It can get lonely on the road. Many trucking companies have realized that an easy way to boost the morale of drivers is to allow truckers to bring a friend on the trip—especially a four-legged friend! If you’re one of the lucky drivers working for a pet-friendly company, it’s important to make sure you understand all the company’s and your pet’s requirements before setting out on the road together.
Check Your Company’s Regulations
- Types of pets allowed
- Weight and size restrictions for pets
- Additional fees for damage and cleaning
- Where pets are permitted in your truck
- Waiting period before pets are allowed
All pet-friendly companies allow dogs, but some also allow cats. A few even allow any pet as long as it’s not aggressive. If you have a cat or other pet, check with your company to find out if they allow non-canine companions.
Many companies have weight restrictions on any accompanying pet. They will likely charge fees to cover damage your pet may do to the truck or to pay for cleaning the truck. If your pet damages your truck beyond any required fees, then you will be responsible for the repairs. Definitely make sure your pet is well-trained and well-behaved before hitting the road.
Most companies also have a trial period of a few months before you can bring your pet with you on trips.
As companies develop their pet policies, they often update their rules and regulations, so stay up-to-date on any changes along the way.
Basics of Having a Pet on the Road
- Bring pet vaccination records
- Get a Certificate Of Veterinary Inspection for crossing state lines
- Train your pet on which parts of the truck are off-limits
- Have plenty of blankets, toys, and treats
- Bring a leash and poop bags for stops
- Bring cleaning supplies for any accidents
- Have a travel crate for delivery and pick-up stops
- Bring plenty of water
Once you get the green light from your company and you can bring your furry friend with you. You will first want to make sure they enjoy the ride as much as you before they join full-time. As exciting as it is to be on the road, it can also be nerve-racking and exhausting for some pets. That’s why it’s important to make sure they are as comfortable as possible.
Bring blankets and toys and treats to keep them warm, occupied, and rewarded. Remember to bring a leash for walks at rest stops and bags to clean up after your dog (you should also have cleaning supplies for accidents between rest stops).
Most pick-up and delivery stops don’t allow dogs to roam free. You will want to bring a travel crate to ensure your pet doesn’t accidentally escape while you load and unload. Most importantly, you should always make sure you have plenty of water on hand for your pet, especially on those hot days.
As for the legal side of things, the FMCSA is fine with pets in the cab as long as safe driving isn’t compromised. Train your pet to stay away from your clutch and brakes and other parts of the truck that may be off-limits.
When it comes to the safety of your pet, they must be up-to-date on all their vaccinations, and you need to have proof of vaccination for authorities. If your route takes you across state borders, you should also have a Certificate of Veterinary Inspection to speed up inspection.
Bringing Your Pet Along for the Ride
If you’re excited about the potential of bringing a pet on the road, the first step is finding out which companies are the right fit for you. Trucking Truth is a great resource and has created a helpful list of pet-friendly companies and their basic restrictions.
Once you find a company that fits both your trucking and pet aspirations, take the time to thoroughly understand the pet rules. Having a pet on the road is a joy, but it does require more work than riding alone. If you’re prepared, it makes everything run more smoothly.
If you or a loved one is embarking on a career in trucking, then you’ve come to the right place! Contact us to learn more about our training program and how we can help you achieve your career goals.
