Fur-Babies on Board: Gratitude for the Veterinarians Who Care for Truckers on the Road
Last week, I found myself sitting in a veterinary clinic with one of our dachshunds, Matti.
She’s 15½ years old and has trucked millions of miles with us over the years.
This wasn’t our home veterinarian. It was a clinic along a route we were running to a customer — one we found because, like many drivers, sometimes life happens far from home.
As I sat there, it hit me:
In over two decades of trucking with pets on board, we’ve visited dozens of veterinary clinics across the country.
And they all have something in common.
The Quiet Support System Truckers Don’t Talk About
Veterinary clinics are the quiet, behind-the-scenes supporters of truckers.
They don’t advertise to us. They don’t boast about it.
But they take calls from stressed drivers, work us into already full schedules, and in many cases, time appointments based on our ETA and miles remaining.
In trucking, our pets are often lovingly called fur-babies — and these clinics understand that bond.
When the Road Meets Real Life
Because of Matti’s age and symptoms, the vet recommended an x-ray.
She ended up with a bacterial infection — no surprise if you know dachshunds. She’s a crummer. The kind that can grab something off the ground faster than you can blink.
She was prescribed antibiotics, carefully examined, and sent on her way — and so were we.
What continues to stand out to me is this:
In all these years, across countless clinics, I’ve never experienced price gouging, even during last-minute or near-emergency visits.
Many clinics even have truck-friendly parking, and we always make sure to respect their property and time.
They consistently ask for:
Primary veterinarian contact information
Medical history
Vaccination records
We keep all of that with us. Having it ready makes everything smoother — for the clinic and for our pets.
Trucking With Pets: A Few Practical Reminders
Trucking with fur-babies is common, but it does come with responsibility.
Know your carrier’s pet policy. Requirements can vary.
Keep vaccination paperwork accessible, especially rabies records.
Check with customers to confirm pets are allowed on site.
Take care of your equipment. Pets are family — but they can be hard on interiors if we’re not mindful.
From a regulatory standpoint, there’s no blanket federal rule that prohibits pets in commercial vehicles. However, some states may require proof of vaccinations or health documentation, especially when crossing state lines.
A Note of Gratitude
To the veterinarians, techs, and clinic staff who make room for truckers in your already busy days — thank you.
Thank you for the care you give our fur-babies.
Thank you for your patience when we’re worried and far from home.
Thank you for being part of the unseen support system that keeps drivers moving.
And to fellow drivers:
Please be patient if there’s a wait.
Please be respectful of costs and policies.
These professionals work hard — just like we do — to keep those we love healthy and safe.
Because when you’re living life on the road, knowing your fur-baby is in good hands makes all the difference.
