Traveling With your Pet

A message from Liberty Mutual Insurance

By Dennis Goebel, Vice President, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company

Check out our tips, provided with input from the ASPCA, for making your dog’s car trip less stressful.

Although a dog’s most preferred trip usually consists of a walk around the block, sometimes a ride in the car may be necessary. Some dogs love traveling by car, but as many others can be anxious or fearful. Since you may never know how a dog will respond to auto travel, consider the following tips to help make the trip safer and more comfortable.

• Ease your dog into car travel with short rides to a dog park or another pleasant destination. 
• Offer treats or a favorite toy to associate the trip with a reward. 
• Feed your dog a light meal 3-4 hours before starting on a trip. 
• Some dogs feel more comfortable riding in in a crate, while others are happier when they can see out of the windows. If your dog likes to watch the world go by, use a pet seat belt and a harness. 
• Let your dog ride in the front seat only if you’ve deactivated your car’s airbags. A deployed airbag can seriously injure a dog, even if the accident is a minor fender bender. 
• Don’t scold your dog for whining or vomiting. Verbal or physical punishment can heighten a dog’s fear. 
• Don’t give your dog medication to relieve motion sickness or anxiety without first consulting your veterinarian.

Click here for more advice on traveling safely with your dog.

To learn more about Liberty Mutual Auto and Home Insurance or get a free, no-obligation quote, call Michael Meyer at 1-800-230-9302 ext.56727 or email michael.meyer@libertymutual.com or visit www.libertymutual.com/oakland.

Coverage underwritten and provided by Liberty Mutual Insurance Company and its affiliates, 175 Berkeley Street, Boston, MA 02116.
©2012 Liberty Mutual Insurance