How to prepare your dog or cat for a long car journey: driver's tips

Preparing your dog or cat for a long car journey: professional driver's tips

As a professional pet chauffeur having transported thousands of animals in Paris and Île-de-France, we've accumulated valuable experience on what works — and what doesn't — for making long journeys bearable or even pleasant for your companions.

Part 1: Dog vs cat differences

Preparing your dog

Dogs generally adapt better to cars than cats, but this depends heavily on early socialisation and past experiences.

A well-prepared dog:

•Has been accustomed to the car from a young age

•Associates the car with positive moments (walks, parks)

•Knows their carrier or safety harness

Preparing your cat

Cats are territorial animals who generally handle journeys less well than dogs. Their preparation requires more time and patience.

The carrier acclimatisation protocol (start 3-4 weeks before):

1. Get out the carrier and leave it open in your living room

2. Place a blanket with your scent inside

3. Feed daily meals inside the carrier (door open)

4. After 1 week, start closing the door for a few minutes

5. Gradually increase the duration

6. 2 weeks before the journey, do short car trips

Part 2: Feeding before and during the journey

Meal timing:

•Small dog/cat: last meal 3 hours before departure

•Large dog: last meal 4-5 hours before departure

•Dog with history of nausea: last meal 6 hours before

Water: Never restrict water. Offer fresh water at every stop.

Part 3: Essential equipment

IATA approved carrier

•Large enough for the animal to stand and turn around

•Absorbent base

•Familiar blanket inside

At Chauffeur Animalier Paris: We lend IATA approved carriers free of charge in sizes S, M, L and XL.

Part 4: Managing stress and motion sickness

Natural solutions before the journey

•Zylkène (casomorphine): give 1-2h before, available without prescription

•Adaptil (dogs) / Feliway (cats): spray in carrier 30 min before

•Partial cage cover: darkness = calm

Part 5: Stops during the journey

Recommended frequency:

•Dog: stop every 2 hours for toilet and hydration

•Cat: stop every 3-4 hours

Our long-distance service

Chauffeur Animalier Paris handles long-distance trips:

•Paris → CDG: €100 | Paris → Orly: €90 | Paris → Beauvais: €180

•Paris → Province: on request

Book on WhatsApp: +33 1 89 70 64 14