More than 71 million American homes have a pet, and 82 percent of those pets are frequent backseat drivers. <a href="http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pet-travel/5-risks-when-driving-with-a-pet.htm">Top 5 Risks When Driving with a Pet</a>

No matter how much or how little your pet enjoys riding in the car with you, carsickness can strike even the most well-traveled pet at anytime. <a href="http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pet-travel/5-risks-when-driving-with-a-pet.htm">Top 5 Risks When Driving with a Pet</a>

Usually carsickness in pets is related to the motion of the car but anxiety about being confined or unfamiliarity with car rides can also contribute. <a href="http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pet-travel/5-risks-when-driving-with-a-pet.htm">Top 5 Risks When Driving with a Pet</a>

If this is your pet's first voyage, take a few short practice trips to see how things go before tackling a long ride. <a href="http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pet-travel/5-risks-when-driving-with-a-pet.htm">Top 5 Risks When Driving with a Pet</a>

Allowing dogs a window view and fresh air can help animals adjust to the car's sensations. <a href="http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pet-travel/5-risks-when-driving-with-a-pet.htm">Top 5 Risks When Driving with a Pet</a>

Keep meals small prior to the trip and limit foods a few hours before hitting the road. <a href="http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pet-travel/5-risks-when-driving-with-a-pet.htm">Top 5 Risks When Driving with a Pet</a>

While some dogs love the open road, many pets -- dogs and cats included -- associate car trips with unpleasant events like an outing to see the vet and become anxious at the prospect of any trip. Think shedding, biting, bladder accidents and howling. <a href="http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pet-travel/5-risks-when-driving-with-a-pet.htm">Top 5 Risks When Driving with a Pet</a>

Alleviating your pet's nervousness by taking short car trips to fun destinations (such as on a playdate or to the park) may help change those negative associations. <a href="http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pet-travel/5-risks-when-driving-with-a-pet.htm">Top 5 Risks When Driving with a Pet</a>

Not all traveling pets go missing because they run. Some people want your pet as much as others want your sound system: Pets left alone in cars are at risk for being stolen. Keep your pet on a leash and with you every time you're out of the car. <a href="http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pet-travel/5-risks-when-driving-with-a-pet.htm">Top 5 Risks When Driving with a Pet</a>

Pets should always be restrained, and depending on the size and type of animal, restraints vary from harnesses and belts to crates and cages to car seats and other barriers. Unrestrained, pets could be catapulted into the passenger cabin during an accident or sudden stop. <a href="http://animals.howstuffworks.com/pets/pet-travel/5-risks-when-driving-with-a-pet.htm">Top 5 Risks When Driving with a Pet.</a>