Car carriers can be an excellent way to transport animals across long distances. While car carriers can be a helpful tool, animals usually don't have a fond opinion of them. The following guide provides simple tips and tricks on how to keep animals calm in car carriers. It's important to understand that traveling is a stressful experience for animals. Unlike people, animals don't understand why their environment has changed. This can cause a strong sense of anxiety and fear in many animals like dogs and cats. One of the best ways to calm down an animal is through the use of a sedative. For example, Valium, commonly known as diazepam, can be used to help sedate animals before a long trip. While Valium is a very powerful medication, it's usually not harmful to animals when used occasionally. It's also important to make sure that a pet carrier isn't exposed to loud noises or vibrations. For example, banging or dragging an animal carrier can create a very stressful experience for the animal inside. One of the best ways to avoid this is by making sure that the transport for an animal is relatively quiet. While it can be nice to play loud music on a car trip, it's a good idea to keep the volume low for the sake of one's animals. It's also a good idea to make an animal carrier as comfortable as possible. Most animal carriers are made of a combination of metal and plastic. While these are durable and resist liquids, they aren't a very welcoming environment for many pets. The best way to ensure that a pet is comfortable is by making his or her environment comfortable. For example, a blanket and a pet's favorite toys can make for a more welcoming environment. While many people avoid feeding animals before a long trip, an empty stomach can also cause stress for some animals. Try giving a dog or cat a small amount of dry food before a long trip. This will help calm the pet's nerves. However, it's important to avoid giving wet food or rich treats before a long trip; these can result in digestive issues that aren't fun for anyone.