For those that take a pet with them

Hey Wulfman, my wife and I drove team and had our great dane with us along for the adventure. I actually bought a spill proof (kind of) water bowl and put it on one of those pet mats that has the raised lip. This way if any water did come out it stayed confined to the little mat. I kept a gallon water jug that I would refill at the truckstops. As far as feeding her she ate twice a day and we put her bowl on the floor next to the water dish and she ate while on the go. We were team though and didn't stop rolling. When we did stop it would be for 15min to walk the dog, pee, and grab a coffee. Have you ever seen the inside of a sleeper? For the most part, depending which truck, there is plenty of floor room. There was always one of us driving and one of us sleeping so we slept on the top bunk and dog had the bottom bunk. A lot of times she would sit in the passenger seat, she loved looking out the window. At times it was tough but I wouldn't have had it any other way. Those times on the road with my pup were some of the greatest memories of my life. We would often go hiking and swimming and she loved playing in the snow! It was pretty crazy to, she was born in Florida and flipped out the first time she saw snow. The downfalls were when she got sick. I would recommend going to your vet and getting a prescription of metronightazole. I don't think that's how you spell it but that is how it is pronounced. This keeps the dog plugged up when she is sick if you get my drift. We also bought her a pony coat because there are places in this country that get very cold. You have to be careful of sandspurs too! God, I gotta say they must be in every rest stop in the country. The only thing the dog did not like was the desert, and you have to be very careful not to burn their feet. You also must make sure the truck doesn't shut off while you are in the truckstop taking a shower or eating. It gets hot quick out there. Oh yeah, a little brush and dustbuster are a necessity! Occasionally when we got a hotel room she would get a bath. There are also a lot of mom and pop stops that will let you use their hose for a quick pup bath. A dog is also a very good theft deterent. Good luck man, let me know if you have any more questions.

 

You are welcome! I had bought some folding stairs from an RV store and glued some indoor/outdoor carpeting to them so that her legs wouldn't fall in between and so the snow and ice and mud wouldn't make them slippery. They opened to about 4 feet high and collapsed to about 1 ft high. They fit right in my side box by the passenger door. They were a little pricey but it was probably one of the best investment I had ever made. I had so many other drivers asking me where I got them. One guy wanted to buy some for his wife because she had bad knees. You are going to have a great time out on the road with your dog! Makes me just about cry thinking about it! One other thing, while you are out there driving make note of all the vet clinics you pass by. Trust me there will be a time when you need to go to one! There seemed to be a lot right off the main interstates though. The big pet superstores are great too! You can usually pull your rig right into the parking lot for stocking up on food and such! Good luck man!

 

On this topic, does anyone know of any companies that still allow pets in there trucks?

 

yrah i have an 11 year old shelty mix that I would love to take with me. The poor dog has experianced so much loss that i don;t think she can take another.

 

I had driven for Central and I think they just recently stopped their pet policy.

 

Yeah, there are lots of them out there. Comb through the different company websites. Most of them have their requirements and policies listed.

 

Having a pet with you totally changes the nature of your driving experience...I've driven with and without a pet...both have their benefits and draw backs...

The last dog I had was way way to hyper...and shed to much...but was a great guard dog...some kind of terrior...I think Rat terrior..



Yes, it was a rat terrior...I eventually ended up giving it away to a nice young couple in the Air-Force...

But these dogs here are way to hyper for trucks...the thing drove me crazy...It was like Larry, Moe, and Curly all combined (the 3 stooges)...it got the better of me...

If you get a dog, make sure you do research into it's temperment...and make sure it's temperment is right for long hours in a truck....