For a weekend trip or a cross-country move, sometimes you will need to transport your pet by vehicle. You may do this yourself, or you might hire a professional pet transporter. Either way, there are several things you can do to keep your pet safe and happy during the car trip.
Prepare for pet relocation
Before sending you animal for transport, it is a good idea to make a check-up appointment with the vet. The last thing you want is to transport an unhealthy pet. This is dangerous, and can be dangerous to other animals around your pet. While you have time, speak with your vet about the upcoming travel plans and find out what you can do to ease the journey for your pet, which may include medication.
Begin to acclimate your pet to the car. If your pet does not usually ride in the car, let them wander around your car while it is parked. Then, start taking your pet on short trips around the neighborhood, watching for signs of carsickness or anxiety. Usually, your pet will be fine in the car as long as you are in the car with them. If you hire a professional pet relocation services, however, make sure your pet is comfortable with strangers. A pet training course before handing your pet over to a stranger is a great idea; it helps the pet transporter handle your pet better and lets you live with a well-behaved animal. It will also help to introduce your pet to the transporter while you are there, so they are familiarized and feel a sense of trust.
Get ready for pet relocation
Make sure you have the proper supplies for shipping your pet by car. You will need to purchase an appropriately sized kennel or car seat for your pet. Also pack:
- Food
- Water (frozen ice cubes are best)
- Dishes
- Toys
- Bedding
- Leash
- ID tags
- Pet health records, in case you need to visit a vet during the trip
Professional Pet Relocation Services
If you are hiring professional pet relocation services, make sure you know what supplies they are providing and which supplies you are responsible for. By preparing your pet properly for car transport, you will keep your pet safe and you (or your professional shipper) happy.
Professional pet movers are very capable of dealing with your animal. Provide your driver with written instructions, and tips on how to deal with your animal. Provide written instructions or tell the transporter:
- How often the animal should be let out for walks, and how long each walk should take
- How often and what amount of food the animal should be fed
- What the transporter can do to ease the stress of transport
- Where you prefer the animal sleeps if the transport makes an overnight stop
- Normal habits the transporter can keep up with
- Your request for how often you would like to be contacted with status updates about your animal
By providing this information, you can educate the transporter on how to best care for your pet, and ensure the most comfortable trip possible.
