People love their pets and enjoy their cars. But, combining the two is not possible without addressing some needs on both sides. So, today we’re going to look at some ways you can take your pet places in your car without damage to either.

Transporting your pet safely

Cats generally travel best in a pet carrier. There are several different styles of pet carriers, including nylon, hard plastic, and wire options. The newest choice, a nylon and mesh screen version, wraps around the pet and then can be zipped shut.

“The cat basically doesn’t know she’s going into a carrier until it’s too late,” said Jason S., who transported a cat for a family member from Denver to Arizona. This smart wrap-and-zip option avoids a tantrum on the part of your cat, who may not want to be confined.

Dogs can be transported with the use of a unique seat belt. The dog portion is a safety harness which hooks up to the regular seat belt.

Booties for your dog protect their feet from the heat and your seat from their claws.

The seat

Car seats can be scratched or dirtied by animal paws, but they can also be a source of discomfort for your pet in the summertime when temperatures inside the car can quickly reach 160 degrees in summer. Not everyone wants their seat cover to get dirty, either. The solution is a pet blanket: a fitted, machine-washable blanket which covers the entire back seat. A blanket or sheet can also be used. This protects the seat from the dog and the dog from the seat, which may be hot.

Some pet owners put specially designed socks for their dogs to wear, so they don’t burn their feet on the seat, sidewalk or asphalt. Imagine having to go barefoot all summer? A dog’s feet burn quickly, and because dogs have what is called referred pain, sometimes, they aren’t even aware of the injury.

Turn on the air conditioner!

Dogs don’t process heat the same way humans do; because they don’t have sweat glands, a cool breeze won’t cool their body temperature. So, while your dog may enjoy hanging his head out the window, when it’s hot, he’s better off if you turn on your car’s a/c. But, before you do, you’ll want to brush your pet, so any loose fur doesn’t fly around and settle in your cabin filter.

Never leave pets alone in the car!

Even with the windows cracked, the interior of a car will heat quickly and kill your pet. If your pet gets locked in your vehicle by accident on the west side of town, a locksmith from Kwikpick Lock and Safe will rescue your pet free of charge if you're within reasonable proximity. They also provide this service for children who are locked in cars.

Final notes about pets

Make sure if you take your pet with you in the car that you bring a water dish or give them access to water regularly. They should be up-to-date on their shots and be on a collar and leash at all times. Please note that pets are banned from Phoenix hiking trails when the temperature is over 100 degrees. Finally, make sure their waste is disposed of properly.

Clean the car

After a trip, wipe down leather or vinyl upholstery and vacuum pet hair after the trip from the interior of the car. Wash nose prints and saliva from the interior windows. To remove odors, sprinkle baking soda onto fabric seats and the floor if it doesn’t have vinyl mats. Let it sit a few hours and then vacuum it up. Shampoo as needed.

Hopefully, these tips have helped car and pet owners to find ways to enjoy both their ride and their pet at the same time.

If you are in the Phoenix Metro area and want a no-hassle cash offer on an old, wrecked, unwanted, salvage or burned car, SUV, van or truck, give us a call at I Buy Junk Cars 480-771-8290.