Life on the road can be lonely when you have your sights on yellow lines and a truck stop meal three hours away. But, what if I were to tell you that your beloved pooch could sit in as your trusted travel companion during those long drives across state lines? Say, “Adios!” to the days admiring your fiery pooch and majestic feline through a photograph clipped to your visor, and say, “Hello!” to sloppy puppy kisses and loving mews from the passenger seat of your big rig. It’s time you find your own little furry companion to bring on the road with you! Here’s what you need to know about trucking with a pet!
As we continue through 2019, more and more trucking companies are adapting their policies to become more pet-friendly as drivers haul freight across the nation. Many companies require a fee for your fluffy friends, but this is a small price to pay for the love and company from your beloved pet during long drives. Mental health has become a hot topic within the trucking issue, and a friend on the road can do wonders for your mental health. Plus, many companies are OK with cats and more exotic animals riding along, as long as they don’t cause a distraction from driving safely. Still, there are many things to consider when trucking with a pet…
After all, 95 percent of pet owners consider their pets to be part of the family, which is why the popularity of pets on the road is expected to grow significantly over the next few years. Not to mention, since so many drivers are on the road for lengthy periods of time, a pet in the passenger seat will bring some of the comforts of home to the open road. And wouldn’t snuggling up with your furry friend make sleeping after a long haul so much more enjoyable? Yes, they take a lot of work, and it’s not like you don’t already have enough to worry about on the road, but as long as you keep a few important things in mind, you’ll be able to enjoy trucking with a pet.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when trucking with a pet:
Be prepared to pay up
Your pup or feline may be required to pay rent in your truck. This could be in the form of a pet deposit fee, cleaning fee, or repairs in case of an accident. This doesn’t mean your company doesn’t trust you with your pet, it is simply a precaution because… accidents happen! Nonetheless, consider how much money you’ll need to set aside when trucking with a pet ahead of time. Trucking with a pet can be a dirty job, so you’ll want to maintain a clean environment for the safety of both you and your pet.
Get ready to plan around your pet
If you prefer cozying up in the sleeper bed of your truck, then this tip doesn’t apply to you. However, there may be lodging and truck stops that don’t allow pets, so don’t forget to research! Here’s a quick cheat sheet from Travel Centers of America for some pet-friendly rest stops. It’s also possible to have your pet certified as an emotion support animal. This will allow you to take them into more facilities.
You might need to leave Ms. Sassy and Lizard Larry at home
While the thought of trucking with pets is new and exciting, many companies only allow dogs as travel companions. The reason for this is simple. Cats become attached to places, and more exotic animals like snakes and lizards are less likely to adapt to long trips. Before you bring your companion on the road, make sure you know EXACTLY what the company policy is when it comes to traveling with pets.
Have your pet’s health papers ready
Just like truckers need to stay healthy and alert on the road, it is important for pets to stay healthy and healthy—especially when adapting to new environments. Veterinary inspection laws vary from state to state, so be sure to research health laws and keep your pet up to date with vaccinations. It’s also important that you make stops for checkups and vaccines while you’re out on the road.
Are you thinking about bringing your pet along for the ride? Read more about pet policies and whether or not your company is pet-friendly here.
There are many perks to having a pet on the road, such as barking alarm clock and source of protection. But most importantly, your pet will make you feel at home, regardless of where the road takes you. Trucking with a pet is a great opportunity and could be exactly what you need to make your trucking experience as successful as possible. So, will your pet call shotgun on the next long haul?
