K9 Community Corps Top Do’s and Don’ts for traveling with your pet.
DON’T:
Don’t ever use a tether inside a vehicle attached to a neck collar; this will cause serious injury.
DO:
Do make sure your dog is a backseat driver only! Use crates or a harness made for vehicle travel.
DON’T:
Don’t use your automatic back gate to load or unload your pup as they can dart out before the automated door closes.
DO:
Do turn off the automatic door feature when loading and unloading and belt Fido up to a harness for safety!
DON’T:
Don’t let your dog hang their head out the window while moving or parked. From injuries to loss, don’t take the chance with rolled down windows.
DO:
Do keep those windows up once your dog is loaded for the ride and keep the climate control inside the vehicle comfortable for your pet.
DON’T:
Don’t ever leave your dog unattended in your vehicle, not just for a minute, not ever! On an 80 degree day for 10 minutes only, your interior car temperature will reach 100 degrees!
DO:
Do cool down your car before taking your dog anywhere and leave your best friend at home if they cannot come inside with your. For a list of K9CC’s best dog friendly venues, see our partner page.
DON’T:
Don’t make your dog walk across pavement in hot temps. Once the air temperature reaches 77 degrees, the pavement is 125 degrees – and at 86 degrees the pavement is 135 degrees! All too hot for Spot!
DO:
Do place the back of your hand on the surface and hold for a minimum of 5 seconds. it it’s hot to you, it can burn paw pads, You can also get great booties to save your dogs paws from the heat. We like Thera Paws!
BONUS – Pro-Tip
For unavoidable long-distance travel alone with your dog when the temps are hot – when you have to stop for bio-break, stop at a pet friendly hotel chain and use their lobby facilities! You can pull right up into a shady car port at most places while you and your dog run in.
