Have plenty of water available. If you are driving, put water in a shallow plastic container with a lid. Give your pet a drink of water at least every two hours while you are on the road. Pull over and go to a rest area to offer the water to your pet, but don’t try to force it to drink.
Walk your pet. Stop at a rest area where pet walking is allowed. Keep a leash in the car to walk your pet. You don’t have to walk cats. Dogs and puppies should be walked as least as often as you walk them when you are home. Traveling may require more walking for your pet. Be patient. Even if you just walked your pet, pull over and walk it again.
Clean up after your pet. Keep plastic bags, gloves, tissue and antibacterial wipes while traveling to clean up after your pet. Throw any pet refuse in the trash at the rest area.
Have plenty of toys for your pet. If they are not sleeping, pets get bored during long trips. Bring chew toys and favorite toys for your pet. If your pet is inside a carrier, place one or two toys inside the carrier. Do not place small toys which may be swallowed near your pet. Toys should be large enough to prevent choking. If you are not sure of whether the toy is too small, ask your vet.
Talk to your pet during your trip. Some pets get nervous while traveling, and it will help if you speak to your pet in soft, soothing tones. If your pet starts to whimper, gently reassure your pet by telling it that it will be all right. It may also help if you can pull over into a rest area to hold and pet your pet. Be sensitive to your pet’s needs.
Be patient. Stay patient during your trip. If your pet has an accident, don’t chastise your pet. Simply clean up the mess. Traveling by land can be a scary voyage for your pet, but following these steps can help you to have a pleasant trip by land with your pet.
