Road trips are the best way to travel; you get to see all the roadside attractions, hit up the drive-thrus, and turn up the radio. Best of all, you can take your pets with you. Whether you’re taking a day trip to the beach or going cross-country, here are five things you should know before you hit the road with your cat or dog this summer.

5 Tips For Taking A Road Trip with A Dog or Cat

1. Restrain all pets on the road.
In many states, it’s illegal to have your pet roam around in your vehicle. In case of an accident, even a small pet can become a projectile, seriously injuring themselves as well as you and your passengers. Plus, pets can be a distraction on the road. Small dogs and cats should be in a carrier, while medium to large dogs need a harness that attaches to the seat or seatbelt. Animals should always ride in the backseat.

2. Prepare for messes.
Dogs and cats with motion sickness may vomit, especially on winding or bumpy roads. Accidents can happen even with house-trained animals. Stash a few Wee-Wee Pads in your car and use them to line carriers and seats to keep your interior mess-free.

3. Crack the windows.
Weather permitting, cracking your windows can help keep your pet calm. The airflow will carry in an interesting array of aromas, giving them a sense of where they are, and providing some outside stimulation on an otherwise-boring ride. Take care not to lower the windows more than an inch or two, though, as your pet may try to jump out.

4. Take breaks every four hours.
You may need extra breaks if you have a puppy or kitten, or if it’s very hot out and your pet needs water more frequently. During breaks, you can find a grassy area to walk your dog on-leash, or you can let your cat out of their carrier inside the car and allow them to use their litterbox.

5. Never leave your pet in the car.
The temperature inside a car can rise to dangerous temperatures in minutes, even on relatively mild days, and yes, even if you park in the shade. Pet theft is also a serious risk. If you’re traveling alone and need to use a restroom, stop at a park, pet retailer, or pet-friendly hardware store and bring your pet with you inside.

Before Your Trip

Get your pet acquainted with your car and your travel gear as soon as you start to plan your road trip. Short trial trips are a great way to see how your pet reacts to being in a car, if they seem to have anxiety about driving, and whether their carrier or harness is comfortable, well-fitted, and escape-proof.
Even if your pet does not seem prone to anxiety, it’s smart to keep calming treats on-hand. Over-the-counter calming supplements are made with natural ingredients like hemp, L-Theanine (from green tea), and melatonin, which can help them doze off while you drive.