How to Safely Transport Your Pet: A Guide for Road Trips with Your Furry Friends

Planning a road trip with your pet? Whether it's a quick trip to the park or a long journey across BC, ensuring the comfort and safety of your furry(or scaly) friend is key. Modo Carshare, in collaboration with the BC SPCA, is here to provide tips on how to make your pet’s travel experience as safe, comfortable, and stress-free as possible!

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1. Do You Need a Carrier for Your Pet?

Yes! Allowing pets to roam free, holding them in your arms, or keeping them on your lap is unsafe. Unrestrained pets can be a major distraction to drivers, increasing the risk of collisions. In an accident, an unrestrained pet can become a flying projectile, potentially injuring themselves and passengers.

When traveling with Modo, all pets must be secured in a carrier. Thispolicy not only helps keep our vehicles clean but also ensures the safety ofboth pets and passengers.

For small animals, cats, and small dogs, carriers are essential. Larger dogs should be restrained in either a crate or with a car safety harness. By following these guidelines, you help keep your pet secure, making the journey safer for everyone in the vehicle.

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2. Choosing the Right Carrier for Your Pet

When selecting a carrier, choose one that is durable, secure, easy to clean, and well-ventilated. The size should allow your pet to stand, sit, turnaround, and lie down naturally. Hard-sided carriers can double as a safe, familiar resting space during motel stays, while soft-sided carriers are easier to carry and store.

Remember: one pet per carrier is ideal unless both pets can lie down comfortably without being on top of each other.

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3. Preparing Your Pet for a Long Road Trip

To reduce stress, start acclimatizing your pet to vehicle travel early on. Introduce the carrier or harness gradually and use treats and praise to build positive associations. Begin with just sitting in the car, then progress to short trips. High-value treats can help, but be mindful of how much you feed, especially for pets with sensitive stomachs.

For cats, leave the carrier out at home, so it becomes a familiar part of their environment. This prevents the carrier from becoming associated with only negative experiences, like trips to the vet.

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4. Making Travel Safe and Comfortable

Never leave pets alone in a car, even on mild days—the temperature inside can rise quickly. Ensure they are not in the trunk and use air conditioning or cooling mats on warm days. Carriers should be lined with soft bedding, and some pets prefer a covered carrier to block out movement while allowing for ventilation. Keep the radio at a reasonable volume, and remember that letting your dog hang its head out of the window is unsafe.

5. Building Confidence and Reducing Stress

Make car trips a positive experience. Take your dog on trips to enjoyable places, like the park, rather than just to the vet. Walking your dog before a trip can help reduce anxiety. For additional calming, spray synthetic pheromones on blankets inside the carrier. If your pet shows signs of severe anxiety or motion sickness, consult your veterinarian.

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6. Installing the Carrier or Crate Securely

For safety, small carriers are best placed on the floor, while larger carriers can go across the back seat, in the hatch or cargo area, or secured in the truck bed. Ensure the carrier is stable; use rolled towels to level it out if needed.

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Special Considerations for Small and Exotic Pets

Small animals, like guinea pigs, ferrets, or reptiles, should always being a carrier or travel cage. Avoid cardboard boxes, as they can be chewed through. Reptiles may need a heat source, and the carrier should be lined with soft bedding for comfort. Draping a light towel or sheet over the carrier can help block movement while still allowing ventilation.

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Traveling with pets can be a fun and rewarding experience when done safely. By preparing ahead of time, choosing the right equipment, and making the journey as comfortable as possible, you can ensure a positive experience for you and your beloved pet.

Safe travels with Modo Carshare and happy adventures with your furry friends!

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