home when you travel. Whether you have a cat, a dog, a ferret, or a bird, the ASPCA has put together traveling tips that can help keep your pet happy and safe when traveling in the car.

Are you ready to take a road trip with your pet? Read on!

Prepare your pet by taking them on short drives around town, then slowly increase the length of time spent in the car. Never leave your pet in the car alone, especially when it’s uncomfortably hot or cold outside. A car can easily become a temperature trap for your pet.

Pack a pet preparedness kit. Just as you’d pack snacks, drinks, blankets, pillows, and maybe games for your friends and family on a road trip, put together a pet version. Your pet preparedness kit should include your pet’s food, bowl, leash, plastic bags for waste scooping, any medication they might need, and their favorite toy or blanket. These things will give them a sense of comfort and familiarity.

Plan their feeding schedule. The ASPCA suggests feeding your pet three to four hours before departure and not feeding them in a moving vehicle. This will reduce the chances of them getting car-sick. If your pet seems to feel ill on your shorter travels around town, talk to your vet about your pet’s symptoms and the available medications.

You’re buckling up; your pet should too! While the ASPCA recommends that you keep your pet in a well-ventilated carrier while traveling, you may not have the room in your car for a carrier. Approved harnesses or seatbelts can be great pet accessories to purchase for your car.

Keep all paws and whiskers inside the vehicle. Your pet may enjoy riding with their head out of the window, but they could be injured by flying objects.

Bring your own water. We’re not saying your pet is a diva, but drinking water from an area he or she isn’t used to could lead to an upset stomach. Fill up water bottles with tap water from home or buy jugs of bottled water.

Talk to your insurance company about pet coverage. Even though you consider your pet a part of the family, your insurance company considers him or her your property. If you’re in an accident and are at-fault, your pet’s injuries likely won’t be covered. If the accident wasn’t your fault, the other driver’s insurance could help pay for your pet’s injuries under property damage liability coverage. Call your friendly Direct Auto representative at 1-877-463-4732 to discuss potential scenarios.

With a little bit of planning, your pet can accompany you on your roadway adventures. If you have pictures of your pet traveling the great American landscape, share them with us on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter!