Truck Dogs - Pets In 8x8 World

Hey all, I'm hoping to begin commercial driving this year and I'm reading up on everything. Thanks for all your help. I was wondering about pets. In some ways it would be cool to have a hound to travel with, but it may increase stops and slow you down. It could be harmful for some breeds that need to run. So my question is pet: yes or no. Cat or dog, particular breeds good or bad?

Hello John, welcome to Trucking Truth!

Pets on trucks are not uncommon. The most common types are, yes, dogs and cats. Dogs especially have their needs in getting out and exercising Most companies have a pet policy, and you can read the various ones here: List Of Trucking Companies That Allow Pets

Here are our Tips For Trucking With Your Pets

As someone interested in trucking, you may be interested in these resources:

• Truck Driver's Career Guide
• Brett's Book: The Raw Truth About Trucking (free online version)
• High Road CDL Training Program
• CDL Practice Tests

Especially the High Road program to study for your first step - the permit test. Also, check out CDL Training Diaries

Any more questions, just ask on the forum.

I've brought my cat with me for Swift since I started driving. No problem at all. Everyone always says "But how can you deal with the smell?" Easy. I clean it. Kitty litter has come a long way in masking smells, so obviously these people aren't cat owners or that would be common sense to them. I clean it at the end of every day and put it in my trash bag with the rest of my trash. If anything my trash smells more than my actual cat litter. But I do not have a trash bin, just a trash bag hanging from one of the arm chairs. Anyway, I think it would be easier because I don't have to stop to ensure she does her business at a truck stop or rest area, so more time driving.

Don't get me wrong, I do walk her. Yes, walk her as in on a leash and harness. I'll walk her when I make my trips to Walmart or a Target, since they never have an issue with it. I'll occasionally walk her around if I do a 30 at a rest area but she being a cat, she gets her exercise from running around on the top bunk and hoping off it while I am sleeping.

But I am bias, I prefer cats just because they do no require as much maintenance as dogs do. They clean themselves and they go to the bathroom by themselves. But since I am not a dog owner I cannot tell you the pros or cons of having a dog. The cons for a cat I would say are that you need seat covers or a towel to prevent the fur from getting everywhere. And before people say "But cats will scratch and ruin everything!!!1!!1" no, no they will not. I bought a small scratching post and she knows she is only allowed to use that. I have NEVER had an issue with seats being torn or clawed at.

So this is just my input as a cat owner. Hope it helps.