Car seat, right temperature, and tracker: 5 tips to help your pet feel comfortable on long trips

In its 2023-2024 National Pet Ownership Survey, the American Pet Products Association (APPA) reports that 66% (86.9 million) of households in the United States own pets. According to Forbes, millions of people are taking their pets with them when traveling, leading to a rise in the number of pet-friendly hotels and inns.

If you are a pet owner and want to bring your pet along for the ride, there are endless resources at your disposal to plan your pet trip, from luxury pet-friendly resorts to Airbnb listings for pet-friendly rentals. With the right planning, you can make your trip more comfortable for you and your pet and get a lot of impressions," writes Slash Gear.

Buy a car seat

The right car seat for your pet will not only help prevent accidents, but also keep your car clean. Nowadays, many pet car seats are waterproof, scratch-proof, and have buckles that can be attached to your pet's seat belts. They are usually also easy to remove so you can move them from one car to another.

A pet tracker can help

Pet trackers are a must-have if you plan to stay in places like mountains, trails, or forests because they can give you peace of mind if you ever get separated from your pet.

By purchasing a tracker or collar designed for pets, you not only get more relevant features like health tracking or geofencing, but you can also be sure that they are built to withstand the elements.

When choosing a pet tracker for interstate travel, you should pay attention to key points such as fit, battery life, and distance tracking capabilities. Typically, pet trackers are designed for medium-sized animals, so if you have a relatively smaller or larger pet, you may need to get creative to attach it. You should also get a tracker with enough battery life to last the entire trip, otherwise you'll have to remember to recharge regularly.

In addition to a pet tracker, you should also consider microchipping your pet (if possible) and wearing a collar with a legible identification tag to increase the chances of finding him or her if he or she gets lost.

Consult a veterinarian

Before you take your pet on the road, be sure to consult your veterinarian and make sure their vaccinations are up to date. The American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) notes that in addition to helping protect your pet from disease, it is necessary to obtain a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI), which may be required when entering some states.

In some states, such as Hawaii, the law also requires dogs and cats to be quarantined for up to 120 days. To avoid additional stress at the border, check these laws in advance so that you can either avoid states that have such requirements or fulfill requirements that will exempt your pet from lengthy quarantine procedures.

In some cases, veterinarians may also prescribe sedatives to help calm your pet's anxiety while traveling. Before issuing a prescription, your veterinarian may assess your pet's behavior, suggest alternative methods of calming, and order an examination and/or blood work.

In addition, learning basic life-saving skills, such as first aid and CPR for pets, will help you stay calm in the event of an emergency. So, if you are already at the vet, ask him or her how to do these things with your pet.

Maintain the right temperature

Depending on what kind of pet you have, they may have a favorite temperature that is comfortable for them. For example, when your dog's internal body temperature reaches 105 degrees Fahrenheit or higher, the American Kennel Club says he may be suffering from heat stroke. Although heat stroke can happen to any dog, the club points out some factors that can make some animals more susceptible to it, such as breed, age, weight, and fitness.

In warm weather, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) warns pet owners that temperatures in idling cars can reach 140 degrees Fahrenheit in less than an hour, which can be fatal for many pets. On the other hand, it is recommended that you never leave your pet alone in a car, especially when the temperature is below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. When the animal's internal temperature drops to 98 degrees Fahrenheit, it can lead to hypothermia.

Knowing all of this, it is not surprising that some states (PDF) have strict laws that prohibit leaving an animal unattended in a car. Therefore, if you plan on traveling without other people in the car in these areas, you need to make sure to take your pet with you every time you make a stop.

Take breaks while traveling

Just like humans, your pets also need bathroom breaks throughout your trip. For cats that are litter box trained, this can be made easier by having a portable litter box that you can take with you in the car. However, for larger animals such as dogs, you will need to provide stops where they can do their business.

Since all animals are different, you need to pay attention to how often your pet typically uses the toilet in your home. In general, it is recommended to take bathroom breaks every two to four hours, but you may need to do it more often under special conditions. Younger animals, such as puppies, older animals, or animals with medical conditions, may need more frequent breaks than healthy adults.

In addition, depending on the states you visit or even just drive through, the laws regarding owning, keeping, or transferring animals may vary. To make sure you have all the necessary documentation for each step of your trip, or if you are unsure whether your pet is classified as a captive wild animal, you can consult with the wildlife management agency in your state.