Take Your Pets with You As a Truck Driver
Many truck drivers bring their pets on the road with them. Taking care of an animal on the road isn't that much different than at home, but there are are differences that will require a little extra attention. You'll need to take into consideration company and customer policy, local and state laws, and especially the health and comfort of your pet.
Steps
- Know your company's pet policy. If your company prohibits pets, and you bring them, anyways, and get caught, you'll probably get fired and have a harder time finding your next job. For new drivers, find a company that will allow you to take whatever pet you have. Keep in mind most companies will require some kind of deposit or fee, whether refundable or non, to take your pets in their trucks. Normally, you will only be taking your pets along if you are a long-haul, over-the-road driver. Local and regional positions normally won't allow for your pets to ride along. Additionally, many companies will only allow dogs, and have some size and/or breed restrictions, and may prohibit other types of animals.
- Make arrangements for your pets while you're in training. During CDL school or company training, which will last at LEAST 4-6 weeks, you won't be able to bring your furry friends along, so you'll need to make sure that they are taken care of in the meantime. Additionally, if you are going to driving as a team after training, you'll need to take into consideration your teammate's needs, as well.
- Make veterinary visits and get pet insurance: You're probably taking your pet to the vet regularly, anyways, but it's worth noting that you should make sure your pet is healthy enough for constant travel. Be considerate. If they are old, or sick, or not in great health, being on the road may not be in their best interest. Likewise, pet insurance has become pretty popular, and is well worth the money in case of emergencies on the road. You won't always be able to get to your usual vet, if you are driving over-the-road.
- Get health certificates and vaccination records. Health certificates, or "Certificates Of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)", are essentially "traveling papers" for your pet, attesting that your pet is free from communicable diseases and not a health risk. Every state has different requirements regarding "passing through", so plan ahead and know the laws. Most companies and states also require that you carry records of your pets vaccinations. If you travel into Canada as part of your job, you will also need to know their laws.
- Stock up on supplies. Plenty of food and water, medications, favorite toys, etc. It's going to be their home, so be prepared. Also have plenty of cleaning supplies on hand, because accidents do happen. If you are traveling with a cat, make sure that you have plenty of kitty litter and associated paraphernalia. Keep in mind that is is a very tight space, so you'll want to be on top of that.
- Make your truck safe for your pet. When you are driving, make sure that they are restrained or otherwise kept from roaming around the cab or being flung around should you have to brake hard in an emergency. Additionally, make sure that there isn't anything dangerous that they might chew, like electric cords, and also keep in mind climate control, making sure that they are comfortable.
- Know the rules when dealing with customers. Your company will be able to manage some of this, but you should know in advance whether the shipper or receiver allows animals on site. Many types of companies, especially dealing with food items, have tight restrictions on animals on their property.
- Make it fun for your pet. They're part of your family, after all. Take them out of the truck when you stop, get them some exercise, smell new things. If you bring your cat, make sure that they have toys and activities to keep them busy and active when they're not sleeping 20 hours a day. And please, always, always, clean up after them. Don't be "That Guy".
