Pet Dogs In Cars - Preparing For Your Vacation

Traveling with your dogs in cars may be one of the very best joys for the two of you. Naturally, making preparations for such a journey involve the both of you as well. Taking a few moments of your time before you venture, can certainly make the trip more pleasurable and safer.

PREPARING FOR A Trip

Can I see some Identification please . . .

It may seem redundant, but keep a copy of your veterinarian's name, contact number and facsimile number handy. There tend to be hotels that will require evidence of current vaccines, so having a duplicate on hand could help you save some time and hassle. We all presume that your pet dog already has a dog collar. Getting an ID tag is a straightforward matter. Virtually every veterinary clinic and pet shop provides forms or even the ability to create your own. We also suggest that your pet dog be microchipped. This can be achieved without having anesthesia, and it's also a straightforward procedure. If both you and your dog are separated while on a trip, this can increase the likelihood of reuniting you together with your dog.

Is it safe?

The majority of us think about making use of a seatbelt second nature, but a majority of haven't properly secured their dog in the car. What many do not consider is the fact your dog loose in the car is actually a safety problem for them also. Research indicates that a great many have been sidetracked by their dogs. As the cellular phone laws point out, "Distracted driving is actually impaired driving."

Deciding to secure your pet is one thing, figuring out how you can is another. It's not as though seat belts are made for dogs, regardless of their weight and size. The simplest way to restrain your canine is with a harness. There are plenty of types available at any pet store or online. These fabric harnesses can be found in a number of sizes and have a loop on the back side perfect for connecting to your own seatbelt while travelling and your leash upon arrival.

The next step of comfort and safety is a pet car seat. These can range from a cushion to a full-fledged carseat including micro suede lining as well as drawer for leads along with other accessories. In addition to basic safety, these have the added benefit of allowing your pet dog to experience the vistas. For those of you with large dogs, this may not necessarily seem like a big deal, but for those of us with smaller dogs, this is often a genuine plus. With a more compact dog, you can purchase a car seat that will double as a dog bed upon arrival. While some accommodations can provide dog beds, others will not and will merely stipulate that the dog not rest on the hotel furnishings.

Are we there yet?

For most of us our dogs are similar to our children - the good as well as the not-so-good parts. Traveling in a car with your dog requires patience for additional frequent stops. Older dogs in particular, will need to stretch out their legs as well as take more frequent bathroom breaks. Many rest areas currently have pet specific sites.

As usual, please don't forget to pack doggie disposal bags for the journey. While quite a few areas offer them, it is best to have your own. Picking up after your dog is basic etiquette. Please be considered a conscientious dog owner.