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At CARSTAR Robert's Collision and Repair, we know that traveling with your beloved pets can be a constant struggle. To help you make the most of your driving time with your pets and keep your family's smaller extensions safe and happy, take a look at this list of tips and tricks to traveling with pets!
Before any extended travel, you should always make sure your pets are healthy to do so. Take them to the veterinarian for a checkup, make sure all their vaccinations are up-to-date and copy those records with you. If you're planning on flying with an airline, these records are required. Making sure your pets stay healthy means you also need to bring along enough of their regular food, medication, and water for them to last the duration of the trip.
Traveling for humans and pets is a little different depending on what kind of animal you have. For small animals like cats, rodents, reptiles, and some dogs, a crate or pet carrier might be the best option. The crate or carrier should be large enough so your animal can stand, turn, and lie down comfortably. When you're looking for a crate or carrier, try to buy models with sturdy materials, handles, and grips. You don't want to drop this precious cargo. You'll also want to inspect the inside of your crate or carrier to ensure that nothing is sticking out on the inside that your pet might get caught on in the event of an accident.
It's also best to invest in a crate or carrier with a leak-proof bottom. Depending on the animal, laying down an absorbent material, newspaper, or hay or straw on the crate or carrier may also be advisable. For some animals, you may want to lay out a blanket or pet bed inside their crate, their favorite toys, and water as well.
For those with larger dogs, you may find that a pet car harness may be a better option than a crate. Do some research to find the best harness for your dog's breed, always ensure proper installation. You can lay down some towels, blankets, or specially designed dog seat covers to keep your car's interior clean.
When traveling with your pets, make sure to bring along any identification they might need. Collars and leashes should be on-hand and worn at all times, and the tags on any animals should include their name, your name and phone number, and proof of any rabies shots. Some pets you may also want to get microchipped for extra precaution. Bring along a recent picture of your animal in case it gets away from you, and don't forget their health records!
Before traveling, it's best to get some animals used to your car. That might look like going on short drives with them and getting used to sitting inside of it with you. Car sickness is always a concern, so it's best to take your pets on drives while their stomachs are empty, though water is fine. Try and keep your animals from sticking their heads out the windows and don't let them ride in an open truck bed; there's a high risk of injury and possibly even death.
Make sure to stop for frequent bathroom stops, and always clean up what your pet leaves behind! And never leave your pet unattended in your car, especially during the summer. A few minutes in a hot car can be dangerous, so if you need to leave them unattended, make sure at least one person stays with them at all times in the car.
Hopefully, this gave you a starting point for how to travel with your pets on your next road trip or family vacation. CARSTAR Robert's Collision & Repair in Monterey would love to be your go-to auto body shop whenever you want an excellent, honest facility to repair your vehicle. We are here for all of your auto body repairs, paint jobs, and auto detailing needs. We strive to be your one-stop auto shop and we work hard to provide you with an outstanding customer service experience! Our skilled technicians provide the best service in the region. Make your appointment today! We're located at 234 Ramona Ave, Monterey, CA. 93940. We look forward to your visit!