Traveling By Car

For safety reason's, pets should be confined to the back seat, either in a carrier or harness attached to the car's seat belt. This keeps your pet from interfering with or distracting you while driving. Wearing a harness may also save your pets life in the event of an accident.

To help prevent car sickness, feed your pet a light meal four to six hours before departing. Do not give your pet food or water in a moving vehicle.

You should never allow your pet to ride in the bed of a pickup truck. It is illegal in some states; he also can jump out or be thrown, endangering himself and others on the road. If your pet cannot ride in the car with you, leave him at home.

If you take your pet on a long trip, you should stop every two-three hours for a quick break. During this break your pet would appreciate fresh water and a chance to answer the call of nature. Cat owners should bring along a litter box and dog owners should clean up afterward.

Never leave an animal in a parked car, even if the windows are partially open or on a pleasant day. The temperature inside a car can soar to well over 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes, placing your pet at risk for heatstroke and possibly death. On very cold days, hypothermia is a risk. Also animals left unattended in parked cars may be stolen.