We never had a break down issue that caused too big of a headache with our cats and dog in the truck. We did have a new truck assignment that almost killed them however when no mention was made of it having a 5 minute idle shutdown so in the middle of summer we went in to eat, set the truck to idle with the ac on, and came back out to the truck being off and it being 110 degrees inside. No one died, but it took some quick action.

First things first, make sure the truck has no auto idle shutdown. The best companies that allow pets ALSO have APUs which was great. Do not crack the window much with a cat on board. We did this once, and our Siamese ended up squeezing out of the window getting onto the hood and nesting in the engine which we only found out after going about 60 miles... he was fine, if greasy and a little pissed. Still avoid that because it could have been far worse.

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I am a Camaro Girl because IROC!

You have unlimited chances to go too slow, but only one to go too fast.

I had my cat on the truck for 5 yrs and he did good. As for in hot or cold leave truck idling more so the hot climates they can get warm in the cab if you have coats extra blankets too but not much can be done about cooling except running the truck ...And as for the laws that say you cant most states have a humane law that will over ride state idling laws but you need to check on this as i gave up trucking and work at home now ...
Too much b.s. anymore .....

Thanks for your replies. I just graduated truck driving school and am starting to look at different companies and seeing what their policies are. I guess what scared me the most was those idling restrictions in hot weather. I have a friend lined up to take my cat but I am just having a hard time giving her up and trying to see what I can do. Seems like 1 more thing to worry about in an already stressful time learning a new job, but having a companion is good too. Who would've thought that this would be the hardest thing about trucking! (at least so far). Thanks again.

I am an animal lover. People that take animals on the road are selfish and animal abusers. There is nothing worse, than watching an OTR driver pull into a truck stop for much needed rest, an expectant dog,----then nothing!!!

Wow that has to be the dumbest statement ever made on the interweb.

And that's all I got to say about that.

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I am a Camaro Girl because IROC!

You have unlimited chances to go too slow, but only one to go too fast.

We take our Dogs on the road with us and in no way are they abused!!

We stop regularly and take them out for a Potty break, we mention going in the truck for a ride and they all line up at the door very excited.

I am not going to get into a P***ing contest with you but don't judge us all on a few people you have seen!

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Bugs the Navigator
Is it left then right? or Right and two lefts? IM CONFUSED!

My dog has not been in the truck for 12 months, and he is mad at us. He lines up every time to leave with the driver, and boy, talk about a po'd Rufus when that truck leaves without him.

He LOVES sitting there, watching out, catching new smells every time he gets out, new people to meet, new doggie friends to make. Life is exciting for him on the road. Less so for me, since I seem to get about 2 hours less sleep at night, because I really try to compensate for him being in the truck by walking him for hours every day.

While I am not going to deny that you will have a hair issue, and sometimes a smell issue, I have to agree with IROC. Human animals make a bigger mess than most four legged ones.

We went looking through 9 trucks when Jim went back on the road, and 8 were FILTHY. The 9th one had been pressure washed.....on the INSIDE. I can only guess how bad it was, but we went through two tubs of wet wipes to wipe it down, and could have kept going. It took over a bottle of Febreeze and several air fresheners to make it habitable.

My truck that they took from me, which had the dog in it, got vacuumed out, that was it. Because it was clean. Despite the dog.

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For Anthony 12-21-1973 to 9-29-2006
Baby, I was always amazed by you. Till we meet again. I love you always and forever.

MissLori,

I have a pug, also. I am hoping to take her along someday. Did you have any particular problems related to that specific breed?

Dogs are pack animals...they PREFER to be with their pack, and alpha...in our case that would be my husband, myself, and our two fur-babies.

The first thing done in the mornings are taking the dogs out for a walk, and exercise, the LAST thing we do at night is the same, with up to six other trips out in between.

Now, when you have a pet at home, and you work, what happens to that pet?Is it paid as much attention as what ours get? Nope!

Is it left alone for 8, 10, 12 hours at a time? YEP!


So, in my opinion, those pets are the abused and neglected ones, and their owners, the selfish ones....

(and, no I am not bashing stay-at-home, working pet owners....just bashing the dumb-bunny I quoted!)

Judi Kay

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Livin', Lovin',Laughin'...Makin' Friends, & Lovin' Life, Rollin' Down That Big Road!!! Redneck Women RULE!! Hell, YEAH!!!!

Good point. I work a 8-5 office job now and my cat is alone all day. I was trying to compare the stress of her being alone (even with a friend I work with now maybe taking her) versus being with me all the time in the truck. Biggest problem is finding a pet friendly company with a terminal near Denver. I've only found a couple so far. Anyone know of any since we're on the subject?