Taking your pet with you on short trips or on long vacations by car can have many advantages, such as having their continued companionship and avoiding the cost and stress of boarding.   However, If not properly prepared for car travel, pets face the risks of injury, becoming lost, and sickness.

Risks of Injury 
Movement of pets inside the car should be restricted so that if a sudden stop or an accident occurs they do not slam into a window, dashboard, or human fellow traveler.  All cats and some dogs are best confined by a travel crate just large enough for them to stand up and turn around with ease that is strapped down to seat belt anchors or other floor anchors. Other dogs can be allowed to ride in a car seat if wearing a seat belt harness.  These allow the dog limited movement in a seat but protects it from being thrown forward in an accident or distracting the driver when the car is in motion.    

Dogs should never ride with their heads out of a window or in the bed of a truck due to the risk of eye injury.  If the dog is not restrained by a seat belt harness, their whole body can be ejected by a road bump, sudden stop, or car/truck accident.  Dogs tied by a collar in the bed of a truck can be strangled or dragged to death if they jump or are thrown out. 

Risks of Loss     
Although the movement of pets inside cars should be restricted, they do need time to exercise during a car trip.  Exercise should be offered at least every 2 hours.  Due to the risk of loss when allowed outside the car, all pets should have either an electronic ID and/or an ID tattoo, plus an ID and rabies tag on a harness.  Collars are not recommended since they can slip off and permit escape, or if a pet escapes with a collar on, they may snag it and strangle.  Recent photographs should be brought on a trip to aid in a search if the pet escapes.     

Risks of Sickness
Dogs and cats can get motion sickness from car travel.   Short trial trips are advised to test their tolerance to riding prior to taking them on longer car trips.  Feeding should be only small amounts of dry pet food or nothing until the destination for the day is achieved.  Water should be offered free choice every 2 hours.  If motion sickness is a problem, consult your veterinarian for the proper medication and dosage to prevent it.

Heat stroke is always a risk if pets are left in a car in warm weather.  Because of this, it is best to have at least two people travel when pets are going to go along during summertime.  This permits human caretakers to trade off caring for the animal(s) during restroom, meal, or shopping stops.  Either a person should remain with the pet or the pet should be brought along when all humans leave the car.

All vaccinations should be current.  If travel is planned across state lines, a health exam and certificate should be obtained from your veterinarian within 10 days of the travel.  Interaction with other dogs and cats (within 3 feet) should be avoided due to the risk of transmission of contagious diseases. 

Also Do Not Forget

• Seat covers to control pet hair and other soiling of seats
• Dry pet food, water, pet dishes, and toys from home
• Pet first aid kit
• Cat litter for cats and poop scoopers for dogs    

For more information, contact your local veterinarian or the MU Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital 573-882-7821 or visit http://www.vmth.missouri.edu