It’s no secret that truck drivers spend a lot of time on the road, away from home. If you’re new to driving OTR or still considering a career in trucking, you may be wondering if your dog can travel with you. And the general answer is yes, many carriers allow their drivers to travel with their pets, but you definitely want to check with your employer beforehand.
If you’re driving long-haul and have a sleeper cab, your pet should have no problem fitting comfortably in the cab with you. Smaller breeds have a lot more flexibility when it comes to space needs, so if you’re worried that you won’t have enough room for a new pet, consider bringing a smaller dog as your companion
Driving with man’s best friend comes with many benefits. Having a pet with you can help combat the loneliness that long-haul truckers can experience from being away from home for extended periods of time. Dog owners have been known to have lower blood pressure and cholesterol than those without dogs. And dog owners typically have stronger immune systems because of all the extra germs their animal companions expose them to.
Having a dog that needs to get out and about can help you stay healthy while you’re out on the road. Walking is great exercise for both dogs and humans, so get your steps in while your little buddy gets his exercise and relieves himself.
Many truck drivers train their dogs to act as security, as well. A dog’s bark is like an alarm if someone approaches your cab while you’re sleeping or away from your truck. And if you’re a woman driving on your own, a dog can help discourage strangers from harassing you.
While your employer may allow pets, they may have a policy regarding a pet deposit or require that you be responsible for any damage your pet does to company property. Make sure to get clear information from them before bringing your dog on the road.
When planning your trip, make sure to research where your pet is and is not allowed. You want to make sure you are not breaking any rules or violating any local laws with your pet. Make sure to bring a comfortable travel crate for your pet if you’re going to be in facilities where they’re not allowed.
You should always carry proof of your pet’s rabies vaccination, and many states require a Certificate Of Veterinary Inspection to bring animals across state lines. Save yourself the headache and keep your pet up-to-date on all vaccines, and keep your paperwork organized and easy to locate.
This may seem obvious, but make sure that your dog is properly trained before taking them on the road with you. Potty training is critical. Puppies may not be suited to life on the road as they can’t always wait very long to relieve themselves. And you don’t want to be constantly cleaning up your cab because of potty accidents. Keeping your dog safe and at truck stops and rest stops will be a lot easier if you teach your dog some trucking-specific commands, keep your pet leashed, and always carry plenty of treats to reinforce safe behaviors.
Make your life easier by taking some precautions before you get on the road with your animal companion. Make sure you have extra water and water bowls. Lay down a towel or two where your dog usually sits. Keep a leash on hand at all times. And keep lots of food and treats for your dog on your side of the cab so you can reward good behavior without letting him eat himself sick.
Sitting in a truck all day can be boring for a dog, so make sure to bring some chew toys or puzzle toys that you can fill with treats and keep your dog occupied and safely in his seat while you drive.
Humans can sometimes push themselves to skip breaks when on a tight deadline. But the same is not true of our pets. Dogs need timely breaks for exercise and potty time. Stretching the time between breaks can be very risky, so if you don’t want to clean up potty accidents in your truck, make sure to let your dog do his business as frequently as needed.
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