Blog Post

Having a smooth and safe road trip with your pet requires preparation and planning, especially if driving long distances.

To prepare your pet, take them on a series of short drives and gradually increase the amount of time spent in the car.
Before traveling across state lines, check the requirements for bringing pets along.
If your pet is riding on the seat, keep them in the back seat in a harness attached to the seat buckle to prevent injury. Allowing pets to roam around the car or ride with their head outside the window can be dangerous.
If your pet is kept in their crate, check that your pet can stand, sit, lie down, and turn around while inside the crate. Also, make sure the crate is well ventilated. Secure the crate so it won't slide or shift when the car stops.
Bring plenty of water, food, a bowl, leash, waste bags, grooming supplies, medication and first-aid, and any travel documents including proof of rabies vaccination. Feed your pet 3 to 4 hours before leaving on your trip to prevent car sickness or vomiting.
Make frequent stops to allow dogs to go to the bathroom and stretch their legs.
Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle. On hot days, temperatures can rise quickly within minutes and can cause death. In cold weather, animals left in cars can freeze to death.

Knox County Veterinary Services