Planning my trip home.
I have 2 cats and a dog that need to travel across the country, and I am trying to determine the best method of doing this. Now.. I do not like the idea of shipping my pets, as then they are out of my hands, out of my control. I don't like that. However....If I drive across the country, that means I will be traveling 8 hours or more a day with 3 pets in kennels. The dog is fine, he can get out and walk, but the cats would be cooped up all day long until I reach a hotel for the night. And then there's the issue of finding hotels along the way that will accept pets.
Shipping is also expensive. So all signs point to drive. I have never driven a long distance before, and driving across the desert scares me. What if the carwere to break down in the middle of nowhere in June when temps can reach over 120 degrees? Aside from myself, my pets out die of heat stroke. I want whats best for them....a 6 hour flight that is out of my conrol, or a 4 day drive?
Also...My car is very very tiny. 2 cat carriers in the back seat, 1 dog carrier in the front seat, no room for any luggage whatso ever. Enough to make the drive, but not to bring anytjhign with me for home..would have to ship verything, which can get expensive. Or possibly I coudl rent a small trailer, but i don't know if my little car could pull it, I don't have a hitch, and I don't know if Im comfortable driving a car with a trailer on the back.
So I'm just planning and thinking..and of course, the safety of my pets is my top concern. My safety is next...and of course, money is always a concern. I need to do the cheapest way possible while remaining safe for all.
Suggestions? Advice? Thoughts?
Anyone ever drive from coast to coast?
( LV to Pittsbugh actually)
Edit to add:
I would much much prefer to fly home, have my car shipped. I can fill my car full of whatever, plus take luggage and that is pretty much all I have.
I would only be driving if that was what I decided would be safest for my pets. I would never concider making the drive if it weren't for them, but I will drive if that's what's nesessary for their safety.
I am also interested in hearing stories abotu shippign pets, and how safe they actually are. Are the realy just handled and treated as luggage, or is special attention given to them?
And why does the airline website say that sedated pets are prohibited? I would definatly want to sedate them all if they had to fly. They would be scared shitless. The strange people, the noise of the plane, being bustled around, not knowing what was happenign or why.....This home is all they know, it will be a tramatic move for them to begin with, I would like to make it as easy on them as possible....


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