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. Drinking water from an area he or she isn’t used to could result in stomach discomfort.
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.