Pets are part of the family and from the day they come home, pets become part of our everyday lives. This includes car trips, whether it’s taking them for a day out or going away on a family holiday. Having a pet can be like have a toddler, so you’ve got to be prepared to keep an eye on them and make sure they don’t make too much of a mess. We’ve got some great tips for keeping you and your pet happy.
Pack a Blanket
This tip is simple but effective. Lay a blanket over the seat – if your pet is shedding, you can get rid of the hairs when you wash out the blanket. It’s a cheaper alternative than investing in seat-covers for your car. Also if your pet is nervous in the car, it could make them calmer by having a familiar scent of home with them while they are on a journey.
Pick a Seat
If you and your family have more than one car, make sure the pet is transported in the same car for each trip, otherwise you’re giving yourself double the cleaning to do. Once the car you’re using has been settled on, pick a spot in the car for the pet to be in. Just like if they have a certain spot on the sofa, they need a certain spot in the car – or again you’ll be stuck cleaning for far longer than necessary. By keeping your pet to one spot, you’ll minimise the mess.
Grooming
The cleaner you can get your pet before they get in the car, the cleaner your car is going to stay. Make sure you’ve brushed your pet to get rid of all stray hairs. If you’ve gone on a vigorous walk, make sure you’ve wiped them down as best you can before they get in the car. This is definitely one to remember after a particularly muddy or wet walk.
Cleaning Kit
It’s always best to be prepared as you never know what your pet is going to do on the road. It’s recommended to pack paper towels, cleaning wipes, and plastic bags. Even if a mess happens in the middle of the motorway, you can get it sorted.
Handheld Vacuum Cleaner
If your pet has managed to get hair all over the seats, despite your best efforts, you’ll want to clean it up straight away. Keeping your car clean is especially important if it’s been leased. You want to give the car back to the dealership in the same condition you got it. A handheld vacuum cleaner can make for a much easier and faster job, rather than trying and failing with various cleaning products. Cleaning up quickly will prevent pet odours lingering in your car.