Haulage work can involve long days on the road with little to keep you entertained, but there’s no excuse to be bored during your time on the road if you can take you pet along with you! What may seem like an ordinary drive to you will be an exciting adventure for them, and their enthusiasm will rejuvenate your energy no end.
Whether you’re keen to bring your cat or dog (it may be wise to leave the more unusual creatures such as rabbits or snakes at home), this guide offers top tips and advice on what supplies to bring with you for a comfortable journey for you and your furry companion.
Top Tips:
•Pet proof your vehicle. Be sure to block off the driving area, particularly the pedals, and create a designated space for them inside the truck.
•Be prepared for emergencies. Plan for any surprise expenses you might need to make and keep a list handy of all emergency care facilities and vets.
•Put together a file of health and vaccination records to bring in the vehicle and take extra medication (should your cat or dog require it).
•Make sure their collar has in-date contact information, and it is always a good idea to microchip your pet so that if they get lost they can be easily identified.
•Plan ahead. If you are bringing your dog, allow time on your journey for it to get plenty of exercise – it will be very beneficial for you, too!
Cats vs. Dogs
As the age-old debate proves, there are pros and cons to owning both cats and dogs, and the same applies when considering which animals are suitable to take on a journey.
For instance, cats may require litter boxes, which can be messy and inconvenient and also creates the problem of odours in a confined space. Cats, by their nature, may also be less inclined to be description to travel in a vehicle than dogs. Should they become distressed, they might scratch your interiors or cry, causing a driving distraction. However, on the other hand, if your cat is a keen traveller, they don’t need as much exercise as dogs so it will cut down the amount of stops you’ll need to make, and they will often happily curl up alongside you and be a great travel buddy.
Both cats and dogs can be excellent driving companions, just make sure they do genuinely enjoy the experience.
What to Bring:
Although bringing a furry driving companion with you on haulage work has its advantages, you will need to be prepared to bring extra supplies in the vehicle – in which there is usually limited space. Here are some ideas of what you should consider bringing:
•Extra cleaning supplies and air fresheners – trust us on this one.
•Lots of water and a container your cat or dog can drink out of – rubber collapsible water bowls can be great space-savers.
•Food and treats. Bring more than you will need in case of a breakdown or other emergency.
•Toys. Dogs in particular may need to be kept entertained.
•Lead. Any time you exit the vehicle your dog (or cat) should be restrained.
Bring Some Fun to your Haulage Work
You may not usually get to spend time with your furry friend if you have a job driving all day, so you can enjoy their company if you do decide to take them on the road. After all, there is nothing a dog can’t get excited about, so it will love being alongside its best friend while they’re at work. And a cat? Well, probably the most thanks you can expect is tolerance, which is high praise indeed!
Norman Dulwich is a Correspondent for Haulage Exchange, the leading online trade network for the road transport industry. Connecting logistics professionals across the UK and Europe through their website, Haulage Exchange provides services for matching haulage work with available drivers. Over 5,400 member companies are networked together through the Exchange to fill empty capacity, get new clients and form long-lasting business relationships.
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