Trucking is one of the few jobs where you can bring your pet with you on a daily basis. Having a pet on your truck has many benefits. It improves your mood, gives you company, and may encourage you to get out and exercise more depending on the type of pet. If you are interested in taking your dog or cat on the open road with you, this article includes some tips to help you out.
1. Know and Follow your Trucking Company’s Pet Policy
There are many pet-friendly trucking companies out there, but this doesn’t mean that every motor carrier will allow pets. Even if the company does let truckers take pets on the road, they may have different requirements to do so. Most will have weight limits, restrictions on “aggressive breeds,” and a pet deposit.
Before you take your pet in your truck, make sure you have checked your motor carrier’s requirements and paid any necessary fees or deposits. If you are just getting started and haven’t gotten your first trucking job, you can find many lists of trucking companies that allow pets online, or ask recruiters directly. Keep in mind that you typically can’t bring your cat or dog with you for on-the-road training even if the company allows pets, so make sure you are prepared for this.
2. Consider Whether Your Pet Would Do Well in a Semi-Truck
If you already have a pet and want to take them on the road with you, make sure to consider their disposition and habits to determine if they would adapt well to life on the road. A big dog that likes to run around in the yard multiple times a day probably won’t enjoy the trucking lifestyle, whereas a smaller dog that is less active might.
In addition to considering your pet’s personality, make sure to consider their health. Visit your vet before you take your pet on the road and get their recommendations for whether your pet is healthy enough to accompany you. Think of it as your pet’s version of the Department of Transportation (DOT) physical.
3. Prepare, Prepare, Prepare
You’ll quickly learn that preparation is a huge part of being a successful truck driver. From trip planning to meal prepping, what you do before your haul can make a big difference. When taking a furry friend on the road with you, you’ll have another set of tasks to complete to prepare for your trips.
Pet Supplies for Truckers
Make sure you have all of the supplies you need to keep your pet happy and healthy.
You should have:
- Plenty of food and water
- Food and water bowls
- A pet bed
- A litter box (if you have a cat) or bags/a scooper (if you have a dog)
- Toys
- Any medication your pet needs
- A collar for your pet to wear, plus a backup collar just in case
- A leash (if you have a dog, or if you have a leash-trained cat)
- Vaccination and vet records
- Cleaning supplies (wipes, deodorizer, et cetera)
Trip Planning with Pets
When you make your trip plan, be sure to take your pet into account. Plan for extra stops so they can get out when they need to.
Planning for Emergencies
You should also make a plan for potential emergencies. What will you do if your pet needs veterinary care while you’re on the road, for example? One thing to consider is that vet clinics in pet stores are more likely to have parking that can accommodate semi-trucks, so consider writing down the location of any of these clinics along your route.
Take Your Pet On The Road
If you’re looking for a career when you can keep your pet with you, earn your commercial driver’s license (CDL). Our programs can help you get started in as little as four weeks. Our job placement assistance team can also. help you find pet-friendly carriers.
