Dogs In Cars - Getting Yourself Ready For Your Vacation

Vacationing with your dogs in cars can be one of
the greatest pleasures for both of you. Needless
to say, making preparations pertaining to such a
voyage involve both of you as well. Taking a few
moments of time before you venture, can certainly
make the journey more pleasurable and more
secure.

Get Yourself Ready For Your Journey

Can I see some ID please . . .

It may seem unnecessary, but keep a duplicate of
your veterinarian's name, phone number and
facsimile number handy. There are accommodations
that will need proof of up-to-date vaccines, so
having a copy handy will save you time and
hassle. We assume that your pet dog already
possesses some sort of collar. Getting a good ID
tag is a simple matter. Virtually every
veterinarian and pet shop offers forms or the
capability to help make your own. We also
recommend that your pet dog be microchipped.
This can be achieved without sedation, and it's
also a straightforward procedure. If both you
and your dog are separated while on a trip, this
will boost the odds of reuniting you with your
dog.

Is it safe?

The majority of us consider using some sort of
seat belt second nature, but many haven't
properly secured their dog in a car. What many
usually do not think about is that a dog loose
in a car is actually a safety problem for them
also. Studies show that many have been
sidetracked by their dogs. As the cellular phone
regulations point out, "Distracted driving is
impaired driving."

Deciding to secure your pet dog is one thing,
determining how you can is another. It's not as
though seat belts are created for dogs, no
matter what their size and weight. The easiest
method to restrain your canine is with a
harness. There are plenty of kinds available at
any pet shop or on-line. These fabric harnesses
can be found in a number of sizes and also have
a loop at the back side great for attaching on
your own seatbelt while travelling and your
leash upon arrival.

The next level of comfort and safety is a pet
car seat. These can range from a cushion to a
full-fledged car seat including micro suede
lining as well as drawer for leashes and other
accessories. In addition to security, these have
got the added benefit of allowing your dog to
experience the surroundings. For individuals
with big dogs, this could not necessarily seem
like a big deal, but for those of us with
smaller sized dogs, this can be a real plus.
With a more compact dog, you can get a car seat
that will double as a dog bed after arrival.
While a number of hotels can provide dog beds,
others will not and will simply stipulate that
the dog not sleep on the hotel furnishings.

So are we there yet?

For many of us our dogs are just like our
children - the good as well as the not-so-good
parts. Traveling in a car together with your dog
will demand patience for more frequent rest
stops. Older dogs in particular, will need to
stretch out their legs as well as take
additional frequent bathroom breaks. Many rest
areas currently have pet specific sites.

As usual, make sure you remember to pack doggie
disposal bags for your trip. While many places
provide them, it is usually best to have your
own. Picking up after your dog is basic
etiquette. Please be considered a conscientious
pet owner.

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Tony B Lumpkin III is an outdoorsman and
semi-retired executive living in Austin, Texas.
With over 20 years of extensive experience
traveling with dogs in cars. He now contributes
to a popular website devoted to dog travel. For
more valuable doggie travel tips, please visit
the website => http://www.doggietravelinfo.com

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