Pets and car travel: Things you need to know
Veterinary nurse, Arona Cremona shares seven tips every person, who wants to travel with their pet, should know.
POLOKWANE – If you plan on travelling with your four-legged friend this holiday season, there are some things you should know.
Travelling with pets isn’t always smooth sailing and can lead to some unfortunate mishaps if you’re unprepared. Review spoke to veterinary nurse, Arona Cremona, who shared seven important things to know before you hit the road with your four-legged best friend.
1. Getting ready for the long road.
• Make sure your dog/cat is used to travelling by taking him on frequent small trips (even if it is just to the park or a day outing). This will teach them that not all car rides lead to the vet.
• Stop regularly for them to stretch their legs and sniff around.
• Dogs must have good manners and be leash trained.
2. What do you need to keep them comfortable in the car?
• A harness and leash. “Some harnesses can connect to the seat belt, to keep the dog on the back seat.”
• Dogs need to be in a safe place away from the driver. “Some cars have nets or car dividers to keep dogs at the back seats.”
• If your pets are going to travel on the back of a bakkie, make sure that it is covered either with a canopy or canvas, to prevent them from jumping off.
• Windows or the aircon must be on to keep them cool as well as have fresh air circulating.
• Try and not feed your pet from 22:00 the night before travelling, in order to prevent nausea. They may drink water.
• Some dogs feel safer in a smaller area therefore dog carriers might be the best way to travel.
3. How often do you need to stop?
• About every 200km or two hours should be fine, unless they seem uncomfortable and need to go to the toilet.
4. How do I teach an older dog new ways of travelling?
“Repetition! It is the only way. Try every day with positive reinforcement to teach them how fun it is to go for a drive.”
5. Checklists for traveling?
• A harness and lead.
• Water and water bowl.
• Vaccination certificate if pulled over (proof of rabies vaccine must be up-to-date).
• All other dog essentials your pet is used to having, such as a special toy or blanket.
6. Do you need to travel with any medication?
• If your dog is calm and used to travelling, no calming meds are needed.
• If your dog is on any chronic or prescribed medication, remember to pack them in.
• Medication for motion sickness can be obtained from a vet with consultation.
• Calming meds can also be provided if needed, but the vet will have to see the patient first.
7. Where is the best place for a pet, when you travel by car?
• It’s not called a “kattebak” because that is where the cat should be when one travels. Animals cannot travel in a closed boot as there is no air ventilation.
• The best place is on the back seat, away and not bothering the driver, or in SUV type cars with an open boot where they can lie comfortably.
• It is against the law for an animal to be on your lap while travelling. You will be fined if you are pulled over.
• It is cruel to leave your dog in the car on a hot day, without proper ventilation and some shade, while you are out shopping for food or supplies.
