Moving Cats and Dogs by Car

Driving is the easiest way to move your pet, especially if the distance is fairly short. Of course, the farther you travel, the more planning is involved.

Pack a Pet Care Car Kit

Ensure your pet has the things it needs, when it needs them:

• Food and water. Bring enough food for the trip and the first few days in your destination. Having to feed your stressed-out pet an unfamiliar food because you’ve run out can trigger problems with behavior or digestion. For the same reason, also bring enough of your regular water for the entire trip, if possible. And bring familiar dishes for food and water to make an unfamiliar situation just a little more comfortable.
  
  
• Blanket or bed, so your pet can curl up and sleep for as much of the trip as possible.
  
  
• Favorite toy, to amuse your pet and to give it something familiar.
  
  
• Treats, to keep your pet on its best behavior and to bribe it into its carrier.
  
  
• Scooper and plastic bags to clean up after a dog, or a litter box with fresh filler for a cat.
  
  
• Room deodorant or air freshener.
  
  
• Comb and/or brush, if you routinely groom your pet. The familiarity of the routine is comforting, and it helps when your pet gets into dirt at a rest stop.
  
  
• Leash or harness, so your animal can get exercise.
  
  
• Clean up kit. Have a roll of paper towels and liquid soap for emergencies, accidents and car sickness.
  
  
• Flea or tick repellent, if you will be in rural areas or camping.
  
  
• Sedative or anti-anxiety medication, if your veterinarian prescribed it.

Loading Up and Rolling Out

A portable kennel is the best, safest way to transport your cat or dog. While some cat owners prefer to let their pet find a comfortable niche in the car, the cat can be injured if you stop suddenly or are in an accident.

Buy a properly sized travel container that is strong, with adequate cross-ventilation and a leak-proof bottom with an absorbent layer. Secure the carrier so it won’t slip or tip during the drive.

Be sure to pack proof that your pet's vaccinations are current.

Do not feed or water your pet just before starting out. Feed it once a day, preferably in the evening, and have a few treats for it during the day.

Keeping Your Pet Safe on the Road

Keep the car windows rolled up to keep your pet from jumping or falling out, and to keep your pet from hanging its head out the windows (dust, insects and wind hitting your pet’s face can cause sore eyes, inflamed ears and throat problems).

Plan stops at regular intervals to give your pet a drink and a short walk. Because rest stops are the perfect opportunity for escape attempts, attach a leash before opening the car door and leave the leash on as you exercise your pet. Never let your pet run loose in a strange area.

Don’t leave your pet locked in the car on a hot or cold day. Temperatures inside a car can change very quickly, and the animal can suffer or die.

Keep your pet’s ID tags on it at all times, or have your vet insert an identifying microchip under your pet’s skin. Make sure the contact information on file is current, so if you pet escapes, someone can find you.

Spending the Night

If you are traveling overnight, find out which hotels, motels or campgrounds along the way are pet friendly and make reservations.

Try not to leave your pet alone in a hotel or motel room. Your animal is nervous and might cry, damage furniture, have an accident or escape if the housekeeping staff opens the door.

If you must leave your pet in the room, notify management, hang the Do Not Disturb sign on the door and be ready to pay for any damage the animal causes.

When you check out, spray the room with air freshener to eliminate any lingering pet odors.

If you are staying in a campground, bring a stake with a long leash so you can tether your pet. Most campgrounds do not allow pets to run free, so the stake is a good alternative to having the animal attached to your wrist or car the entire time.

Wherever you stay, keep strangers — especially children — at a distance if your pet is acting nervous. Even the gentlest animal might snap or growl if frightened.

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