As a pet owner, there will be plenty of times when you’ll travel with your companion. But there are certain rules to follow when driving with a dog or cat in your vehicle, and the laws can vary from state to state. 

www.DiscoverCars.com experts have put together this guide to help. If you’re planning on an interstate road trip with your four-legged friend, here’s what you need to know. 

Pets in general:

Distracted driver laws: In some states, you can get in trouble if you drive with a pet in your lap, as this can be classed as distracted driving. Arizona, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa are some of the states that have distracted driver laws.

Vet approval: Make sure carriers are approved by vets.

Open-bed trucks: In some states, driving with unsecured animals in the open bed of your vehicle is banned. This is because it could be very dangerous for both the animals and other road users; unsecured pets could easily fall out and become severely injured or cause an accident. Oregon, Washington and New Hampshire are some of the states that prohibit driving with unsecured pets in the open bed of a truck.

General state entry requirements: According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, when taking your pet to another state or territory, you may need to talk to your veterinarian first. This is because some states may have animal health requirements, meaning you may need to update your animal’s vaccinations and obtain a health certificate before travel. Make sure you do this sometime before you travel, to make sure you have everything you need before getting behind the wheel. 

Dogs

Crates and harnesses: Driving with your dog in the vehicle can potentially be very dangerous if they are not restrained properly. Dogs or pets that are not fastened in could jolt from sudden movements, which could cause severe injuries to the animal, passengers, and even other road users.

Hawaii, New Jersey and Rhode Island are the three states that have laws surrounding traveling with your pet in the car. In these states, you could be fined if your dog is not secured in a harness, seatbelt, carrier or crate. 

Leaving your dog unattended: Many states have laws prohibiting leaving your animal in the vehicle in conditions that could endanger its life. Some states will grant civil immunity to those who rescue animals from vehicles. This includes not leaving dogs in extreme hot or cold temperatures, or in a vehicle that is not well-ventilated. You should also make sure that your pet has proper food and water.

It’s always best to avoid leaving your dog in the car unattended, especially on warm days when it could easily get too hot.

Dogs in rental cars: If you’re planning to rent a car for your road trip, make sure that the car rental company allows animals in the vehicle. While many car rental companies allow pets, you’ll need to take extra care to make sure you return the car in clean condition. This is another reason to bring a comfy dog crate for your canine friend. 

Tips for taking your dog on long road trips: If you’ve never traveled with your dog before, you might be thinking about how you can make the experience as safe and comfortable for them as possible. 

Make regular stops, every few hours, so your dog has some time outside in the fresh air and can get a bathroom break.

Bring their favorite toy along. If your dog has never traveled with you before, it can be a daunting new experience for them. Bringing their comfort toys for the journey could help make the experience more enjoyable and relaxing for them. 

Maintain a comfortable temperature. You should keep your vehicle cool and well-ventilated on warm days to make sure your pet is comfortable at all times. 

Cats

The same rules for dogs apply to cats. 

Carrier only: Make sure your cat is secured in a carrier when you are driving. 

Cover the carrier with a blanket: Cats feel more secure and safe when they can hide. Covering the carrier can help your cat feel more relaxed in the darkness. 

Consider a test drive before longer journeys: To accustom your cat to traveling in a carrier, you could start by taking them on short journeys first. This way, they’ll be a lot calmer when you take them on a longer journey.

Spray the carrier with pheromone spray: Pheromone sprays can help cats feel more relaxed and reduce stress. If you have an anxious cat, it may help them feel more at ease in their carrier.

Bring a litter tray: Whenever you take a break, put the litter tray somewhere convenient, so your cat can use it. Don’t put it on the ground unless your cat is wearing a lead or harness, as they might get startled and run away.

“Whether you’re driving across the country with your dog or simply down the road, it’s important you follow the rules and laws of the state you’re in,” said Aleksandrs Buraks, head of growth at DiscoverCars.com. “Some states have strict rules about securing your pet in your vehicle, and breaking them can not only result in a fine, but you risk the safety of yourself, your pet and everyone else around you.”