Safe Summer Car Travel for Pets in Hospice and Palliative Care

Safe Summer Car Travel for Pets in Hospice and Palliative Care
By Michelle Nichols, MS, HonCAHP | Animal Hospice Coach, Educator, Mentor, and AHELP Founder

A Father's Day “Tail”: Mark and Baxter

With Father’s Day near, we’re reminded of the quiet devotion so many pet dads show—especially those navigating the tender journey of pet hospice and palliative care. One story that reflects this beautifully is that of Mark, a client of our animal hospice services in Seattle, and his 13-year-old bulldog mix, Baxter. They are sharing enrichment activities that suit this chapter of his life, while doing everything for comfort care.

Baxter, like many aging pets, moves a little slower these days. He has arthritis, takes daily meds, and spends more time resting. But that doesn’t stop Mark from giving him meaningful experiences—short drives, ice cream outings, or calm visits to his favorite park.

Before every ride, Mark preps Baxter’s travel bed, sprays a touch of lavender on his blanket, and queues up relaxing music. He uses a ramp to ease Baxter into the back seat, buckles him into a padded harness, and always keeps the A/C running.

Most importantly, Mark never leaves Baxter unattended in the car—not even for a minute. “He’s part of the family,” Mark told us. “He deserves to be treated like one.”

☀️ Bucket List Travel Warnings: Heat Kills

When caring for a pet in hospice or palliative care, it’s important to know that even a short time in a parked vehicle can be deadly—especially for senior pets or those with chronic illness.

How Fast Does Heat Build in a Car?

Table caption: How Fast Does Heat Build in a Car? The risks to senior pets, or pets sick, ill, or with chronic illness.

Why Pets in Hospice and Palliative Care Are More Vulnerable

Dogs and cats receiving hospice or palliative care are at greater risk from heat and travel stress due to:

• Poor heat regulation
• Weakened heart, lung, and kidney function
• Reduced mobility and slower recovery from stress
• Medications that interfere with body temperature control
• Breeds with restricted airways (e.g., Persian cats, Boston Terriers like mine, or bulldogs like Baxter)

💡Pro Tip: If it’s too hot for you to sit in the car with the engine off, it’s way too hot for your pet. Leave them safely at home with a fan, water, and a frozen treat when needed.

Senior Pet Travel Tips: Comfort and Safety First

Whether it’s a vet appointment or a final adventure, traveling with a senior pet or hospice patient can be rewarding when you prepare properly.

Use Restraints for Safety

• Use dog seat belts or crash-tested harnesses
• For cats and small dogs, use crates or carriers with soft bedding and proper ventilation
• Secure carriers with seatbelts or wedge them safely to prevent movement

💡Pro Tip: A ramp, step stool, or pet stairs make getting in and out of the car much easier for you both. Using a harness is best for added stability.

🌿 Support Emotional Comfort with Calming Aids

Travel can be stressful for pets with cognitive changes or physical discomfort. Help them stay calm using:

• Chamomile or valerian root in pet-friendly formulations. Ask your holistic veterinarian for their recommendations. If you’re on the road, Happy Traveler is popular and found at most retail pet stores.
• Homeopathy remedies can be chosen specifically for your pet’s needs. Ask your holistic vet, or if you wish to consult with one remotely, see this directory of veterinary homeopaths.
• Flower essences are gentle, energetically supportive and are easy to use. They don’t have a perceivable scent for spritzing and since they are tasteless, they are easy to give a dropperful on the road. We like Pet Essences Travel for Dogs, Cats, Horses, and More. Try Rescue Remedy for generalized anxiety, found at most natural food stores.
• Veterinarian-approved CBD oil is commonly used for anxiety, and can be a temporary comfort for chronic pain relief. We like Canna Companion, but you can find CBD brands of variable quality at many pet stores. Some veterinarians will give you their recommendations. See our Earth Day 2025 blog post for more about CBD.
• Lavender essential oil may promote calm in dogs—apply a small amount to their bedding or paw pads, or mix into purified water and spritz in the car.

⚠️ IMPORTANT: Lavender is not safe for cats. It can be toxic if ingested or if it comes into contact with their eyes or skin.

• Soft music or nature sounds create a calming car environment. We like renowned harpist Susan Raimond’s Noah’s Harp Series. Music for a Dogs Ear is popular, and you can find soothing sounds for anxious pets on Amazon Music.

🧡 Reflecting on Baxter’s Journey

Mark’s thoughtful care for Baxter, down to every lavender blanket, flower essence spray, and moment of cooling air, captures everything we believe in at AHELP: intentional caregiving, respectful companionship, and comfort-centered end-of-life support.

To the pet dads—and caregivers of all kinds—who lift with care, plan with love, and put their pet’s safety first: we honor you.

This Father’s Day, we celebrate your devotion. You make the road more peaceful, more purposeful, and more filled with love.

( Blog post banner photo: Safety Tips for Pets Traveling in Cars, English Bulldog peeking out of car window. )

About the Author: Michelle Nichols Animal Hospice Coach, Educator, and Nonprofit Leader I'm Michelle, the Founder of AHELP Project. I am dedicated to caring for my pets with love, healthy choices, and trusted providers. I'm grateful to share lessons on life and loss through the AHELP Project. I'm looking forward to connecting with you!