Your car is important to you, but your pets are irreplaceable. Like any responsible pet owner, you want to make sure that you’re protecting them at all times. Making sure they’re comfortable and secure in the car is a great place to start.
Unlike you, car rides are not your pet’s best friend — but they are unavoidable. You have vacations, trips to the park, and visits to the vet still in the making. That’s why Zimbrick is here to give you some advice for peace of mind. Read it below.
5 Tips for Driving with Your Pet in the Car
Get your pet acclimated
“The more time, the better” isn’t necessarily the best mindset for getting your pet used to the car. Rushing into lengthy rides can give your critter anxiety. Work your way up gradually with short trips to build their confidence. Some pets will never become fans of the car, but giving them positive experiences will make commutes less stressful.
Pack a travel kit
For extended drives, your pets require just as many if not more supplies than you do. Bring their favorite toy along for the ride to give them a sense of home. Stock up on plenty of food, water, and essential items like bowls, leashes, medications, and waste care products. You’ll want to be prepared for anything.
Exercise caution when driving with your pet up front
It’s tempting to let your cuddly pal ride in your lap, or at least the passenger seat. It can also be extremely dangerous. Deployed airbags can seriously harm your pet, especially if they’re on the smaller side.
You also want to avoid letting your pet to hold its head out the window or ride in the bed of a pickup truck.
Properly secure your pet
A well-ventilated carrier or crate is always the best way to go, depending on the size of your pet. For your smaller furry friends, a traveler cage should suffice. The most important thing is that your pet has plenty of room to stand, turn around, and lie down.
If you opt out of the crate route, make sure your pet is fastened into the back seat with a harness.
Never leave your animal unattended in a parked car
A car can become a boiler or ice box in a matter of minutes, depending on the weather outside. If it’s hot out, your pet could succumb to heat stroke — even with the windows cracked. If temperatures are on the colder side, they could develop hypothermia.
Bringing your pet with you when you exit the vehicle is the only acceptable solution, no matter how inconvenient it may seem at the time.
Keep Safety First in Madison, WI
At Zimbrick, we understand that your fuzzy companion isn’t just another possession — it’s a part of your family. That’s why we provide plenty of safe and cozy options for you and your pet at our Madison car dealerships. Browse our inventory of used cars for sale or contact us for more details.
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