Are you taking a holiday road trip and bringing along your four-legged friend? Pets become a part of your family and it only makes sense that you’d want them to be there for the celebration. However, taking your pet on a road trip isn’t as simple as just putting them in the backseat and hitting the road. There are some important preparations that you should make before you leave and Toyota of N Charlotte is here to explain. Toyota of N Charlotte shares pet travel tips
Tip #1: Make sure your pet can be identified.
There’s always a chance that your pet could get separated from you on a road trip. This is especially important if you’re headed out of Charlotte or out of state. Make sure your pet wears a collar at all times that has an identification tag with their name, your name, and your phone number. It’s also smart to microchip your pet in case their collar comes off during your road trip. Tip #2: Plan your trip and pack accordingly
How often are you going to stop on your road trip? Are you going to stay overnight anywhere? Make sure you plan your trip so that you have several opportunities to let your four-legged friend stretch their legs and use the restroom. If you’re stopping somewhere overnight and are booking a hotel, check their policies to ensure they’re pet-friendly (and don’t forget to check your final destination as well). And don’t forget to pack your pet’s supplies – bring a water bowl, food and snacks, medicines, toys, and a leash with you.
Tip #3: Invest in safety equipment.
It’s unsafe to simply leave your pet in the backseat. We wear seatbelts, so why shouldn’t they? Additionally, they can quickly become a projectile that can seriously injure passengers in an accident. Invest in a crate for the cargo space of your SUV, or find a pet harness seatbelt system so they’re secured every time your N Charlotte Toyota is in motion.
Tip #4: Make sure your pet is comfortable.
Make sure your pet is comfortable for the long haul when you're planning a road trip in your N Charlotte Toyota. Bring blankets and their pet bed to keep them comfy and if you're crating them, make sure they have something warm and padded to lay on. Consider skipping a big meal before the trip and feeding them lighter snacks if their stomach is upset by travel. And remember – you should NEVER leave your pet alone in the car for any length of time. It's extremely dangerous, especially in extreme weather, and can have fatal consequences.
Get your ride road-trip-ready before the holidays
Need help prepping your car for a road trip or looking for accessories to get your N Charlotte Toyota a little more pet-friendly? Call Toyota of N Charlotte today – we're open seven days a week until 10pm at (704) 875-9199!
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