Planning a road trip with your cat or dog? It is wonderful to be able to take your pet on vacation! While driving with a pet takes a bit of preparation it is so worth it to share a trip with your furry friend.
Things to Pack
Make room in the trunk or trailer to ensure you supply all your pet’s needs on the journey.
Essentials
Pet food, treats, and fresh water are a given when packing, but it is easy to forget to bring portable bowls. Make sure to take toys and puzzle games to help keep your pet entertained! You’ll also want to pack:
- Leash
- Waste bags
- Disposable litter trays and litter
- Grooming supplies
- Blanket or pet bed
- Weather-appropriate gear like rain jacket, booties, or sweater
Pet Identification
Double-check collars, ID tags, or microchips in case your pet gets out of the vehicle unexpectedly. Having this information and the animal’s vaccination record is essential when travelling to the United States of America.
Extra keys
If your pet accidentally locks you out of the vehicle, you’ll be glad you brought the spare keys.
Emergency Kit
Here are a few items to add to your vehicle emergency kit:
- Extra leash and collar
- Extra waste bags
- Tick remover
- Pet towel
- Garbage bags
- Pet medication
- Cleaning products
While You are Driving
It is always recommended to keep your pet in its carrier or harnessed to a crash-tested pet seatbelt while driving. Safety for all passengers is important in the vehicle. In a sudden stop, fender-bender, or serious collision, a loose pet is vulnerable to the forces exerted on the vehicle. Without a carrier or harness, a pet can experience significant injury.
An anxious pet pacing the back seat or sitting in the front seat is also an added distraction for the driver. Try these tips to help keep your pet calm:
- Complete short, fun trips to with positive reinforcement to help anxious pets or those unused to travel get comfortable
- Make frequent stops so your pet can stretch, relieve themselves, and have a drink
- Open windows for ventilation, but not enough for your pet to escape
- Never leave your pet unattended in a parked vehicle, especially in extreme temperatures
Insurance Coverage
Pet insurance can support you with the costs of vet bills and expenses, but did you know you can add coverage for a family pet that travels in your vehicle?
Talk to your insurance broker and add AutoProtect+ to your vehicle coverage! Our pet protection enhancement can reimburse you for some veterinary expenses if your pet is injured or perishes in your vehicle due to an insured loss.
