Tips for Trucking with Pets

Being on the road for days and weeks at a time can become quite lonely. That's why many owner-operators choose to have a co-pilot, and not of the human variety. There are many benefits to having a "truck pet," both for you and your animal. Here are a few things to keep in mind when trucking with companions.

1. Stock up on food and water

This may seem like a no-brainer, but it's important to have enough food and water for your pet while you travel. If you'll be gone for long periods, it can be hard to find stores that carry quality pet food on the road, and the better pet stores may not have the best truck access. If you can, buy several bags of a higher-end pet food without fillers. For dogs with allergies or a sensitive stomach, try a grain-free formula. This helps keep your pet healthy, happy, and comfortable both at home and in the truck.

2. Schedule regular vet visits and consider pet insurance

Trucking is a hazardous profession, and bringing pets along can put them at risk of injury in an accident. Consider pet insurance so your bank account isn't drained by an emergency vet visit. Your veterinarian can recommend a plan that's best for your pet. Aside from insurance, have your pet examined once a year. Since truck pets travel all over the country, make sure they have all the medications and vaccinations they need for different climates and regions, and keep their medical records and vaccination history with you at all times.

3. Keep your pets safe and comfortable

You'd never let a child ride without a seatbelt, so why let a pet ride unrestrained? Even if you never get into an accident, simply slamming on the brakes could seriously injure a pet. Whether it's a kennel or a harness that attaches to a seatbelt, research the options before taking your pet on the road. When the truck isn't moving, make sure your pet has a soft, warm place to sleep. Always take your pets with you when you're away from the truck for extended periods; a parked truck can get much too hot in summer and far too cold in winter. And if you smoke, consider this your motivation to quit, since second-hand smoke puts your pet's health at risk too.

4. Let your pets out frequently

Being cooped up in a truck for hours can make pets restless. Give them enough breaks during the day for potty time, play, and exercise. Keep a few toys on hand, and bring a sturdy, comfortable harness and leash so you can take walks together. Not only does this burn off your pet's energy, it's good for you too. And don't forget to clean up after your pet on your breaks. No one likes an unexpected surprise at the truck stop.

5. Keep track of your pet's expenses

If you have a truck dog that's on the road with you full-time and serves a working purpose, such as alerting you when someone approaches the truck, some of those expenses may be tax deductible. Check with a qualified business or tax consultant for details, and hold on to all of your pet-related receipts so any deductions can be applied at the end of the year.

Having a pet as your trucking companion comes with many rewards, but also great responsibility. Making sure your pet is well cared for will lead to many years of happy travels together.