Traveling with pets to some people can be distracting and to others, it is fan. Before you consider hiring a car in Uganda and you plan to travel with your pets, ensure that you inquire from your car rental service provider if pets are allowed. What is interesting is that most car hire companies/agencies do accept guests to travel with their pets but some restrictions or regulations must be observed –inquire more from the service provider or read through the company’s terms and conditions.
If you are considering traveling with a pet, then make sure that you return the vehicle in its clean state. Also, do thorough inspection on the vehicle to be sure that no damages are available or any scratches before you set off on actual road trip with your pet. The vehicle hired must be returned in the same conditions you took it for a road trip. It should be free of the pet hair/poop otherwise; you may incur an extra charge.
Adequate preparation is needed if you are to rent a car in Uganda for a road trip with a pet. It should be noted that most companies do not offer dog equipment and it is fine to bring your kit for safety and comfort purposes.
How do you know if the car hire company allows pets?
Traveling with pets to some guests can be a fan, but how certain are you that they are allowed by the company. You can find out if the car hire service provider does accept pets by cross checking and clearly stating it to the agency prior to actual date of visiting Uganda for a vacation. This can save you from last minute unpleasant surprises on actual date of picking up your rental car.
Cost of hiring a car & pet services
Most car hire service providers are flexible in the sense that guests can rent a car and travel with their pets. Often they may not include any extra charge except for cleaning the vehicle and ensuring that it is free of any hairs, poop, muddy paw prints and smell. The charges may accrue if there are damages caused by the pet.
Tips to traveling with pets in a Uganda car hire
Drive safely- safety on the road is key to you and your colleagues but also to your pet, and ensuring it is comfortable. You can provide space at the back to reduce any restrictions plus any chances of road accidents.
Use a clean blanket to clean the car seats/boots –using a blanket can help protect the car boots or seats from pet’s hair, muddy claws and poop thus saving you from incurring additional costs on cleaning.
Regular breaks should be made –while en-route, be prepared to make multiple breakfasts not only for you to enjoy meals, but also cross check your pet and respond to calls of nature.
Do not leave your pet in the vehicle on a scotching sunshine – leaving your companion unattended in the vehicle is the worst thing, especially during the hot sunny day.
Hire the right car type and of good size – vehicles differ in sizes and the type and size you choose does matter a lot. Find a rental car with adequate space both for you and the pet.
How to transport your dog in the rental car
To ensure a safe and comfortable road travel with your pet, there are some safety measures and products to take into consideration. You may consider the following for your pet;
- Crate –the advantage with crating your pets is that you can keep them safe and secure and you enjoy your road trip.
- Harness –find pet-friendly harnesses because they come in different sizes and you can get one from the pet shops.
- Carrier –a pet carrier serves as an alternative to metal crate and easier packing if you plan to stay away from home.
- Boot gate –in case your pets prefer sitting in the boots, it is recommended to fit a boot gate to prevent them from jumping through the front of the vehicle. The boat gate can protect your pets and also you plus your colleagues from any harm if accident occurs.
Dos & don’ts for traveling in the car with your pets
The dos
- Find your pet a carrier, crate or harness.
- Get the air conditioning and shouldn’t be blowing directly to the pets faces or alternatively, open the window slightly.
- Carry enough water for cooling your pet.
- Make regular stopovers on a road trip for you and pet to stretch and also rehydrate.
The don’ts
- Never leave the passenger airbag on if you are in the front seat.
- Don’t leave your pet in a hot vehicle.
- Do not feed your pet prior to traveling. At least, give it 2 hours before you get on the road.
