A number of carriers allow pets in the cab, but it's important to know the rules

By Reagan Payne

Drivers are always looking for ways to make the road feel like home. What better way than to bring along a four-legged friend?

Almost every trucking company has a policy on pets in the cab and it differs from carrier to carrier. More specific information is contained below. Undeniably, these cute companions are good for the health of drivers. Where some would usually drive their miles straight through, having a pet urges them to stop twice or three times throughout the route without missing a beat or falling behind schedule.

Even the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention says owning pets, in general, promotes not only physical health but mental wellbeing. Owning a pet decreases blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels. Mentally, the loneliness of the lifestyle can begin to take a toll; having a furry friend nearby can alleviate stress in a traffic jam and even encourage a focus on the road.

Prep for your pet

Some of the most important things to consider with a pet are the precautions a driver should take before hitting the road. Obviously, the driver area (specifically the gas and brake pedals) should not be accessible to any paws. Even so, pets should have enough room to move around comfortably between breaks. More food and water than any pet would immediately need should also be available in case of emergency.

Of all the companies that allow pets on board, not all list their pet policies online. Of 28 pet-friendly HireMaster companies, the best pet policy belongs to P & S Transportation. “Pets are welcome at no extra charge. No restrictions, any pet can go.”

Other companies might require hefty deposits, weight limits, and papers that are readily available at any time. It is important to research which company is best for you and your pet; a comprehensive list of all trucking companies that allow pets is here.

Frank Smith is a P & S Transportation company driver who carries his chihuahua companion Angel Rose along for the ride. The two visit home in Texas two to three days a month where they visit Frank's wife Stacey and their other two chihuahuas: Abby Trina and Peanut.

Smith and Angel Rose have traveled together through all 48 contiguous United States for several years and are very close. "She is truly a joy on the road during the long haul and is always alert as to my every move," he said.

When delivering his cargo, Smith always receives positive feedback about his furry friend. Customers comment on Angel Rose's cuteness and give her pets and treats for the road.

"Honestly, she's very protective over me," Smith added. "She's a mighty little puppy. Sometimes there's someone she doesn't feel comfortable with; she'll bark and she's got a very loud, squeaky voice."

Some overnight accommodations might find pets uncomfortable, but Smith does not find trouble lodging with his dog.

"This is my prison away from home; I'm a prisoner of the highway and I'm the asphalt cowboy," Smith said. "I ride from one end to the other with an endless line of white dotted lines. My front window is my view of the world."

The same goes for his dog. She knows the environment so well that she hops right into his lap as soon as he hits the air brakes and she is ready to hop out for some much-needed exercise.

P & S Transportation's pet policy only requires all animals to have their shots, which Smith noted is a simple requirement. This was not a driving force for him choosing this company, only a nice perk. When he brings Angel Rose to the office, she has to be on-leash but other employees always bring treats out for their furry friend.

However, he noted some problems with other companies' requirements for transporting pets.

"Some companies say you have to get your pet out, literally, and leave them somewhere. Then come in to get your steel, and then go back and get your pet," Smith shared.

This wastes a lot of time for drivers, especially because any animal could simply sit in the cab like they do during any other stop.

Smith shared his favorite part of having Angel Rose along for the ride. The chihuahua is able to sense her owner's energy and always responds accordingly.

"She's my companion," the driver said. "She helps me when I'm not feeling good and makes me feel better. She's got a happy attitude."

It may seem like it is raining cats and dogs in the trucking industry, but drivers have been spotted with all sorts of animals: parrots, rabbits, pigs, and even goats! With a whole zoo of pets to choose from, it is important to choose a company that accommodates your not-always-canine companion.

The following is a list of HireMaster clients that allow pets to accompany drivers: Andrus Transportation, Arnold Transportation, Butler Transport, CalArk, Covenant Transport, Crete Carrier, Earl Henderson, Giltner Inc., Hogan Transport, J.B. Hunt, Koch Trucking, LTI Trucking Services, Melton Truck Lines, Navajo Express, P & S Transportation, Paper Transport Inc., Pride Transport, Roehl Transport, Shaffer Trucking, Swift Transportation, Total Transportation, Transport America, U.S. Xpress, USA Truck, Werner Enterprise, Western Express, and West Side Transport.

Reagan Payne is a staff writer for Wright Media. She can be reached at rpayne@wrightmediacorp.com