Dogs Or Cats: Which Pet To Bring OTR?

Hello all, I just started driving OTR with Celadon Trucking. They are a pet friendly company with a 50lb weight limit. However, I'm going solo and want to bring a friend with me...a furry friend that is. I just can't decide which one to bring. I've had cats before, but they've all been outside cats. And, I've always wanted to get a dog; plus I figured with this new job I would actually have the money to care for him. Any advice out there? I do know that as far as dogs go, smaller is better because of the small I'm going to be in and I'm hoping for one that has had at least some training since it'll be my first one. But, which pet is easier to care for over the road: a dog or a cat? Help!

Chelsea, of course it's up to your preference. But, that being said, here's a few random thoughts:

Dogs have masters, cats have staff.

A dog is more trainable, so they'd be happy to sit in the cab. They'll wait and do their business outside, and growl and bark at strangers (that's just about everybody at a truck stop.)

A cat will sit in your lap and purr. A cat might exercise his claws on your bedding. A cat will sit on the top bunk and watch the world, silently. But a cat will do her business in the sand box 4 feet away from you, and you'll know it.

You can tell the way I'm leaning. But it's your life, your pet, your truck. Which way does your love go?

Think about caring for them. My cat has a box... a dog would need to go out. What happens if you are stuck in traffic and doggie is whining? Smaller animals need less food etc.... larger ones will require more taking up more space. Different breeds of dogs needs different amounts of exercise. The cat climbs up in thw cabinets and the top bunk.. the dog would be on floor and bed. What can you live with? After driving 10 hours and you get in bed will you want to take rover out? Will you want to change the kitty litter and take the time to find better odor control litter?

Just soemthing things to think about. If I had a dog he'd be with me. I had a cat... and he now owns the truck..it's not Prime's truck it is the cats lol

I used to travel with my dog we had to stop and get out every few hours so it was good for me. Forced me to get up and walk him. He was a awesome watch dog. Some one come nocking on the truck at 3 am and he would read them the riot act. I like dogs for the companion ship, and he will give his life you and not even think about it. As for easy to care for, probly a cat. But i think dogs are so much more fun, and there food smells better.

Now for something sad, what do you do when your best friend passes on and your on the road. My dog was riding in the passenger seat one day. Had a stroke and was gone before I could make it to a truck stop, to get to a vet.

Dog!

I'd love to get another German Shepherd but sadly most trucking companies have weight limits. From what I can gather, some are as little as 30 lbs, some like your company are 50 lbs, I think the largest I've seen with an actual limit is 60 lbs. Still too small for a shepherd. I might wind up with a Beagle or maybe even an Airedale. I think they are both pretty cool and have great personalities. Maybe not as cool as my last German Shepherd but then they don't call the GS dogs German Shedders for nothing. LOL!

JJ