Travel with Pets by Car

Find info on traveling with pets by car; pet friendly limousine and car service in the U.S. & Canada

Pet travel by car involves more than just loading the animal in the vehicle and motoring off, especially if you will be driving long distances or plan to be away for a long time. Whether traveling with pets by private car, limousine, or a commercial car service, there are things to keep in mind to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Here are a few pet travel by car tips to help you prepare for a smooth and safe trip:

  1. The best place for an animal travelling inside a vehicle is riding inside a crate or secured into another device that keeps them safe in the event of an accident, traversing sharp turns or coming to an abrupt stop. The crate should be large enough for your pet to stand, sit, lie down and turn around in. Secure your pet’s crate so it will not slide or shift in the event of an abrupt stop. If you decide to forgo the crate, don’t allow your pet to ride with his head outside the window, and always keep him in the back seat in a harness attached to a seat buckle. Keeping your pet in the back seat of the car will prevent possible injury if an airbag deploys while your pet is in the passenger seat (even in a crate).
  2. Most cats aren’t comfortable traveling in cars, so for their safety as well as yours, keep them in a carrier. It’s important to restrain these carriers in the car so that they don’t bounce around and hurt your cat. Do this by securing a seat belt around the front of the carrier.
  3. If you’re going on a long road trip prep your pet by taking him on a series of short drives first, gradually lengthening time spent in the car. If you’re traveling across state lines and especially if visiting national parks and campgrounds, bring along your pet’s rabies vaccination record. While this generally isn’t a problem, some states require this proof at certain interstate crossings.
  4. Bring food, a bowl, leash, a waste scoop, plastic bags, grooming supplies, medication and first-aid, and any travel documents. Pack a favorite toy or pillow to give your pet a sense of familiarity. Be sure to pack plenty of water, and avoid feeding your pet in a moving vehicle. Your pet’s travel-feeding schedule should start with a light meal three to four hours prior to departure, and always opt for bottled water. Dog-Gear recommends to get a special portable travel bottle for your pet!
  5. Stop frequently to allow your pet to exercise and eliminate. But, never permit your pet to leave the car without a collar, ID tag and leash.
  6. Never leave your animal alone in a parked vehicle. On a hot day, your vehicle can quickly reach temperature that puts your pet at risk of serious illness an even death, even on a day that doesn’t seem hot to you. And cracking the windows makes no difference. In cold weather, a car can act as a refrigerator, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.

Further Information

Car Travel With Pets: 10 Tips for Safety and Security
By planning ahead, you can make sure your journey is safe and comfortable for you and your dog.

A Guide to Pet-Friendly Rental Cars
Find out what car rental companies allow dogs in the US.

Are Dogs Allowed in Rental Cars?
Find pet policies for major rental car companies.

What You Need to Know About Dog Car Restraints
Pet restraint laws vary across the Northeast. Learn how to keep your pet safe and lower the risk of distraction.

A Guide for Traveling By Car With Your Pet
if you’re traveling with dogs or cats, besides packing your pet’s favorite chew toys and a favorite blankie for them to cuddle with, what else should you bring?

How to Select the Best Dog Car Seat 2022 – Pros & Cons
If you’re traveling with your dog continually jumping on the back seat and trying to climb into your leap, you know how dangerous and distracting that can be. How can you solve this issue?

14 travel essentials to keep your dog safe and comfortable in the car, recommended by experts
To ensure the success of a road trip with your pup, you’ll need a handful of dog car travel accessories to keep them safe and comfortable during long drives.

Best Pet Travel Products
Including dog car seats, dog car seat covers, dog travel kennels, dog ramps and travel bowls for pet food.

Pet Friendly Limo and Car Service

Boston, MA: Boston Executive Limo Service
Boston Executive Limo Service provides first-class private transportation car services around Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York City and all New England areas. Pets are always welcome! It’s up to you if you want to use carriage or let your pet sit without it.

New York, NY: Carmel Car & Limousine Service
Carmel Limousine is a NYC, NY Airport limousine service. Pets allowed; if you are traveling with a pet, a mini-van is required for your trip at the minivan rate.

New York, NY: Legends Limousine
Legends Limousine offers transportation throughout Brooklyn, New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, and all surrounding states. Legends also provides affordable transit to and from all major area airports including JFK, LaGuardia, Newark, Westchester, Teterboro, and Islip. Legends gladly accommodates travelers with pets. All pets must be leashed or in a special carrier when traveling in a car. All pets over twenty-five pounds must ride in a mini-van or a van, with the exception of service dogs.

New York, NY: JetBlack Transportation
JetBlack is a Pet Friendly Car Service in New York. Seat covers will be set up on the rear sets that protect the seats and make sure your dog will have a pleasant ride, your fellow passengers and your dog’s safety! Now everybody can come along when you enjoying your ride in New York – even your dog!

Toronto, ON: Toronto Airport Limo Service
A pet-friendly car service in Greater Toronto Area, Toronto Airport Limo provides service to and from Toronto Pearson International Airport. Pets are welcome to travel in their cars.