Travel Safe: Car Safety and Summer Trip Planning for Pets

Summer is the perfect time for road trips, hiking adventures, beach days, and exploring new places with your furry family members. Whether you're heading out on vacation or simply taking your dog to a local trail, keeping them safe in the car is just as important as keeping them safe once you arrive.

At Pawsitive Dawg Walking & Pet Sitting, we don't transport pets for everyday walks or pet sitting visits. However, there are times when our team safely transports dogs, such as for hiking adventures, certain enrichment outings, or emergency trips to the veterinarian. Because of that, safe vehicle travel is something we take seriously.

Buckle Up Your Best Friend

Just like people, pets can become seriously injured in a sudden stop or accident if they are loose inside a vehicle. An unrestrained pet can also distract the driver or even interfere with steering.

The safest options include:

• A crash-tested safety harness attached to the vehicle's seat belt.

• A properly secured crate or carrier that prevents sliding during travel.

• A sturdy travel barrier for larger dogs when appropriate.

Avoid allowing dogs to ride on your lap, in the front seat, or with their heads hanging out the window. While many dogs enjoy the breeze, flying debris, insects, and sudden stops can cause injuries.

Never Leave Pets in a Parked Car

Even on a mild day, temperatures inside a parked vehicle can rise dangerously within minutes.

On an 80 degree day, the inside of a car can quickly climb well above 100 degrees, even with the windows cracked. Pets cannot cool themselves as efficiently as humans, making them especially vulnerable to heatstroke.

If your pet cannot go inside with you, it's safest to leave them comfortably at home.

Pack Like a Pro

Whether you're traveling across town or across the country, having a travel kit makes life much easier.

Consider bringing:

• Plenty of fresh water

• A portable water bowl

• Food and treats

• Leash and backup leash

• Waste bags

• Towels

• Favorite toys or comfort items

• Any medications

• Veterinary records if traveling overnight

• Your veterinarian's contact information

For longer trips, plan regular breaks every two to three hours so your dog can stretch, relieve themselves, and drink water.

Plan Pet Friendly Stops

Before leaving home, research:

• Pet friendly hotels

• Dog friendly hiking trails

• Rest areas with walking space

• Emergency veterinary hospitals along your route

Having a plan ahead of time can make your trip much less stressful if something unexpected happens.

Hiking Safety Starts in the Car

Many families love exploring New England's beautiful hiking trails with their dogs during the summer. Before hitting the trail, make sure your dog has had time to cool down after the drive and offer fresh water before starting your hike.

Remember that pavement and parking lots can become extremely hot, so check surfaces with the back of your hand before asking your dog to walk across them.

How We Keep Pets Safe

While most of our services take place right in your neighborhood, there are times when transportation is necessary. For hiking adventures or emergency veterinary visits, our team follows safety protocols designed to keep your pet as safe as possible.

We:

• Secure every dog using appropriate safety restraints during transport.

• Never allow pets to ride loose in the vehicle.

• Keep vehicles comfortably cooled during warm weather.

• Never leave pets unattended inside a parked vehicle.

• Monitor pets closely before, during, and after travel.

• Travel directly to our destination whenever possible.

Our goal is to make every outing as safe and low stress as possible while giving your pet the best care every step of the way.

Safe Adventures Are Happy Adventures

Summer is full of opportunities to make wonderful memories with your pet. Whether you're planning a weekend getaway, visiting family, or exploring a new hiking trail, a little preparation goes a long way toward keeping everyone safe.

From buckling up before every ride to planning for heat and hydration, thoughtful travel habits help ensure your adventures end with wagging tails and happy memories.