Taking Road Trips With Pets: How to Prep and What to Pack

Road trips are fun, but having a pet along for the ride can make the journey a bit stressful. If you're not experienced traveling long distances with a pet, there's plenty you'll need to pack and be prepared for, like food, entertainment, motion sickness medicine, and more. Planning ahead can help minimize any potential issues that come with traveling with a pet and make for a smoother ride. Here are some things to keep in mind before you hit the road with your fur baby.

Get the right car insurance.

Before you head out on the open road, make sure you've got a comprehensive car insurance plan. You want an auto insurance policy that includes collision coverage, theft, vandalism, accidental damage, and protection from natural disasters like wildfires, hailstorms, hurricanes, and tornadoes. You never know what kind of weather or traffic conditions you might encounter. The best way to prepare for a car accident is by having full coverage so you can protect yourself, your belongings, and your furry friend. With the proper car insurance, you can avoid paying out of pocket for the damage. Know the value of your vehicle when you are shopping for a car insurance policy to give you a better idea of the type of coverage you need. Doing your research beforehand allows you to browse insurance companies, consider optional coverage, and secure an insurance policy at an affordable price.

Make sure you have a comfortable carrier.

Make sure to have your pet in a well-ventilated, spacious carrier. It doesn't matter if you choose a hard plastic crate or soft-sided carrier as long as your pet is able to comfortably sit, stand, and turn around in it. Take time to get your pet used to being in a carrier a few weeks before the trip.

Go to the vet.

Schedule a visit with your veterinarian before the road trip. Your vet can assess your pet's health to make sure they are okay to travel and provide you with any medication for anxiety during the trip. If you are traveling across state lines, then it's a good idea to have your pet's medical records on hand along with documentation showing they were vaccinated for rabies. Some states may require rabies vaccination for pets traveling into the state.

Plan for feeding times.

Be careful with when and how much food you give your pet. They should be fed a light meal around three to four hours before the trip to reduce the chance of nausea or an upset stomach. You can give your cat or dog their standard dry food. For reptiles and amphibians, feed them feeder insects like crickets or dubia roaches. You can purchase dubia roaches for sale online. Dubia roaches offer more nutritional value than crickets, so they are considered the healthier option for your bearded dragon, frog, or other cold-blooded companions. Pets can get car sick too, so ask your vet about medications for nausea and signs to look out for, like drooling.

Schedule stops along the way.

If you're traveling with a dog, be sure to stop every few hours so they can relieve themselves and walk around. Just like humans, they want to get a breath of fresh air and stretch their legs, too! This is also a great time to give them a bowl of water to quench their thirst.

Pack the essentials for your four-legged pal.

When traveling with a pet, there are a few essential items you need to have with you. You should have collapsible bowls for food and water, a portable litter box (if you are traveling with a cat), plastic bags, collar, leash, and harness, identification tags with your contact information on them, a pet first-aid kit, and their favorite toy to help them feel comfortable and secure in the new environment.