Truck driving is one of the few careers where you can bring your pet with you. This can make life on the open road much more enjoyable and is beneficial for your mental and physical health. DSW is a pet-friendly company and we want to help make trucking with a dog easy for you.
Here are some tips for bringing your pet on the road:
Planning is Essential
Planning is important for truck drivers and this is especially true if you are traveling with your pet. You should make sure to have all of the supplies your furry friend needs before you hit the road. These include food, treats, water, toys, cleaning supplies, and anything else you and your pet need to stay comfortable. It may be difficult to stop while on the road and many pet stores don’t have parking for semi-trucks, so it’s important to ensure you have all the necessary supplies ahead of time. You may be able to grab a few things at truck stops, but don’t count on this being an option.
Additionally, make sure to plan time to let your dog get some fresh air. This is also a good opportunity for you to exercise and walk around with your pet. Depending on your dog’s breed and age, they may need more or less activity. Be sure to take this into account while planning your stops.
Visit Your Vet Regularly
Before your first time trucking with your dog, you should schedule a visit with your veterinarian. This way you can ensure that your companion is in good health and up-to-date with vaccinations. Your vet can also answer any questions you may have about keeping your pet healthy on the road. You should also have a plan for what you will do in case of an emergency and your pet needs to see a veterinarian while traveling with you.
Make Your Rig Safe for Your Pet
There are several steps you can take to make your semi-truck safer for your pet. Be sure to keep anything you don’t want your pet to get into out of reach. If they get into something they shouldn’t, it can be dangerous for them and for you. You should also create a space in your rig where your pet will feel comfortable and consider the different options available to keep them safely in their seat while you are driving.
Our Pet Policy
At DSW, we want to provide the best possible work environment for our drivers. We are a pet-friendly trucking company and our policy makes it easy for you to take your dog on the open road. We allow non-aggressive dogs under 40 pounds, with some breed restrictions. Vaccination records are required. Dogs will need to meet with the terminal manager for approval and there is a pet deposit. If you are new to DSW or if you have been driving for us already and want to bring your dog on the road, let us know. We can discuss our policy in detail as it applies to your situation and can help you figure out what steps you need to take.
