With summer vacations and road trips on the horizon, some families will be opting to take their furry companions along with them.
Eight-five percent of pet travelers are dogs, according to Kim Salerno, president and founder of www.TripsWithPets.com. However, a few people out there will also be hauling their cats, whether for a destination getaway or a move.
But before Fido or Fluffy come along for the ride, some simple steps need to be taken to ensure the pet’s safety and happiness during the journey.
DANGEROUS POTENTIAL
Just as humans wear seat belts during travel, pets also need to be secured in the vehicle to keep them out of harm’s way, Salerno said. If dogs are roaming free, they may jump around the car, see something outside that they want to pounce on, or get restless.
“That will cause driver distraction, which can lead to an accident,” she said. “Just like children and adults, dogs can get injured by hitting the seat, hitting the windshield or going through the windshield.”
They can also injure other passengers in the process.
When rescue workers arrive at the scene of a wreck and open the vehicle door, an unsecured dog could dart out into traffic and get hit by a car or run away. Owners should avoid putting dogs in the back of pickup trucks and allowing them to stick their heads out the window or sit on people’s laps, Salerno said.
“More and more people are heeding the warnings and realizing the dangers of traveling with an unsecured pet, but there are still a lot who don’t,” she said. “I think they love their pets like crazy, but they just don’t think about it.”
SECURE PETS
Salerno mentioned four common methods for securing pets during travel:
Pet car seats: These are for smaller dogs and cats and placed in the back seat. The car seat is held in place by the seat belt, and a lead in the car seat attaches to the pet’s harness.
Seat belts: One side of the device clips into the car’s seat belt buckle, and the other is hooked to the dog’s harness. Pet car seats and seat belts should always be secured to a dog harness and not a leash. A dog wearing a regular collar could get strangled in the event of a wreck.
Travel kennels and carriers: These are often used for cats and can be soft- or hard-sided. They should be placed in the car in a way that they don’t slide during travel.
Vehicle pet barriers: The mesh or metal material restricts pets to the vehicle’s cargo area or back seat, preventing them from roaming.
EASY RIDERS
For pets that are anxious travelers, it’s important to get them gradually used to the car. If it’s a last-minute trip and there’s no time for training, it may be best to leave the animal with a family member or friend, Salerno said.
First, get the pet used to their car seat, seat belt or carrier. For example, owners using a carrier should get it out inside their house, open the door, place treats and toys inside, and allow the cat or dog to go in and out of it. If it’s a pet seat belt or car seat, the pet will need to get used to wearing a harness. Once they are comfortable with their safety device, put them in the car and take short rides, building up to longer distances.
“You don’t want them to have a negative experience,” she said. “You want them to dictate to you how fast you should move along. Let them get used to being in the carrier and the sound of the engine and the vibration.”
Salerno recommended keeping chew toys or Kongs frozen with peanut butter on hand just in case there’s traffic. These will serve as a mental diversion and keep dogs busy until it’s safe to pull the vehicle over.
People need to be conscious of their pet’s needs and take breaks frequently for short walks and bathroom time, especially if they have an older dog or puppy, Salerno said. Cat owners should put a litter box in their car, stop to let the cat use it, and limit driving time to eight hours; however, some people are now teaching cats to walk on a harness so they can get out at rest areas just like the dogs.
Before you travel
Here are some additional pet travel tips from Kim Salerno, president and founder of TripsWithPets.com:
* Pack your pet’s medicines, an ample supply of food, water, toys and bedding.
* Make sure your pet is wearing an ID tag and have them micro-chipped if possible. If you’re going on a longer trip, put a temporary tag on them with your contact information and where you’re staying.
* Go to sites like www.TripsWithPets.com to find a pet-friendly hotel. Make sure you know the hotel’s pet rules and regulations and if they charge extra fees for housing pets.
* Never leave your cat or dog in the hot car with the engine off. “It’s very, very dangerous. They can suffer heat stroke or death. People need to take heed,” Salerno said.
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