If you can’t imagine going anywhere without your pet or worry about leaving it behind and when you'll see it again, proper planning is essential. Here’s what you need to do before every trip:

Take a Test Drive with Your Pet

Not all pets feel comfortable in a car. Whether you're driving a compact vehicle or a spacious SUV, some animals may feel confined and uneasy. To ensure your pet can travel without stress—whether for short trips or long journeys—follow these steps:

• Take your pet on short car rides around the neighborhood, gradually increasing the distance.

• Bring along its favorite toy to make it feel at home.

• Reward it with a treat at the end of the ride.

This way, your pet will gradually get used to traveling in a car without anxiety.

Pack a Separate Bag for Your Pet’s Essentials

Make sure you bring everything your pet might need:

• Enough food (bring a little extra just in case)

• Food and water bowls

• Favorite toys

• Grooming and cleaning supplies

• Health booklet or passport (especially if traveling abroad)

• An ID tag on its collar with its name and your contact number

Additionally, just like you bring a first-aid kit for yourself, you should also have one for your pet. This should include any necessary medication, motion sickness or anxiety relief, and basic first-aid supplies.

Visit the Veterinarian

Before your trip, ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations (rabies, pneumonia, etc.) and is in good health. A quick vet check-up can also be an opportunity to ask any travel-related questions and get a microchip implanted if your pet doesn’t already have one. This is crucial in case it gets lost, as it will help with identification.

Secure Your Pet with a Seatbelt

Just like you, your pet needs to be safely secured in the car. Many people make the mistake of letting their pets roam freely inside the vehicle—even in the front passenger seat. To ensure safety and avoid distractions while driving, your pet should be restrained in the back seat, ideally inside a travel crate.

Slightly Open a Window

If you want some fresh air while driving, open the window slightly on your pet’s side. Otherwise, pets tend to stick their heads out of the window to feel the breeze. While this might seem fun, it can actually be quite dangerous.

Take Frequent Breaks

Stopping every 2-3 hours will not only give you a chance to rest from driving but will also help your pet:

• Use the bathroom

• Stretch its legs

• Drink water or have a small snack

Keep in mind that your pet shouldn’t eat or drink too much during the trip to avoid motion sickness. Ideally, feed it about four hours before departure.

Be Mindful of the Temperature

Never leave your pet inside a closed car, even for a few minutes! Pets have higher body temperatures than humans and can overheat quickly—even when the car isn’t parked in direct sunlight. Likewise, cold temperatures can be just as uncomfortable for pets, despite their fur.

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