Pets & Trucks
Truck driving can be a very lonely job. Silence for miles and miles, and even with a cellphone handy to keep in touch with family and friend, it still can't replace the companionship that the physical presence of another being provides. As a result many over the road truck drivers choose to take their best friends along with them for the ride and despite being afraid at first the majority of pets learn to love it.
Out on the road I have seen drivers with all kinds of animals. I have seen small dogs, cats, rats and even birds out on the road, the most common being dogs.
In order for it to work out the basic needs of the animal in particular need to be met.
Here are some ideas and solutions for doing so (feel free to correct me if you need to):
Out on the road I have seen drivers with all kinds of animals. I have seen small dogs, cats, rats and even birds out on the road, the most common being dogs.
In order for it to work out the basic needs of the animal in particular need to be met.
Here are some ideas and solutions for doing so (feel free to correct me if you need to):
For all Pets
- Food( buy in bulk and store it under your bunk) and water ( a small bowl)
- Medical files so they can be transferred between vets and provided to any kennels
- Monthly treatments
- Climate Control
- Carrier
Dogs
The most complicated thing about dogs is providing a place to pee when there is nowhere to stop. A number of drivers I have spoken too find that the best solution to this problem is put a towel down in front of the passengers seat and cover it with news paper.
For a bed for smaller dogs they open up the cabinet on the floor and but in a blanket or dog bed. Larger dogs tend to sleep on the bed with owner or one gentleman even removed his passenger seat so his two large dobermans had somewhere to sleep. Dogs need exercise and somewhere to use the bathroom outside. Most truck stops (Ta's and Petro's) are now providing facilities to do so. You will also need a poop scoop and small trash bags to collect it in. |
Cats
Cats are probably the most difficult.
They will need a litter box which you can secure on the top bunk with velcro, stick in the bottom cabinet or put next to the bed. You may also want to invest in some baking soda for the smell. I have found the best way for cleaning is to carry a metal scoop and scoop out the poop once a day. You can if you feel like it train your cat to walk in a harness and walk them like a dog. |
Rats, Lizards, Snakes and other creepy crawlies
Birds
Any birds need to have their wings clipped. They also need secure location for a good size cage I would recommend placing it on the top bunk and using industrial strength vel-cro to secure it. It will need a good supply of food and water, regular changes to the base of it's cage. It will also need plenty of toys to play with and you can fly it for exercise in the truck.
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Lost Pets
How can a driver be prepared for a pet disappearing or being left behind?
- Ensure that the pet is not only micro-chipped, but has an identification collar with the driver name and phone number. The average person will not check to see if an animal without a collar is a pet who has been chipped.
- Keeping the pet up with their shots helps ensure that if they do go missing, they will not pick up anything nasty.
- The driver should take plenty of pictures of the pet and it might be a good idea to keep some printed photos on their truck.
- The driver should think about how much they are willing to spend in order to get their pet back. Getting a pet back from the other side of the country, vet bills not included can be an expensive process.
What to do if a pet does go missing?
- Walk around the area to see if your pet will come to you or has curled up in a spot to hide.
- If the pet goes missing at a truck stop, shipper or receiver; let the manager know. Leave a picture of the animal with the manager and contact information. Also let the manager know if the pet could possibly be a danger to their staff and customers.
- Post flyers in the fuel aisle. Check out local houses and leave flyers with the owners or in their letter boxes.
- After a few weeks of not finding the pet. Post their information online, contact the local animal shelter for the area that your pet went missing. Continue to wait.
How to find boarding Facilities if a pet is found far away from your location
My go to program for locating anything is google maps. It gives information on places of business, reviews and ratings. It has phone numbers readily available and the location of the business.
Note: The boarding facilities we used offered a prepay discount for paying up front. This may be worth looking in to.
Note: The boarding facilities we used offered a prepay discount for paying up front. This may be worth looking in to.
No one will transport my lost pet to the boarding facility. What do I do?
If by luck you know someone in the area, they may be able to help move the pet to the boarding facility.
Alternatively, you can contact a pet transportation company and see if they can get your pet moved quickly. This may be an expensive option.
The last option that I had thought of, was that you could contact animal control for the area and see if they can move your pet for you.
Alternatively, you can contact a pet transportation company and see if they can get your pet moved quickly. This may be an expensive option.
The last option that I had thought of, was that you could contact animal control for the area and see if they can move your pet for you.
What information do boarding facilities require?
They will need pets medical records. These can be faxed to them by your local vet. If they are not up to date then the facility will get them updated before boarding your pet. They also need to know if your pet has any special dietry needs.