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Pet Car Survival Kit: 4 Essential Items

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Taming the Family Zoo E-book by Tara Aronson.

Pet Car Kits: How to Create A Roadtrip Survival Kit for Your Dog.

Yes, I know cats travel, too. But dogs are the more frequent travelers.

I've yet to see a family let Fluffy the cat bound out of the hatchback at a soccer practice or baseball game.


Tips for living with and caring for the family pet.

Cats will slink under the brake pedal without your realizing it - until you can't press the brake pedal.

If you want to confine your cat or dog on a somewhat regular basis, invest in a gate for the back of the minivan or car.

4 Essentials to Carry in the Car

Essentials to keep inside the car for when your four-legged family member comes along for the ride include:

1. Bags for scooping poop.

I use the plastic bags you get at the grocery store (I like to consider it my form of recycling or getting a second use for it).

2. Leash.

This may seem like a "duh", but often times dashing out the door you or the kids might forget it in a rush.

By have a "spare" or second leash already in the car, there's less the think about as you're dashing out the door to soccer practice.

3. Chow.

Sometimes, your errands or carpool might take longer than expected; be prepared so your hungry animal doesn't get restless or loud (barking comes to mind here).

If you're unsure there will be a faucet or hose nearby your destination(s), consider including a water bottle in your mobile kit.

4. Water and food dishes.

They needn't be fancy - even a plastic picnic-style dish will do.

In a pinch, it's nice to know you don't have to consider whether your destination(s) will have bowls available



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About the Author

Tara Aronson is a native Californian. Having grown up in San Diego, she studied journalism and Spanish to pursue a career in newspaper writing. Tara, whose three children - Chris, Lyndsay, and Payne - are the light of her life, now lives and writes in Los Angeles. She also regularly appears on television news programs throughout the U.S.