As I was thinking about this article, I realized that one collection of tips was insufficient to convey a very important lesson I learned over the years of being a pet parent. Traveling with your pet can be challenging. There is no nice way to put it. Our pets love us unconditionally and trust us to take the best care of them. The personal lesson outlined below is why I place such an emphasis on pet safety while traveling.

A while ago, I was transporting my cats while they repaired my house. Being cats they decided to get into a howling cat fight as we drove down the road. Needless to say, the commotion was incredibly upsetting. So much so, that I was very close to rear-ended the vehicle that had stopped unexpectedly in front of me. Fortunately, that did not happen. But the cats couldn’t understand why it bothered them, and they couldn’t understand how lucky we were to not have been in an avoidable accident or to have escaped a terrible injury.

Rather than carefully organizing my topics into easy-to-follow bullet points, I thought I’d put them in strong enough terms that anyone as headstrong as I could understand their meaning. Therefore, this article has three sections. First, we’ll cover the Never Do This section. Second, we’ll cover the Always do this section. And third, we’ll cover the Please Think About These section.

Okay, let’s start with the Neverland List:

– Never allow your pet to travel unrestricted in your car or truck. You don’t want your pets to turn into projectiles. Our pet’s bodies are tough but not indestructible.

– Never use a soft enclosure, such as a cardboard box or pet tent, if you have access to wire or a sturdy box. Soft carriers have their place, but for maximum protection, it’s best to have the sturdiest box you have access to, even if you borrow one.

– Never allow pets to hang out of vehicle windows. Even if your puppy loves to feel the wind on his face, this is not a good idea. Your face can hit an immovable object at 50, 60, or 70 miles per hour.

– Never leave any animal in a hot car. Leaving pets in a hot car for just ten minutes could cause irreparable injury. Dogs do not sweat and cannot cool off without air and water.

– Never carry a pet without a collar, leash, and additional identification, such as their cell phone number on an additional tag.

Now, here are the usual reminders:

– Always accustom your pet to the car with short and fun trips.

– Always use a leash when putting your pet in or out of a cage or cage.

– Always use seat belts or lanyards to secure a box in the back seat or in the bed of the truck.

– Always keep a good supply of regular pet food ready to go. If stopped unexpectedly, a change in diet could be very difficult for your pet. Also, water from your home in a gallon container is a good idea.

Finally, here is the Sometimes section:

– Sometimes your cat will show his escape artist skills if he is on a cardboard transporter; so invest in a sturdy stand. You will save time and upholstery.

– Sometimes a dog or cat will experience dizziness, so prepare with normal paper towels. If your pet experiences severe bouts of motion sickness, consult with your veterinarian about which medication may be best for your cat or dog.

– Sometimes, no matter how well you plan, your return home can be delayed. It’s a good idea to bring copies of pet vaccinations with you in case boarding is necessary.

– Sometimes unexpected car repair can mean calling a tow truck. Ask about their policies before they arrive to help you. Have a secure harness or collar and leash ready, in case your box won’t fit into the cab of the tow vehicle.

If this article sounds like a dog owner’s marching orders, know that my intention is not to offend the reader. I am adamant about these tips due to my own experiences. The time saved by leaving a cage at home can never replace a beloved pet. If your pet gets loose or distracts you while driving, the result could be disastrous. My most common excuse has always been … Well, it’s just a short trip. Does that sound like you?

Because we all need the unconditional love that only our pets can provide, and because they depend on us for safe travel, consider investing in a sturdy, well-built travel box for your dog or cat. So, don’t leave it at home. And yes, I hear you.