Many Third Agers love to have their Pets travelling with them and with the facilities available today, and a little common sense, it is often possible.

The chances are that the pet travelling with you for pleasure will normally be a dog, although it is possible to take most animals by car.

Even the most trustworthy dog needs to be controlled in a vehicle. Having them running loose is irresponsible and dangerous for you, the dog and other road users.

Dog guards are fine and allow the animal the maximum amount of freedom in the rear of a car but remember that the dog is just as vulnerable as you during an impact. Harnesses which attach to your car’s seat belt fittings are highly recommended when the car is moving.

The dangers of leaving a dog unattended in a car cannot be overstated. We have all read tragic stories of animals which have suffered or died in vehicles left in sunshine. Leaving a window slightly open may be alright if the car is in shade. Work out how long you are going to be away from the vehicle though. A shaded, cool car can turn into an overheated nightmare in just five minutes as the sun moves round. Supermarket car parks are notorious for this and the first one that comes up with a shaded area for the benefit of dogs, and indeed humans, will have my admiration. It isn’t rocket science and could save a lot of discomfort!

Another dangerous car habit is letting your dog hang its head out of the window while travelling. It may look appealing with its ears and hair flapping in the wind, but you are asking for trouble from resultant eye and ear infections caused by that wind. Do you do it? Why should the dog?

You should also keep in mind that some dogs can suffer from motion sickness. If yours does make it travel below the sight line of the windows, it may prevent sickness.

If you are travelling any distance take food and water for your pet, water especially. Take a break yourself and make sure your dog has one.

Many hotels and guest houses are Pet Friendly now, so if you are planning an overnight stay check in advance for those that are. Even in establishments which allow dogs there will be areas where dogs cannot go. Which reminds me of an overnight stay I made some years ago and when I came down to breakfast the sign on the dining room door said “No Dogs Allowed”. Fair enough but it put me right off when on the shelf a stuffed Pekingese watched me eating my Corn Flakes!

If you are taking other small animals in your car a suitable container (see Pet Carriers & Crates) is the answer. This is especially useful if taking a trip to the vets for the animal can be carried safely and kept away from other patients, who may not be too friendly!

If in doubt about transporting a pet ask the vet, he or she is the expert and will have seen most things.

Farmers are experts too; they can get most things in a Land Rover, and not always the rear. I recall visiting a vet and up rolled a Land Rover with two sheep peering out of the rear. The third was in the passenger seat with its feet on the dashboard! Well they say travel broadens the mind.

Graham Smith for Third Age.

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