Moving your pet by car can be challenging. You need to think ahead to make sure that the journey will be tolerable for you and your pet, especially your pet. The Humane Society of the United States prefers that pets travel by car. This is also the reason why when you have pets a road trip is almost inevitable. But what do you need to think about?
The basic things
You need to understand that moving companies like Hertz or Budget are not allowed to handle pets so you might need to ask them if they can recommend a pet transportation company. These pet moving companies understand very well pet safety and other things that will ensure the safe and comfortable transportation of your beloved critters. Some can move your pets via airlines or drive your pets to your new location.
Moving pets from state to state is completely legal provided that your pet has its health certificate updated. Rabies vaccination must be current as reflected in your pet’s certificate. It is important that before you move you visit your vet for your pet’s complete health records. While in the vet’s office you might also need to ask if your pet needs additional vaccinations. Your vet should know these things depending where you are relocating.
If you will be covering a considerable distance in your drive you might also want to ask your vet how to make your pet more comfortable with the long drive. This is necessary especially when your pet is severely uncomfortable with drives. Your vet might be able to recommend sedatives for your pet.
Must-haves when driving with your pet
If you have decided to make the long road trip with your pet, you need to be prepared accordingly. Before the moving company arrives for your stuff, have a pet transport kit ready. This must include the following:
- Pet food – be sure to pack food for your pet and ensure that this food is your pet’s regular intake. Travelling can be stressful for your pet so adding an unfamiliar food might upset its stomach. You definitely do not want to deal with that while driving long distances. Also bring some extra food just in case you will incur delays on the road.
- Food/water bowls – do not make a mess in your car. Allow your pet to eat in a designated place.
- Litter solutions – a litter box for your cat or a scooper and elimination bag for dogs is very handy
- Medication – you really do not know what your pet might get along the road. Bring some extra just in case.
- Pack your pet’s health records – this must have updated information on rabies vaccination and other vaccinations the state requires from your pet.
- Bring your pet’s favorite toy or blanket to keep him preoccupied.
- Grooming supplies – this can be handy when you have to make some overnight stops along the road.
- Leash – walking your dog once in a while is necessary for long trips.
- ID tags – you need to make sure that your pet can be delivered to you by kindhearted people when it is lost. Make sure to put your new address in the ID.
- Water – bring a water jug. Hydration is very important on the road.
- Current photo of your pet – just in case your dog will get lost along the road. A photo is the better way to have some identification from random people than just giving them descriptions.
