Truckers, literally, always have a rough road ahead.  Many studies found that truckers are developing more health problems, both physical and mental. Major improvements for some may be due to those that are found with a pet on board!  The pet keeps them company, and is a comfort in many ways.

For truckers looking into this pet idea, there are a few good tips to keep in mind when choosing a pet.  If you already have a “best friend”, make sure your friend is truly ready for the new challenge of trucking.  This transition may take a few weeks for both of you to get used to.  Your trucker friend has to get used to the new noises, sudden moves, new smells and even learning to get a drink or eat while in motion.  Give them time to adjust before being too quick to criticize.

You also need to teach your friend “pet etiquette”.  This etiquette includes being a “good neighbor”.  When stopping at a rest area, your friend needs to be trained to bark only when it is warning you of danger.  Your friend cannot be barking all night and annoying everyone else in the rest area.  Take your friend for walks, a drink and the bathroom break at rest areas.  Keep plenty of food and water on board for each trip.  Make sure you have allowed proper heating, cooling and ventilation for your friend whenever you have to leave them alone in the truck.  Make sure there is no way for your friend to accidentally step on the window controls.  This has been reported in the past, and unfortunately, while looking out the window, the pet broke its own neck.  Enjoy your pet, but keep them safe.