Are you planning a road trip with your pets before summer comes to an end? Traveling with your pets can be a lot of fun, as long as you practice proper summer pet safety. Remember that your pets can’t withstand the summer heat like we can, and asking them to do so isn’t fair. So be sure that wherever you go, you’re following these pet travel safety tips and that there is more than enough access to shaded areas and fresh water.
Preparing For Your Road Trip: Dog Car Safety
When traveling by car, it’s important to take dog car safety precautions. Be sure to have either a safety-tested, well-ventilated travel crate or travel harness to secure your pet within the vehicle. Roadside breaks can quickly become dangerous if your dog decides to bolt from your car or simply get excited and exit before you ask them to. Ideally, you can secure them on their leash before opening the door. Of course, your pets should always have the correct identification on their collars in addition to being microchipped.
If your trip is going to take all day, remember that leaving your dog in the car unattended can be extremely dangerous. Research shows that temperatures inside your vehicle can rise about 20 degrees in just 10 minutes and almost 30 degrees in 20 minutes. Even on a 70-degree day, the temperature in your vehicle can quickly become deadly for your pets.
If you need to stop, consider packing snacks or visiting pet-friendly establishments. Many stores like PetSmart or Lowes welcome pets and have bathrooms you can use. And while not a popular choice, a portable toilet with a privacy screen is also an option.
If you must leave your pet briefly to use a restroom, be sure your car is parked in a safe, shaded area with your windows cracked and a bowl of fresh water. You may even consider leaving a note with your contact information in case someone is concerned.
Other options to help keep you and your pets cool when taking roadside breaks include an aluminum car shade cover, which reflects the sun’s rays away from the car, and portable fans with rechargeable batteries. Some even come with misters. Remember to bring your own water jugs/coolers and dog bowls, too.
These Pet Travel Safety Tips Could Save a Life!
Traveling by car with your pets this summer is possible if you know your options and plan ahead. But remember, if you can’t follow proper pet travel safety tips for any reason, leave them at home. And should you see a pet in distress in a hot car, please notify the local authorities immediately.
We take summer pet safety seriously. Should you find yourself in a veterinary emergency, we can help!Call our Frederick location at 301.200.8185 or our Richmond location at 804.206.9122 for additional pet travel safety tips or to get guidance on a course of action in an emergency.