The road can be a lonely place, with hours of driving with no one to talk to. Sometimes you want to listen to music or podcasts, and sometimes you just want to sit in silence until both options can drive you nuts. At the end of the day, you might just want someone to talk to. To combat loneliness and depression on the road more and more truckers are bringing pets along on the road.
Dogs on The Road
Bringing a dog on the road can be tricky or expensive, but the reward and companionship are worth it. If you’re an owner operator then most likely you won’t run into any restrictions as far as bringing a pet along.
However, some carriers will have you pay a pet deposit before you can bring your best friend with you. The deposits can be $1,000 or higher! Sometimes you can work out a deal where $100 is taken out per paycheck towards the deposit and sometimes they want the full amount upfront. Some truckers just can’t put a price on the joy of bringing their pets with them, though. Keep in mind that some carriers will also have a cleaning fee
If your carrier doesn’t allow pets, then don’t push the envelope. Pets always get caught and as a result, you could lose your job!
Now when it comes to bringing a dog on the road remember that puppies can’t hold it. If you pick a puppy you’ll be stopping every 30 minutes or so to clean up its mess or to let it use the bathroom.
Puppies also need a lot of training so they won’t chew on important stuff in the cab, so it might be better off to start with an older more relaxed dog. Sizes of dogs vary but remember the bigger the dog, the more space it takes up.
Different dog breeds also have varying energy levels. A German Shepard for example, has way more energy than a bulldog. The amount of energy your dog has will determine how often you need to stop to let it play and run around.
You may want to consider looking into different types of dog breeds to find a short haired dog that doesn’t shed a lot, otherwise, you’ll be constantly brushing or vacuuming up your dog’s fur.
At first, take your dog on a few shorter truck rides first so see if it can handle life on the road or not. Some dogs are terrified of the noises other trucks make and the ruckus at truck stops, while others simply love it.
When on the road make sure the pedals and gear shifter is totally blocked off from your dog. You don’t want it to get under a pedal in case you have to speed up or hit the brakes really fast. Your pet could get stepped on as a result.
Remember to bring toys to entertain and stimulate your dog, extra food, and water, cleaning supplies to clean up messes, poop bags so you aren’t the jerk at the truck stop who doesn’t clean up after your dog, and a crate to keep them in. You never know when you’ll need a safe and secure place like a crate to keep your dog.
You also want to bring blankets for your dog so they’ll have a cozy place to snuggle up and sleep.
Never forget to bring a leash. You’ll never know when truckstops will require leashes or not. Also, it’s best to place a leash on your dog before you open your truck door so it can’t jump out and run off. For dog safety, be sure to also have a harness or doggy safety belt to keep your dog safe while driving.
Enjoy Trucking With Your Best Friend
Drivers who take their dogs on the road have lower rates of depression, they also have less stress, lower blood pressure, and get more exercise. If the road is starting to feel a little empty to you consider bringing a 4 legged pal with you.