Pet Safety Information

Travel safety information for your pets*

If you are planning a road trip, driving with a pet usually involves more than putting the animal in a car and driving off, especially if you will be driving long distances or will be away for a long time. The ASPCA offers the following tips to help you prepare for a safe and smooth car trip.

• Acclimate your pet for a long trip by taking him or her on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car.

• Start your pet on a travel-feeding schedule with a light meal of kibble two to three hours prior to departure. Never feed your pet in a moving vehicle. In addition to travel papers, food, bowls, leashes, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and a pet first aid kit, pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity.

• Make sure your dog has a flat (never a choke) collar with an ID tag imprinted with home address, as well as a temporary travel tag with your cell phone and a destination phone number (and any other relevant contact information).

• Harness, rather than leash, your dog inside the car. For smaller animals, a well-ventilated crate is recommended.

• Don't allow pets to ride with their heads outside the window as it subjects them to flying objects, inner ear damage and lung infections.

• If you travel frequently with your pet, consider cargo-area pet barriers, waterproof seat covers or rubberized floor liners sold by auto product retailers.

*Source: American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(ASPCA)

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Thank you,

And be safe,

Safe Drives Staff

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