Pets and rider program

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Why not leave the Lab with a family member which would almost guarantee plenty of exercise and decent food, vs. the uncertainties of trucking, which could potentially wreak havoc with any dog, cat, or any other type of pet?

 

Well as I understand most companies don't allow big dogs in their trucks. If i was you i would check with a company that i would be interested working for.
As far as your mom, some will allow relatives some wont, again check with every company you'll apply for a job. Now for the APU if you are OTR driver and you have to sleep in the truck, most likely the company will make sure you'll be able to use your AC or heater when you need to rest in your sleeper, most newer trucks are best not to be left idling for long periods due to the pdf's, and California doesn't allow trucks to idle.

 

I'm thinking a 70 pound dog may be too big for some companies.

 

70 lb dog is really big in a truck. Most likely you'll have to lift it up and assist in getting it out in most trucks. Most will not allow them inside the terminal buildings, nor will most places allow you leave it in the truck when doing maintenance on the truck. So you have to keep it company outside the whole time. Not bad on a sunny warm day but its real tough in a winter storm. Here another deal most motels will not take your dog. So if your truck is in a private garage over night or two and if they let you the only place your going to sleep is in the drivers lounge. If you do take it make sure its trained in sitting, heeling, stay, at least. A dog you can't control of that size if it breaks free and you can't control it is a dead dog sooner or later by being hit. Carry all its medical records. Get it micro chipped. Carriers are not going to allow you to sit for days looking for your dog. Also get tags with your name, phone number, trucking company, and your trk number on it. Make sure you have enough food for it the whole time your out in some cases you may not be able to get its regular food. Feeding a dog strange food can lead to the craps and you don't want that in a truck. Make sure also its past its chewing stage. You don't want it to be chewing up the bunk areas while your driving or sleeping. Carry small pieces of carpet and lay them down everywhere they fit. Helps to keep it clean from muddy paw prints and if the dog gets sick or craps its easier to clean up. Just pick up the carpet piece and throw it away. Hope that helps. Good luck.

 

Oh and some ship/rec will not let you bring a dog on its property. Some will let you but you can't let they dog out. Think about that if your going to be sitting there for hours.

 

I think TransAm allows pets

 

You might want to think about getting yourself a few months experience before bringing along a pet or passenger. Both can be a big distraction and aren't always going to make life easy for you while you're learning. Especially when you're under schedule pressure. After you get the hang of living in a truck, you'll be in a better state to deal with a passenger, either 2 legs or 4.

FWIW, my 55 lb pit bull Lucy rides with me most of the time. I tote her into the truck like a football, and she comes out head first like a big baby. She can get pretty needy, and it ain't always at the best times. She needs to get outside for a walk at least every 3-4 hrs, and thinks she's entitled to a walk every time the truck stops. Rain or shine. Day or night. Oh yeah, you need to wipe/clean their feet every time they go for a walk, as you know what's on the ground at most truck stops. Whether you feel like it or not, they have to get care and attention. The companionship is great most of the time, but it isn't going to be like in the movies.