In case you didn’t know, driving OTR with one's pet is a thing, and truck-driving pet-owners love it! Your ability to bring your pet on the road with you depends on what company you work for and their pet policy and all companies are different. If you're an owner-operator, you get to choose for yourself whether or not you want to bring a pet along if you have one. Here are some advantages, disadvantages, and tips for Trucking with your furry friend.
Advantages
1) Having a companion
Driving alone for days to weeks at a time can get really lonely for those who aren't used to it. Bringing your pet with you can definitely relieve some of that loneliness and Boredom as well.
2) Staying active
Traveling with your pet will help you stay active. You will have to stop or two for breaks to take your pet for a walk or just to give them a break from the truck. Either way, you will be able to be physically active along with your pet.
3) Soothing stress
People don’t get emotional support animals for nothing! Your pet can alleviate a significant amount of stress on a very stressful job.
4) Safety
Depending on what kind of pet you have, another advantage of traveling with them could be safety. Truck stops can be a dangerous place, and having a medium or large size dog with you can help deter thieves and other criminals.
Disadvantages
1) Fees
If you work for a trucking company, many of them have a pet fee. It is usually a monthly fee that you pay as insurance in case your pet damages the interior of the vehicle.
2) Expenses
Of course, you can expect the typical pet expenses to be the same: food, water, grooming, and vet visits.
Tips
1)Get the right gear
You may want to invest in a harness that buckles into the seatbelt or some other form of car seat restraint to keep your pet from jumping all over the place. You also want to look into portable watering/feeding devices, and puppy pads (in case of an accident).
2)Have plenty of food and water
The last thing you want to do on the road is run out of dog food or water. Remember to get enough water for both of you as well.
3)Make sure they get enough breaks
Staying cooped up in the truck for a long time is bound to make your pet a little restless. Whenever you can, be sure to stop and let them get some exercise, use the bathroom, and relax a little bit.
4) Keep a record of their expenses
We always want to be financially responsible, and that means keeping track of all expenses including the pet expenses ( food, water, vet visits, pet accessories, etc.)
5) Take care of their health
Just because you have your pet on the road doesn’t mean you get to skip out on health care. Make sure your pet still routinely visits the vet and gets its shots.
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