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How Can You Travel Safely With Your Pet?

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Help Those Who Have Been Injured in Pet-Related Distracted Driving Accidents.

Pets are truly remarkable and can be incredibly loving, soothing, and your best companion in the world. You might have a variety of reasons to travel with one or more pets while on a long road trip or even down the street.

A lot of hotels have rooms for travelers who have cats, dogs, and other pets with them. Fortunately, nearly all pet stores have equipment that will enable you to safely transport your pet from one location to another.

Your pet might be a service animal who helps you to compensate for a disability. You also might rely on your pet for emotional comfort and to help ease the effects of PTSD or some other condition.

No matter the reason, traveling with a pet can be enjoyable when they are safe. Unfortunately, traveling with a pet who does not travel well could create a huge problem and be distracting. Some precautions are in order to help make the trip safe for you and your beloved companion.

Determine if Your Pet Likes Car Rides

You need to know how your pet will behave while in the car. Some pets love the experience and are great while traveling. Others might suffer from anxiety or motion sickness and become nervous in the car.

A pet that does not travel well can distract you while in the car. You should learn well before the trip is planned if your pet will be calm or a problem while inside the car.

You should take your pet or pets on short trips to see how they react. A short trip to visit with relatives could be a good way to learn how your pet will travel.

Take Your Pet to the Veterinarian

If you have a cat or dog who becomes extremely nervous while in the car, you could take it to your veterinarian. A prescription for anti-anxiety medication could help your pay to stay calm and maybe even sleep.

Even if your pet travels well, you might want to have your veterinarian examine your pet. If you are traveling to another state, its laws might require your pet to be fully vaccinated against rabies.

You also could ensure your pet is in good physical condition for a long road trip. If any medication is needed to help keep your pet calm and in good health, your vet could prescribe it.

Your vet also could get documentation that shows your pet is in good physical condition and is fully vaccinated against rabies and other illnesses. Having your pet’s veterinarian records while on the trip also could help a veterinarian to provide emergency treatment if necessary during the trip.

You should look up potential veterinarian services where you intend to stay and check any reviews or references. If you have pet insurance, you should see which veterinarians accept it. Doing so will help you to ensure that your pet could obtain veterinarian care if needed during your trip.

Avoid Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of car accidents. You likely are well aware of the dangers of texting or talking on a cellphone. Nearly all states outlaw those activities because of the danger of distracted driving.

Your pet also could become a major distraction while driving. It is important to keep your pet contained in a pet carrier while you are on the road. Pets and other passengers are common causes of distracted driving. If you take your eyes off the road to pay attention to whatever your pet might be doing at the moment, you are driving blindly.

When you are traveling at highway speeds, your vehicle can cover the distance of a football field in just five seconds. If you remove your eyes from the road to deal with your pet, you could travel a good distance without actually looking at the road.

Distracted driving could cause you to veer into another lane or drive off of the roadway. You might strike a stopped vehicle or a stationary object, so it is important to prevent distracted driving by keeping your pet in a controlled environment.

Use a Pet Carrier to Protect Your Pet

A pet carrier is the best way to take your cat or a small dog on the road with you. If you have a large pet, a cage that fits inside your vehicle can help to keep your dog or other large pet contained and safe during the trip.

An SUV is a terrific vehicle for carrying a pet cage that will help to keep your pet safe and secure while you are driving. An SUV should have the kind of cargo space needed to place a cage in back that is capable of holding a large dog.

With your pet contained, it will not create a distraction. You also will not have to worry about your pet blocking your view of the road or creating a larger blind spot.

A cat who likes to travel while looking out the front window might be a great traveler, but it also could block your view of the road. A pet carrier will prevent such issues from happening.

You should make the pet carrier comfortable for your pet and include one or two of its favorite toys. Familiar items and a comfortable blanket or pet bed will help your pet feel at home while on the road.

Pack a Pet Travel Kit

Your pet will need to eat while on the road. It will also need to go to the bathroom. A leash will enable you to take your pet for walks at rest areas and parks that you pass while on your journey.

You should pack a travel kit that includes some food, water, and treats for your pet. If your pet has any prescriptions, the travel kit should include them.

Have food and water bowls, and bags for collecting waste will help you to clean up after your pet. If you are traveling with a cat, you should bring along some kitty litter.

While in the vehicle, you should place puppy training pads on the bottom of the pet carrier. Training pads are inexpensive. The pads also make it easier to clean up messes.

Do Not Leave Your Pet Alone in the Vehicle

When you travel during the hot summer or winter, your pet might be vulnerable to extremely hot or cold temperatures. The summertime sun is especially harmful to pets who can overheat quickly and possibly die in a short amount of time.

If you can take your pet for walks on a leash, you should try to do that at rest areas or any parks that you might pass along your route. Planning ahead can help you to give your pet bathroom breaks and exercise during the trip. It also will help you to take breaks and stay more alert while driving.

If your pet is not leash-friendly, you still could take it outside in a pet carrier so that it can spend some time outside of the vehicle. If the weather is bad or your pet is nervous due to other people or nearby traffic, it might be best to leave it inside the vehicle with someone to keep an eye on them.

Philadelphia Car Accident Lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC Help Those Who Have Been Injured in Pet-Related Distracted Driving Accidents

If a negligent pet owner has caused an accident that left you with injuries, contact one of our Philadelphia car accident lawyers at McCann Dillon Jaffe & Lamb, LLC. We can help you with your case. Call us at 215-569-8488 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation. We are located in Philadelphia, Abington, Media, Pennsylvania, and Wilmington, Delaware, and we serve clients throughout the surrounding areas.