Whether Prince or Snowball loves car rides, hates them, or has never experienced the pleasure, you’ve got to expect anything when you share a moving vehicle with your pet. Driving with pets in Georgia comes with unique challenges, especially when it comes to safety and state laws. And make sure you have a dependable auto insurance policy in case things get really out of hand (or paw).
Here’s what you need to know to experience true pet car safety in Georgia.
Understanding Pet Travel Laws in Georgia
There are no legal requirements in the Peach State to crate or restrain your pet while you’re behind the wheel. However, you can get ticketed for distracted driving if your fur baby is acting like it was raised in a frat house while you’re trying to drive.
If a police officer sees your car weaving because Snowball is trying to dance on your face or Prince is making a desperate bid for freedom out the passenger window, it can cost you $50 and points on your driving record as a first-time offender. That’s because the law considers your bothersome unbound pet to be as much of a distraction as texting at 60 miles an hour.
Then, of course, there’s the safety factor for your furry friends.
Preparing Your Pet for a Safe Car Ride
An unrestrained pet is a flying missile if you must brake hard or your car gets hit. Restrained, your pet travels safely — and so do you and your passengers. Here’s how to reduce the risks for everyone.
Proper Crate Training
Your pet only hates its crate or carrier if it’s an unfamiliar method of restraint or the container is too small.
If you start using a crate of an adequate size when your pets are just babies, they’ll grow accustomed to it and often even feel more secure.
If your pet is small enough that you can use a crate or carrier that’s not too bulky for car travel, make this the means of transport every time out. If your car rides usually take your animal to a place where it doesn’t want to be — such as at the vet’s clinic for shots — it might associate crate travel with undesirable destinations. Use it for rides ending in pleasant experiences, and your furry friend might even come to enjoy the mode of travel.
Choosing the Right Harness or Carrier for Your Pet
If you use a cat or dog seat belt, there are several points to consider. Keep your pet’s comfort top of mind when buying a harness. Make sure it has adequate padding, especially in the chest area. It should fit snugly enough to keep your pet from squirming out but not so tightly that it’s uncomfortable or could panic your furry friend. If you can fit two fingers between the harness and your pet’s body, that’s ideal.
When selecting a carrier, make sure there’s room for the animal to stand and move comfortably. There should be good bed padding, ventilation, and lighting. If your fur babies travel in comfort, they won’t put up much of a fight when they get put in the car.
Tips for a Stress-Free Trip with Your Pet
If you’re searching for easy traveling with pets tips, this section has you covered. The goal here is to reduce the stress level of everyone in your car — those with two legs as well as those with four. Check out the following advice to make road trips smoother for both you and your furry companions.
Keeping Pets Calm During Long Drives
If you raised kids, you know the importance of making long car trips as infrequent and pleasant as possible. The same principle applies to your dog or cat.
Make frequent stops for exercise. Being held more or less immobile in a cat or dog car harness or carrier can be torture for some animals — especially those that are younger and full of energy.
Make sure they have unobstructed views out the window and that potty breaks come along fairly frequently. If you can crack a window open, dogs are especially eager to pick up the millions of scents they can catch as you whiz by.
If Prince or Snowball is a very stressed-out car traveler, ask your veterinarian for help. Your pet might receive prescription or over-the-counter meds for anxiety. But always consult with your vet first.
Essential Supplies to Bring for Pet Travel
Toys! Toys! And more toys!
If your pet has a favorite toy or security blanket from home, bring it along. Also, make sure you haven’t forgotten the leash and poop bags.
Food is also an essential part of pet supplies. Give your pet the occasional snack for good behavior. (But not so many snacks that you’ll need potty stops every few miles.) Also, don’t forget your pet’s scheduled meal stops. You don’t want to add hunger to a possible case of discomfort, boredom, or anxiety.
How Heat Can Endanger Your Pet in Georgia
Never leave your pet alone in a car in Georgia summers without air conditioning running.
A car’s interior can quickly get 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the outdoor temperature. Do the math. If it’s a 90-degree Savannah summer day, it might be 140 degrees for your poor pet restrained in a crate while you’re picking up road supplies at the gas station market.
If you have at least one passenger of sufficient age, have them stay outside with your pet while you get supplies. If you’re traveling with no one else, roll down the windows or leave the car engine and AC running, and return as soon as possible.