Travelling with your pet is a fun experience, sharing adventures and building that special bond with one another on the open road. However, as responsible pet parents, we also acknowledge the challenges of including our best friend in our travel plans: concerns regarding car cleanliness, lingering smells, and potential damage to the vehicle’s interior. In this guide, I’m going to share practical and actionable tips to help you enjoy a comfortable journey with your pet while also protecting your vehicle from my own experiences hitting the road with my furry crew by my side. You can have your cake and eat it, too! Pre-Trip Pet Preparation: Setting Yourself Up for Success Before heading out on the road, there are steps you can take to lay the groundwork for a comfortable, enjoyable trip. These are simple considerations that can make a world of difference in keeping your cat spotless and damage-free. Make Time for a Grooming Session Start your preparations with a thorough grooming session. Taking the time to brush and deshed your pet before loading them into the car will help effectively reduce the amount of loose fur that will inevitably end up in your vehicle. Tools like deshedding brushes or grooming gloves are both helpful during this process. Beyond shedding, nail trimming is another critical consideration. Trimmed nails prevent unwanted scratches on your car upholstery, windows, and interior plastics. If you have a dog who is uncomfortable with having their nails trimmed, consider introducing a scratch board to help keep their nails short and well-maintained. Finally, make a habit of cleaning your pet’s paws each time before they enter the car, especially after any outdoor play or potty breaks, to minimize tracked-in dirt, mud, and debris. Plan for Ideal Mealtime Schedules Approaching your pet’s eating and drinking routine before a trip strategically can help prevent accidents and motion sickness. While keeping your pet hydrated should always be a top priority, consider limiting water intake slightly an hour or two before any travels to reduce the frequency of needing to go to the bathroom. This doesn’t mean you’ll be completely withholding water. Instead, pack a pet-friendly water bottle and offer small drinks each time you stop to prevent dehydration while still avoiding that troublesome, overly full bladder. Similarly, avoid giving your pet a big meal right before travel. Instead, consider offering a light, easy-to-digest meal well in advance, giving them time to digest and go to the bathroom before hitting the road. Not only does this help prevent accidents, but it can also go far in avoiding upset stomachs and potential vomiting. Don’t Forget the Last-Minute Potty Break Of course, beyond all these preparations, the all-important bathroom break just before you leave is non-negotiable. This quick stop will help drastically reduce the risk of in-car accidents. It’s also a good chance to watch for any signs of nausea, giving you a much-needed red flag that something might be up. Pack All the Essentials Don’t forget to pack a dedicated pet travel bag with all the essential items you will need for your pet throughout your travels. This includes a water bottle, a portable bowl, their favorite blanket or bed, a few favorite treats, and a favorite, comforting toy (especially if they are nervous on car rides). You should also pack the supplies you may need for a quick clean on the road in case you do run into trouble, like waste bags, paper towels, or cleaning wipes. Keeping Your Pet Contained During Your Travels Proper containment when travelling with your pet is essential for their safety (just as we have to wear seatbelts), but it also helps to keep your vehicle clean. Limiting your pet’s movement to a designated pet area will significantly reduce the spread of hair, dirt, and the potential for scratches or other damage to your car’s interior. Plus, it allows you to focus on keeping everything they need within their reach throughout their trip, making it more comfortable and less stressful for everyone. Crates and Carriers Using a crate or carrier for our pet offers many benefits. They provide a secure, comfortable “den” for your pet while also keeping any pet mess contained. You’ll find many types available, including hard-sided, soft-sided, and wire crates, each suitable for pets of different sizes and various vehicle layouts. When choosing a crate, take time to ensure that it’s correctly sized for your pet’s comfort and safety. Always secure it properly within your vehicle before you travel, using seatbelts or cargo anchors to prevent shifting during travel. For added comfort, and to absorb any potential accidents, keeping them contained, consider lining the crate with absorbent pads or soft blankets. Pet Seatbelts and Harnesses For larger pets and those who prefer to sit directly on the car seat, crash-tested harnesses and seatbelts are a great solution. I highly recommend prioritizing crash-tested products to guarantee your beloved pet is going to be safe in the event of an accident. While there is no universal testing or regulation of the “crash-tested” label, a great resource to help in choosing your gear is the Center for Pet Safety certification program. When fitting, make sure the harness is snug and the seat belt connection is securely connected as directed on the product packaging. Backseat Barriers, Car Seats, or HammocksWhile backseat barriers, car seats, and hammocks aren’t going to protect your pet in an accident, combined with a crash-tested harness and seatbelt, they are a great option for keeping that pet mess contained. These devices work to create a defined space for your pet, trapping loose fur, dirt, and other debris that might otherwise end up on your car’s floor or upholstery.