Can Dogs Ride in Long-Haul Trucks?
Hello! I am a new mom of a bouncing Boston Terrier.
I had one a few years ago, but lost custody
during my divorce.
New hubby and I are trucking, sometimes long distance. What
suggestions do you have for keeping the pup
happy? I am not finding any results
or support online, but I see truckers with
“puppers”, big and small, every day! Help us!
Many thanks in advance!
Lee
Barberton, Ohio
I have known several dogs (and even a few cats) that have served as companions for long-haul truckers. All of these pets seemed very content with their lives. Most dogs I know love adventure, and they adjust very well to life on the road.
There are, of course, some basic precautions that you will need to take. Your dog should receive vaccines that are appropriate for the areas he’ll be visiting, and you should ensure that he is protected against fleas, heartworm and intestinal parasites.
As well, make yourself familiar with the dog laws in the municipalities through which you’ll be traveling. Different areas have different requirements for rabies vaccination. Some areas may require veterinary health certificates for dogs traveling through. Make sure that you have a current dog license in your home town.
In my experience, the authorities generally are quite relaxed about dogs and cats traveling by car or truck (airport screeners can be a different story). However, it is always wise to have all of your paperwork in order. Your veterinarian should be able to help you with rabies certificates, health certificates and other bureaucratic miscellany.
Finally, be sure to carry plenty of food and water for your pup. Take regular breaks for exercise and bathroom activities. And don’t forget to carry a leash–you don’t want your dog to run onto a busy freeway!
If your dog is like the ones I have known, he’ll happily and easily adjust to life on the road.
You have questions. 
As a 20 year veteran of long haul trucking I wouldn’t run a truck without my pup and kitty in it!
I was an OO and always had the company of both a cat and dog in the truck.
I would say the most important thing is training. Our pup was taught at a very young age to sit, stay and come on command. It was important to have them sit immediately on command. right on the spot. Stopped them from running in front of a vehicle to get to us at play time. When we would get to staying home too long both the cat and dog would get antsy and want to roll. It causes some problems at some delivery sites. Many will not allow your pet on thier property so be prepared …carry a collapsable crate or teach them to hide when entering a NO PET Zone.
Once we had a hot shipment on for Newport News VA Naval base and when we got to the gate the guard said NO DOGS allowed. We were cranky and told them to send thier lift truck out to the gate to unload the shipment because we weren’t going to chain our dog to the fence in 100ยบ weather. After several hours it was determined that they wanted the equipment bad enough that we were escorted …dog and all onto the base. While we got unloaded I asked “What is the big concern about a dog in the truck?” I was told that there was radioactive areas and the concern was an animal could get loose and get exposed then carry that or other harmful chemicals outside the secure area. While I was talking to the guard that escorted me I watched the sea gulls and even saw a mouse. So I couldn’t help but ask him about the wild animals that were abundant and if a dog was able to get into hazardous zones what about them gulls and mice and whatever running around on the docks…..He didn’t have an answer…LOL
We also broke down once in the dessert and having an ice in the ice chest helped keep our kitty and dog cool. I carried a towel that I wrapped ice in for them to lay on when it was hot and we were out of the truck chaining and tarping down loads.
Good luck. Keep the shinny side up and the dirty side down!
Orlando Summer League
When I travel with my dogs I try to follow these tips:
Label your Dog
Make sure that your dog’s collar is secure, and that your phone number is securely fastened to it. If you’re going to be stopping in many different places, it might be good to keep a supply of those paper and string key tags available so that you can write the current phone number of the hotel and other local information on it and replace them as needed.
Crate your Dog
The Norman Rockwell picture of the family vacation: kids in the backseat, family dog with it’s head out the window is an enduring image. Even though dogs seem to love hanging out the window, it can be dangerous. Rocks, bugs, even the wind can cause damage to sensitive ears and eyes. Sure, open the windows a bit so Fido can get a good sniff in, but don’t let your dog run loose in the car.
Your dog should be crated in the backseat of the car, in a securely fastened crate large enough for him to turn around in. This will prevent him from becoming a fuzzy projectile if you have an accident, and will protect him, as well.
There are also ‘dog seatbelts’ that can be used, if your dog will sit calmly in the seat. Some dogs hate them, others could care less.
Exercise your Dog
Just like us, dogs get pretty tired of sitting down and staring at the passing scenery. They need to be walked regularly and given a chance to eat and drink. Bring a long leash and make sure you control your dog completely at any stop. Some dogs get very stressed when away from home and may bolt from the car and run away in a strange town.
NEVER LEAVE A DOG UNATTENDED IN A CAR. EVER
In hot weather, a car is a large dog-oven. Don’t ever leave your dog in the car, even with the windows open. Even in cold weather, sun on the closed-in car can heat it up to uncomfortable levels, and leaving the windows open is an invitation for your dog to jump out and run away in a strange place.
Hotel Manners
Make sure to call ahead and verify that the hotel takes dogs - never try to “sneak” a dog into a hotel, thinking that no one will notice. Many hotels have specific pet policies (a deposit, extra for the room, etc) that you should follow to the letter. Don’t ruin it for someone else traveling with pets by being a bad guest.
Walk your dog away from the grassy areas in front of the hotel. Make sure you pick up after your dog. Don’t let your dog bark, and don’t leave him alone in the hotel room - either take him with you , or don’t go yourself.
A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog!
OK, I too am Mom of a pair of Bostons. THey make great trucker dogs. You should NEVER scold your dog for barking as this could save your life on the road.I would get a tracking device .your dog should have a collar that has your truck info,your cell, home, grandmas numbers on it even if you have to put a few tags on. You should travel with your dogs shot record, training is important.
you should always allow the dog in teh sleeper to sleep :) you will be better off with bottled water form like Aquafina something you can get everywhere as water diet change well poop will to and this might not be so great…Also get a spray called Natures Meracial as this will naturally clean up ay issues pee, poop, barf, and yep even motor oil. It is a natural thing so severa times and bam good as new…toys are a great thing also HOWEVER you also might need a small portable crate for when you are out of the rig as this could be a great time for a doggie to chew your rig….Treats dont get hooked on people food and you should eat helthy too…You should check all fods that ar etoxic to dogs like GRAPES, RAISONS, ONIONS,CHOCOLATE ECT… you would hate to have an isses onteh road….best of luck and Bostons are great travel dogs..Not much needed care…OH a tooth brush and tooth paste and if your lazy and dont want to brush your puppys teeth WELL cheet get a tiny milk bone and put the tooth paste on it …