Moving is a hectic time. It requires packing all of your worldly possessions away and trusting that, somehow, they will arrive safe and sound at your new home.

But, if you are a pet owner planning a move, trusting a stranger to move your four-legged friend is likely the last thing you want to do! Fret not, as there is good news for pet owners on the move! If you are within driving distance of your new residence, you should be able to handle your pet’s relocation yourself. Pet travel is increasingly widespread and safe, as long as common sense and the proper guidelines are followed. Even short car rides can feel like an eternity if you’re traveling with an unhappy pet. However, following a few simple tips can help both you and your pet prepare for happy, safe car travel!

Buckle Up!
Experts agree that the most important thing you can do when driving your pet is buckle up…your pet, that is! Pet restraint devices are designed to keep your pet safe in the car, in the event of a sudden stop, or worse, an accident. According to the 2007-08 American Pet Products Manufacturers Association (APPMA), 80 percent of pet owners say they never use a pet restraint while traveling – a decision that could lead to a tragic outcome.

“What keeps people from utilizing pet restraints is a misconception that they require too much time and money to install and use them,” said APPMA President, Bob Vetere. “In almost every sector of the pet industry, manufacturers are bringing more convenient products to market, and travel safety devices are no exception.”

In fact, the APPMA strongly urges pet owners to restrain their pets during all vehicle travel. In an effort to help, the APPMA has compiled a list of pet travel products that are easy to install and use, protect pets and people in vehicles, and make travel more convenient and enjoyable for pets and owners alike. For a full list of approved pet travel products visit appma.org.

Avoiding Carsickness & Anxiety
Most cases of animal carsickness are related to stress rather than motion. If you are planning a road trip with a pet that has strong reactions to car rides, reprogramming his or her attitude toward car travel BEFORE your road trip can make all of the difference.

To help reprogram a dog for a positive car experience, pick a park or other favorable area for your dog that is within 5 to 10 minutes from home. Ask a family member or friend to accompany you on the drive to help soothe and distract your dog. While driving, keep your dog happily distracted, and then engage in your dog’s favorite activities once you reach your destination, for example: running, or playing with a ball or Frisbee. Your stay at the park need not be long, just enjoyable. While driving home, soothe your dog, making as much fuss as possible. Finish the session with a meal and/or treats once home.

Likewise, a 500-mile road trip is not the occasion to test your cat’s resilience to car travel. First, accustom your cat to the carrier by letting him/ her sleep in it, and then by taking increasingly longer car rides with the cat. Make travel a fun occasion, with plenty of praise and rewards. Any anxiety your dog or cat may experience during car rides will be minimized by repeating this process several times a week. In fact, he or she will likely start to associate car travel with enjoyable experiences.

Pets, much like people, are less likely to get carsick when they can watch passing scenery. Fresh air is good for anyone who’s feeling car sick, including your cat or dog. However, be sure not to open the window wide enough for your pet to escape! Choose a place in your vehicle in advance where your pet can ride safely and still see out the window, and can be reached by you. A blanket or soft pillow can help your pet feel more like they are at home.

If all else fails, you can talk with your veterinarian about the possibility of using a drug like Dramamine, or other veterinarian approved drugs that can ward off carsickness or anxiety.

Preparing To Hit The Road
Prior to road travel, prepare a bag for your pet that includes all of the items you might need while traveling. Some examples include:

• Leash and collar
• Name tag…including a number where you can be reached on the road
• Bottled water…and a water bowl, preferably spill proof
• Pet food…don’t forget a food dish and a spoon
• Treats…avoid overfeeding, which can lead to an upset stomach
• A few favorite toys
• Blanket or pillow
• Medical supplies…bring any medications your pet requires
• Kitty litter container… behind the front seat works well in some cars

It’s also a good idea to not feed your pet six to eight hours before embarking on a road trip. Having an empty stomach will make your pet less likely to throw up. However, while some pets travel best on an empty stomach, others will feel more comfortable after eating a small meal. Water, however, will not upset your pet’s stomach and will actually make your pet more comfortable. The best way to gauge your pet’s digestion during car travel is to carefully observe your pet during short car rides in advance of your move.

Never Leave Your Pet Alone!
It takes only minutes for a pet left in a vehicle on a warm day to succumb to the temperatures. Most people simply don’t realize how hot it gets in a parked car on a balmy day. Even on a fairly cool 78-degree day, the temperature in a car parked in the shade can exceed 90 degrees. And, the inside of the car could hit a scorching 160 degrees if parked in the sun! Even when the outside temperature is in the 60s, temperatures inside some vehicles can reach the danger zone on a bright, sunny day. Unbeknownst to most pet owners, rolling down a window or parking a car in the shade simply does not guarantee protection. If a window is rolled down suffi ciently, your pet could escape. And, if a passer-by claims he/she was bitten through the car window, you will be liable. Some believe that leaving a pet in the car with the air conditioning running can be a solution, but even this can have a tragic outcome.

In 2003, a police dog in Texas died after the air-conditioning in the patrol car shut down and began to blow hot air. The air system’s compressor kicked off because the engine got too hot, and unfortunately, there are some cars that are prone to the same problem. In 2004, a North Carolina couple lost two of their beloved dogs, and nearly lost a third, due to a similar failure. They had left their three dogs in the running, air-conditioned car along with several bowls of water with ice. They were gone less than 30 minutes.

Unfortunately, a mere 15 minutes can be enough for an animal’s body temperature to climb from a normal 102.5 degrees to levels that will damage the nervous and cardiovascular systems, often leaving the animal comatose, dehydrated and at risk for permanent impairment or death. Not to mention that it is against the law in most jurisdictions to leave a pet unattended in a standing or parked motor vehicle in a manner that endangers the health and/or safety of the animal.

If traveling in a vehicle with your pet, try to ensure that there are at least two people in the car, to guarantee that there is always someone to watch your pet during restroom or food breaks. If you are traveling alone with your pet, plan ahead by bringing meals, making purchases or gassing the car in advance, etc., to minimize the chances of having to leave your pet unattended. If you have absolutely no choice but to leave your pet unattended in a car for just a few moments (for a quick bathroom break, for example), park in the shade, open several vehicle windows and/or a sunroof to provide adequate ventilation, and make sure your pet has water. However, make sure your pet cannot escape through an opened window in your absence. And, NEVER leave a collar or harness on your pet while unattended in a vehicle, which could become accidentally entangled on parts of the vehicle, for example the stick shift, in your absence.

As with any endeavor, the bottom line is this: when it comes to traveling in a car with your pet, the more information you have, the better prepared you’ll be when it comes time to make your move. Consult as many sources as possible and do your homework. Your pets will thank you!