Taking your dog on the road this summer? The Kia Telluride offers up to eight seats and plenty of cargo capacity, so there’s definitely room for a canine companion or two on your next adventure.
When it comes to road-tripping with your dog, being well-packed and prepared will ensure that the journey is a pleasant one for it—and for you! Here are the do’s and don’ts you should know before hitting the road.
Do your research
A dog-friendly road trip requires advance strategic planning, and there are several apps and online directories that can help you find specific restaurants and accommodations along your route that will welcome or allow pets. You’ll want to confirm that your final destination, whether it’s a hotel downtown or a cabin in the woods, is dog-friendly as well.
Do bring all of your dog’s paperwork
You should bring along originals or copies of your dog’s complete health papers and vaccination records in case it requires veterinary care during your travels. And if your pet will be boarded or professionally walked at your destination, you’ll likely need to show proof of common vaccines such as rabies and Bordetella. Finally, you may want to consider getting your dog microchipped for identification in case it’s separated from you on the road.
Don’t leave home without your dog’s medications
In advance of any big trip, you may want to check with a veterinarian that your dog is healthy enough for travel and is up-to-date with all its mandatory vaccinations. If your pet is taking any meds, you’ll want to pack more than enough for the duration of the getaway. And be sure to stock up on appropriate treatments for pests such as fleas and ticks if your road trip involves time in the outdoors.
Do pack enough dog food and treats
Even if you’re simply road-tripping to another city, you’ll want to bring enough of your dog’s regular food and favourite treats for the entire journey. You may not be able to find its preferred brands or flavours on the road, and introducing new foods into its diet mid-trip can be problematic.
Don’t forget about toys
Energetic dogs will need exercise after being cooped up in the car for hours. Having a few toys such as balls and frisbees stored in the car somewhere that’s easily accessible means your pup can play and get a workout at every roadside rest stop with an off-leash pet area, park, or open space nearby.
Do give your dog plenty of room
Many dogs are used to having a favourite spot and plenty of roaming room in the car. If you choose to use a pet seat belt, the Telluride offers comfortable available features such as air-cooled seats and easy-to-clean leather seats.
Alternatively, if you’re planning to keep your dog in a crate for most of the drive, make sure that it feels comfortable in it ahead of time, and that the carrier offers plenty of room whether your pet is sitting up or lying down.
Do plan on frequent stops
Ahead of your trip, you’ll want to research dog-friendly stops and sights along your route, such as off-leash parks and rest areas with green spaces. Puppies and elderly dogs, in particular, will likely require regular bathroom pit stops every few hours.
Hitting the open road for an adventure with your family this summer? Visit Tales from the Modern Family, our roadmap to reconnecting families through authentic weekend experiences, brought to you by the all-new Kia Telluride.
