This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Community Corner

Carpooling With Your Pet

Get ready for that road trip with Rover with these helpful suggestions.

Independence Day weekend is almost here, and many of us will hit the road with our pets in tow. According to a survey by AAA, more than three-quarters of traveling pet parents would take their dog or cat on every vacation if they could, and 28 percent said they would prefer to travel with their pet rather than their significant other (!).

AAA has a number of tips to make your vacation a smoother ride:

  • Before you go, make sure your pet’s vaccinations are current, and pack certificates that show your pet’s vaccinations are up-to-date, in case asked. Bring a list of veterinarians at your destination, just in case your pet needs medical care or a prescription refill.
  • If your pet is not accustomed to traveling in the car, start with short trips to fun places like dog parks so that your pet associates the car with good things and not trips to the vet.
  • All pets should be confined to the back seat, in a carrier or a harness attached to the seat belt. Don’t seat your pet up front, because if the air bag is activated, it could injure your pet.
  • Feed your pet a light meal four to six hours before leaving to avoid carsickness, and don’t give your pet food or water in a moving vehicle.
  • Don’t let Fido stick his head out of the car window. Rocks or other flying objects could hurt his eyes and ears.
  • AAA has a packing list on its website, as well as a book for sale, Traveling with Your Pet.
  • Also, the Dog Friendly website has a number of guides for sale that list where you can take your dog all over the country.
Pet of the Week

This week’s pet in need of a home is Carlton, a distinguished-looking black and white Chihuahua mix. The staff at Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority (SVACA) says Carlton is about 6 years old and is a “confident dog with a big personality.” His hobbies include going on walks and sleeping on laps. He looks like a guy who would love to go with you anywhere.

Find out what's happening in Cupertinowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Or consider adopting a cat to honor Adopt-A-Cat-Month. Silicon Valley Animal Control Authority will reduce by 50 percent its normal adoption fees on adoptions of all cats one year old and older.

For more information about Carlton or other dogs available for adoption, call the SVACA at 408-764-0344 or visit the SVACA website. There's more information about the program here on the SVACA website as well as links to lists and photos of adoptable cats, too.

Find out what's happening in Cupertinowith free, real-time updates from Patch.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?