NoVA Veterinarians Offer Advice for Taking Pets on Road Trips

If you’re planning on traveling by car with your pet this holiday season, two Northern Virginia veterinarians have some advice for how to prepare for those extended road trips with pets. 

Should pets be in a crate? Or does it depend on what type of pet? Should a pet be harnessed as well? 

Dr. Amy Pike, a board-certified veterinary behaviorist at the Animal Behavior Wellness Center in Fairfax, has been caring for animals for over 20 years. Pike, who owns three dogs and a cat, says a crate that is tethered to tie-downs or a crash-tested and approved body harness will be the safest way for a pet to ride in a car.  

“Depending on the pet and the type of vehicle you have may determine what you need to or can use,” Pike says. If a crate doesn’t fit in your car, Pike recommends harnessing your pet. 

Dr. Leslie Sinn, a veterinarian and certified professional trainer at Behavior Solutions in Ashburn, advises owners to crate cats for safety reasons.  

“The risk of them slipping out of the car when passengers enter and exit is too high,” she says. “Dogs can be crated or harnessed, bearing in mind that only a few restraint devices have actually been tested for safety during crashes.” 

The Center for Pet Safety has a list of crash-test certified harnesses. 

What can make pets feel more comfortable on the road? 

First, make sure they are properly acclimated to their crates or harnesses well in advance. If road trips with pets leave them anxious, Pike says to consider reaching out to your veterinarian to discuss the issue.  

“There are anti-anxiety meds that can be prescribed to help alleviate fear and stress,” Pike says. 

Making sure your pets have access to their favorite toys, chews, or treats throughout the trip can be helpful. 

If you have an anxious pet, Sinn suggests taking it on shorter car rides before your longer road trip (just make sure the location isn’t the vet office). Some pets also get motion sickness while riding in cars, so if you suspect that is happening to your dog or cat, visit your vet for the appropriate medications. 

How often would you recommend stopping for potty breaks? 

Both Sinn and Pike recommend stopping every few hours while on while road trips with pets. 

 “You can allow a dog out on a leash to potty and walk around for a bit,” Pike says. “Also, they can be offered water and snacks or a meal at each of these breaks.” 

For cats, if you have room to place a litter box in a large dog crate, they can be placed into the litter box in the crate for a bathroom break, Pike adds. 

Are there any specific items you recommend bringing on a long car trip with a pet? 

Sinn recommends packing familiar bedding and toys (if appropriate), a supply of food to cover the duration of your stay, backup leashes, water, bowls, collars, or a harness in case something breaks or gets lost along the way.  

“Don’t forget the poop bags!” Sinn says. “A spare baby gate if you don’t or can’t crate your pet may also be a good idea in case you need to confine or separate your dog once you arrive.” 

On extended road trips with pets, Pike suggests packing a pet emergency kit with all your pet’s medications and items they may need, such as anti-diarrhea meds and anti-septic cleaning products and bandages.  

“Also, make sure you have plenty of food and water in case you get stuck for prolonged periods,” Pike says. “[Pack] extra blankets to keep them warm in the winter as well.”  

Pike also advises owners to map out the nearest emergency vet clinics along their routes in case they need to get to one quickly. 

Feature image, stock.adobe.com

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