Be sure to prep Fido for travel by taking a short ‘test trip’ to see how he handles the car, buying a dog ramp or folding set of pet stairs, and installing a crate, safety harness, hammock, or pet barrier to keep him from commandeering the vehicle (or just licking your face while you drive).
Bringing your beloved pooch with you on the road can lead to plenty of fond memories. But without the right equipment in place, Rover risks getting hurt or hurting other passengers. Whether you’re planning a multi-day road trip or just driving across town, you’ll need to learn how to drive safely with a dog in the car before setting off on your trip.
Wherever you’re headed with your trusty canine in tow, make sure to protect yourself, your dog, and your vehicle with a robust car insurance
policy by using Jerry
. Sign-up takes just 45 seconds (or the time it will take your four-legged friend to rip apart your living room couch), and then Jerry gets to work comparing top quotes to ensure you get the best policy possible, at the lowest possible price.
With your car insurance taken care of, it’s time to learn how to drive with dogs in the car.
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It's important to restrain your dog during your ride for everyone’s safety. Your pup can be seriously injured or worse if they aren't restrained and you are involved in a collision. As much as we love them and want to let them do whatever they want, unrestrained dogs in a moving vehicle can be dangerously distracting.
Key Takeaway Always make sure to safely restrain your dog, with either a safety harness or a crate that is securely tied down.
Prep your dog before you travel
You don’t want to find out that your dog gets seriously car sick after you’ve set off on a cross-country road trip. To prepare for the journey, follow these steps.
Take a test drive
Before heading out on a particularly long journey, test your dog’s “sea legs” to see how they handle driving—and to give them time to adjust.
Start with a short trip, and then drive for a bit longer to see how your dog fares—do they get sick or pant heavily or cry? This might be normal behavior for your dog, but if not, it could be an indication that your pup isn’t too comfortable in the car.
Also, take note of how often you should stop to ensure your dog can stretch their legs and relieve themself, especially on long rides.
Plan your route
This might sound like overkill, but trust us, it's not—map out hotels on your route that are dog-friendly. The last thing you want to do after a long day of driving is to go from hotel to hotel inquiring about whether they’ll allow your dog to stay there!
Another good idea before you head out on a long drive with your dog in the car—scope out veterinary clinics along the way, just in case.
Also, make sure there are places to stop (rest areas) so your dog can run around a bit and work off any excess energy she might have accumulated. Oh, and they'll also want to answer nature’s call—don’t forget to clean up after her!
Visit the vet before you go
Just to be sure, pay a quick visit to the vet beforehand, especially if your dog is older or has any underlying health issues. You don't want any medical emergencies to pop up along your journey.
Grab the essentials
Just like you have essentials, your dog does too. What? You think your pup will be content leaving the house without their favorite Pup-Peroni and Snausages? Think again!
Make sure you bring the following to ensure both you and your pup have a great road trip:
Car safety harness/seat belt
Drive smoothly
Keep your drive smooth to ensure your dog doesn’t get carsick—scotch guarding your car’s interior can get expensive.
Steer clear of herky-jerky driving and dirt roads if possible to avoid upsetting your dog’s stomach. If your dog gets skittish on the road, try some calming music for dogs to help them relax during the ride.
If your cat is along for the ride, tune your radio to some light jazz and maintain it at a lower volume (trust us, it works).
Avoid a heavy meal before your trip
If you have a habit of feeding your dog filet mignon, avoid doing so before you set off. Do we really have to explain why this is a bad idea before a long drive (for you or the dog)?
MORE: 8 steps to a perfect road trip with your dog
Help your dog get in the car
Some small dogs have a hard time jumping into the car, and if you can’t lift your dog (because they’re too big, they’re older, or you slipped a disc playing shuffleboard—again), you can buy steps or a ramp for easy access.
Pet steps
Available from Amazon
, $249.90 The Pet Loader Lite is an adjustable set of collapsible pet steps that provide easy access to the vehicle for your dog. These stairs fold up and can be easily stored in your trunk when not in use.
Pet ramps
Available from Amazon
, $125.98 The Pet Gear Dog Ramp is slip-resistant and offers dogs excellent grip as they trample up into the car.
This product is great for older dogs (and enterprising children), giving them a slightly raised walkway into and out of the car.
Protect your dog in the car
There is a slew of ways to make sure your pup is safely restrained in the car to protect them and yourself on your trip.
Hard crate
Available from Amazon
, $99.99 An oldie-but-a-goodie—a hard crate protects your dog in case of an accident and keeps her safe.
Make sure your hard crate is big enough that your dog can stand up, turn around, and lie down. Also, add some soft bedding for your pup to relax on during the drive.
Hard crates are designed to allow ventilation for your dog, while still protecting them from any flying objects. A hard crate will also stop your dog from being thrown in case of a collision.
The crate also prevents your dog from moving around in the car and potentially distracting you while you drive. We all love a lick here and there but at the cost of getting into an accident? No thanks!
Soft crate
EliteField 3-Door Folding Soft Dog Crate
Available from Amazon
, $105.99 A soft shell crate is okay too, but it won’t be as protective as a hard shell crate. Also, always tie down crates to ensure they aren’t moving around while the car is in motion.
Key Takeaway Hard crates offer a safe and secure spot for your dog to rest on a long drive and offer both protection and ventilation as well.
Seat belt or safety harness
Sleepypod Clickit Dog Travel Harness Sport Bundle Edition
Available from Amazon
, $117 A seat belt or safety harness attaches to your car’s seat belt and ensures your dog is secure while you drive.
Most dog seat belts or harnesses work with virtually any vehicle. Look for one with a wide strap and a padded chest to ensure your dog is comfortable. A short tether is ideal so your dog can’t move around too much and be a distraction while you drive.
Dog booster seat
Kurgo Rover Booster Dog Car Seat with Seat Belt Tether
Available from Amazon
, $59.95 Dog booster seats are ideal for small dogs—most of them click into the seat belt and allow your dog to see out the window. Additionally, most dog booster seats come with a harness to secure the dog to the seat.
Dog net barrier
DYKESON Dog Car Net Barrier with Auto Safety Mesh Organizer
Available from Amazon
, $15.80 A dog net barrier allows plenty of airflow for your dog and lets them see you—ideal for dogs that are easygoing. What’s more, a dog car barrier is very easy to install.
These barriers are also ideal for preventing quarrelsome children from harassing you while you drive them to Sunday School.
Hammock dog barrier
Active Pets Car Seat Cover for Dogs
Available from Amazon
, $39.99 A hammock-style dog barrier is particularly helpful for dogs that like to get dirty (so, all of them).
The hammock also keeps dogs safe and out of the front part of the cabin. Most dog hammocks are water-resistant and will protect your car’s upholstery.
Adjustable metal barrier
Rabbitgoo Dog Car Barrier for SUVs
Available from Amazon
, $59.98 An adjustable metal barrier is a great option for bigger dogs to keep them in the back seat and out of your grill. This car divider for dogs is adjustable both horizontally and vertically, so it will work with almost any vehicle.
Protect your dog and your car with Jerry
Wherever you and your canine head off to, make sure your pet-mobile is protected with a robust car insurance
policy by using Jerry
! Sign-up takes just under a minute, or about the length of time it will take your pooch to scarf down your entire breakfast before you even sit down at the kitchen table. After signing up, Jerry gets to work comparing quotes from the nation’s top insurance companies to ensure you get the best policy at the lowest price!
Once you pick your new policy, Jerry will sign you up and help you cancel your old one, no questions asked. Also, Jerry will automatically search for better rates before every renewal period on your behalf.
Best of all? Jerry users save an average of $887 per year on car insurance! That, friend, can buy a lot of Milk-Bones.
“Jerry
blew my mind, honestly. From start to finish, using the app took me 10 minutes and I ended up with $100 of savings a month. Best of all, customer service answered all my questions about rental car reimbursement and roadside assistance.” —Savanna R.
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