Plan ahead
Is your dog accustomed to riding in a car? If not, you might want to plan ahead. Take your dog for short rides to the supermarket or dog park before the trip, to get him or her used to the feeling of being driven around. It'll also give you a sense of how they feel about it, making for fewer surprises on the road.
Pack well
You should pack for your pup like you would pack for young kids – leaving no stone unturned. Make sure your pet's ID tag has current information, bring their favourite food receptacles (if they're fussy), plenty of dog food (again – especially if they're fussy) and all their favourite comforts like their bed, blanket and toys. Lastly, don't forget to bring treats…
Leave early
Always add extra time when travelling with a pet, especially if you've got a long journey ahead. You'll want to factor in time for walk breaks, food and water breaks, and of course toilet stops too. It's easy to underestimate how much these little breaks can add to your travel time.
Make sure your vehicle is safe
As cute as they look in the passenger seat with their heads out the window, this isn't the ideal place for dogs to travel. Should something go wrong, it could make for a terrible accident, putting both you and your pup – not to mention other drivers around you – at risk. Dogs should travel in the back of the vehicle, and ideally in a roomy but enclosed area with a dog barrier (as in many SUVs).
