Pet Travel Tips

Are you planning to hit the road with your pets this summer?

Whether you are planning a lengthy family road trip or a quick summer getaway, there are some important things you need to know before making the decision to travel with your pets. Use the following tips to guarantee a safe and stress-free trip for the whole family!

Safety Tips

Firstly, remember to buckle up. Your pets should be just as secure in a moving vehicle as you are. Moreover, it is distracting and dangerous to allow your pets to move freely about the car while you are driving. The best way to protect your pet in the car is to use a pet carrier for the duration of your journey. Use a special seatbelt to secure your pet carrier in the backseat; this will protect your pet from bouncing around on the road. For their safety and your own, do not position your pet in the front seat of your car. If an airbag deploys while your pet is in the front seat, it could cause serious harm to your pet — even if they are in a crate.

Next, while your pet may love sticking his or her head out of car windows during road trips, the ASPA maintains that keeping your pets inside your vehicle is imperative for your pet’s safety and wellbeing. Protect your pets from flying debris, ear damage and exposure to lung infections by keeping their paws, tails and heads inside the vehicle at all times.

Just as you likely travel with snacks and water for yourself, you should plan to feed your pet at their regularly scheduled meal times to prevent them from getting hungry and agitated on the road. The amount of food and water you should bring depends on the length and duration of your trip, so plan accordingly. It is recommended that you bring at least 1 gallon of water with you on your trip to ensure your pet stays properly hydrated. Also, try to make frequent stops throughout your trip, so your pet can drink, stretch his or her legs and use the bathroom when needed.

Lastly, never leave your pets alone in the car. Even if you are making a quick stop, temperatures inside your car can increase dramatically within a very short period of time. Within an hour, the temperature inside your car can rise over 40 degrees and cause your pet to suffer from heatstroke, organ damage and even death. Instead of leaving your pets inside your vehicle when you stop for lunch or a short break, try to eat and stop at pet-friendly establishments. Nowadays, many restaurants allow you to bring pets to their outdoor patios and have them sit with you while you eat your meal. Most restaurants indicate whether or not they are pet friendly on their website or social media pages, so check there before you make a stop.

Want to Know More?

If you have questions about whether it is safe for your pets to travel with you, contact us for additional information. We can help provide more information about the safest modes of travel for each individual pet and how to best prepare your pets for the journey ahead.

Location

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Office Hours

Monday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

9:00 AM-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Thursday:

9:00 AM-7:00 pm

Friday:

9:00 AM-5:00 PM

Saturday:

Closed

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Feedback from our clients

  • "Thanks for everything you did for Ready !
    Obviously he loved you all !"
    Bart V.
  • "I will continue to bring my furkids to Buck Road. They are absolutely wonderful with my dog and have been a great resource for my cat who suffers from allergies and kidney problems. They really care about their patients and their humans, and listen to me when I have concerns. They are never, ever overcrowded. Usually there is maybe one other dog in the waiting room. That is a relief and keeps everyone's stress levels down! The facility is clean and staff is always friendly and willing to walk you through, step by step, the treatment plan ahead. I never leave feeling confused. I love this place - and we keep coming back despite moving pretty far away!"
    Courtny S.
  • "Awesome staff ~ great veterinary care ~ Dutch is lucky to have such wonderful professionals looking after him!"
    Beverly B.
  • "A top notch practice. Highly recommend."
    Jason D.
  • "I've been bringing my pets to Buck Road Animal Hospital almost from the time they started and I have never had anything but positive experiences there. The staff feel like friends to me and they always make you feel like they're happy to see you and your pets. The vets take their time with you and your pets and they go out of their way to give you any information you might need about a pet's condition or treatment. I have A LOT of pets and some of my dogs have aggression issues but you'd never know it to see them there. They understand how to make any animal feel at ease and even my most difficult dog is welcomed there. I'd never go anywhere else. Best veterinary practice anywhere."
    Mary K.
  • "I have been a client of Buck Road Animal Hospital for 30 years..and they are the all the greatest caring friendly kind people..I would not go anywhere else..They go out of there way to accommodate you..They are Number 1..Hats off to Caroline Renee Leanne Donna Lindie and to the best vets Dr Steve and Dr Mary Pat."
    Carole M.
  • "Probably the greatest animal hospital of all-time. The staff is superb, and the Doctors are as kind and knowledgeable as they come. Can't wait for our next visit!"
    Andrew S.