What You Need to Know About Long-Haul Driving With Your Dog

Can you bring your dog on the road? If you don't want to leave your furry best friend at home, take a look at what you need to know about pet ownership as a long-haul truck driver.

Do All Companies Allow You to Bring Your Pet?

Not every company allows drivers to bring pets on the road. If leaving your dog behind isn't an option, explore each of your would-be future employer's pet rules before you apply for your first long-haul driving job.

Some new drivers may not feel comfortable reaching out to companies with this type of question. It's not likely you're the first driver who has asked pet-related questions. But if you prefer to ask another source - your driving instructor, program staff, or career mentor may have insider information on companies that welcome drivers with a furry co-pilot.

Why Should You Bring Your Pet on the Road?

You just landed a job with a company that allows drivers to bring their pets along for the rise. Should you take your dog with you to work? If you don't trust anyone else to care for your dog, you've already made your decision.

While some drivers need to take their pets along out of necessity, others do so for the pure joy of spending time with man's (or woman's) best friend. Dog ownership comes with plenty of benefits. These include companionship, stress reduction, and possibly even improved heart health, according to a research review published in the journal Circulation: Cardiovascular Quality and Outcomes.

Along with these benefits, your dog's physical needs may force you to take more breaks or get more exercise and activity than you would without a pet along for the ride. This can increase your overall health and may lead to reduced on-the-road fatigue.

How Can You Safely Bring Your Pet on the Road?

Your travel companion requires special attention and care on long-haul drives. The indoor cab temperature is one of the most important issues when you drive with your dog. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), the temperature inside a vehicle can rise by up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit in 10 minutes and 40 degrees in an hour.

This dramatic temperature means you should never leave your dog in the truck unattended - even if you crack a window open. If you need to leave your truck, always bring your dog with you. While this may seem simple, it can prove challenging if you need to load or unload products. Talk to your driving instructor or other truckers about solutions to this issue.

What Will Your Dog Need on the Road?

Hydration is another serious safety issue on the road - for you and your pup. Bring a bowl and plenty of freshwater for your dog to drink as needed. You'll also need a second bowl for food. Wet or fresh foods aren't practical options for the dog of a long-haul truck driver. You won't have access to a refrigerator and the food may spoil. Instead of perishable options, bring a bag of dry food along for your dog.

It's tempting to feed your dog your leftovers. This may seem like an easy or cost-effective strategy. Human food isn't the best choice for your pup. A piece of pizza, burger, or another similar item can throw off your dog's digestive system and potentially leave your truck's cab a mess. Your dog's regular dry food is the best menu selection for the long-haul drive.

Other items you'll need include a dog bed or blanket, toys, a leash, and your dog's vaccination tags or papers.

Are you ready to start your career as a truck driver? Contact the Commercial Trucking School for more information.