How to Keep Your Pet Safe While Driving (3 tips)

Planning to drive safely should always to be a top priority. With that being said, when driving with pets in the car, there will also be some additional precautions you will want to arrange before heading out on the road.Whether you will be venturing out on shorter trips or making longer hauls, here are 3 tips to help keep your pet safe while driving.

Choosing the Best Travel Equipment

One of the first steps you can take to ensure your pet’s safety is to purchase a product to help protect your pet while in transit. There are several options to choose from that range from harnesses and car seats to crates and carriers. Each serves unique purposes and can be a safe option for a range of pet needs.

Harnesses, for example will allow for some movement by your pet while in the vehicle, however will provide support if you are involved in a car accident. These devices will vary depending on the size of your pet – and in many instances, can be used for dogs and cats.

Car seats, on the other hand, are more commonly used for dogs that are small to mid-sized. These seats can be fitted to the size of your pet and again, in the event of sudden stop or collision, can provide added padding and security for your pet.

Lastly, crates and carriers are another staple for travelling with pets that are a variety of sizes. These containers of course, prohibit animals from roaming freely in the vehicle. However, it may also be a good idea to combine this travel hardware with a harness to add further protection to your pet while on route to your destination.

There are several factors that go into deciding which type of travel equipment is the most suitable option for you and your pet. That being said, it is a good idea to do some additional research to identify which one is ideal for your personal situation, at this of course includes what your pet can tolerate best.

Practicing Travel Training

Another very important part of this process is to help ease your pet into these types of outings by doing some travel training. Each type of travel method and travel equipment will likely use some getting used to so that your pet does not become too anxious or distressed while being on the move.

You can begin with shorter trips and then progress to some longer ones to allow for your pet to adapt to this new set up. Especially if you will be gearing up for extended travel, this added practice can be even more important and in turn, help to ensure the overall well-being of your pet.

Packing a Pet Travel Kit

One final, yet vital tip is to remember to pack your pet’s travel kit. This kit can include all of the supplies that they may need to be safe and content though out this excursion.

Supplies you will typically want to add to the travel kit are: a leash, food and water, the respective bowls, and any ‘bathroom’ essentials you will need, such as bags and tools to be able to attend to their waste, and if you pet is a cat, then also kitty litter and a kitty litter box.

Additionally, your pet may also greatly benefit from having some other comforts, including any toys or blankets that they use regularly at home. It doesn’t also hurt to travel with your pet’s health information, including immunizations and medications, and other veterinarian health records. These will come in handy, especially if you are travelling far from home and your pet might require emergency care.

When all is said and done, we want to protect our pets as they are an important part of our lives. These tips can allow you to keep your furry loved ones safe and sound as you travel around BC or beyond.

Having the best insurance in place is also well-worth the additional consideration and can help you protect your pet. By having a variety of insurance policies to cover your travel needs and your pet’s needs, together, you can all travel more comfortably and confidently.

Contact Leaders Insurance to learn more about the insurance coverage we offer that can best support your needs. After that, we hope you continue to enjoy the open road, with your beloved pet by your side.