Make regular stops -- every two hours for a puppy, every three to four hours for a cat or an adult dog -- so your pet can take a walk on a leash (some cats enjoy a little leash walk).

CNN: Tips for road tripping with pets

"Take the pet for a few short rides before your trip so it gets accustomed, " says Greg Hammer, a veterinarian and the president of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

CNN: Tips for road tripping with pets

BUT, read between the lines, most dogs obtained from shelters did not emanate from a loving dedicated breeder, so be prepared for challenges and a lack of a support system when pursuing this commendable route to your next pet.

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