Cat driving to Alaska

kb0zke · March 7, 2023

We're exploring the idea of Alaska next summer. One of the arguments for towing our trailer there is that we can easily (we think) take our cat with us. We understand that she has to be properly immunized (she is) and that she isn't allowed to roam freely (she's scared to go outside because the last time she went out there was a lot of cold, wet white stuff on the ground and she didn't like it). What else ought we to consider? We have ordered several of the suggested books and guides, but we're looking for tips that may not be in those. The cat isn't on any medication now, so that isn't an issue. I suppose that she might need something in the future, but we can deal with that when and if we need to.

2gypsies · March 7, 2023

If you have the Milepost and Mike and Terry Church's book of Alaskan Camping (includes Canada & the Yukon) then you're set to go. Also get the TourSaver 2/1 Coupon book. One glacier cruise will pay for it. We did them out of Valdez and also Seward. The cat shouldn't be any problem. Don't cross into Canada until at least mid to end of May... still ice on lakes and possibly snow if any earlier. Sumas, Washington is an easy crossing. Plan to spend the first night in nearby Hope BC (awesome totems lining the street) and replenish fresh foods. We also went to the local bank and exchanged some money into Canadian because we planned to use Provincial parks & many have no attendants... just the iron ranger to put money. Go to Canadian web site for current crossing information on food, pets. Don't try to hide anything when going through check points.

Drive on the top half of your tank and don't try to price compare even though fuel will be expensive.

We boondocked or used public campgrounds for the whole trip.

The only reservations made were for the July 4 weekend and staying in Denali Nat'l Park. For those we made them only 3 weeks prior when we could better judge when we'd be in the areas. As it turned out we were a little early for Denali so on a whim we boondocked at a lovely place nearby and drove in early morning. We easily secured an additional 5 nights in the front campground - Riley Creek. We then drove to Teklanika campground for another 5 nights. We saw THE mountain for almost 7 full days. (Some never see it.) We saw every one of the big animals... more than once. We got the TEK bus pass so at Teklanika we were able to take a ridge deeper into the park whenever we wanted. Sometimes we just got off and walked the road in complete silence in the huge expanse.... just us!

If you want to do any hiking in Banff/Jasper parks plan to stop on your return otherwise the trails will be snow packed early in summer. Go up on the Alaskan Hwy and return via the Cassier in order to stop in Hyder, Alaska to view the bears fishing in mid-August.... a must!

We returned at the Roosville crossing near Glacier Nat'l Park - Hwy 93

Another trip we took the Alaskan ferry from Washington and rented a Class C so we could tour for a few weeks with friends who were flying in from Michigan. We enjoy driving the whole way much better.

Hopefully, you can spend the whole summer on this trip and don't rush it. Have a good one!

Edited March 7, 2023 by 2gypsies

GeorgiaHybrid · March 8, 2023

First and foremost, make sure your cat's driver's license is up to date and not expired if you are going to let it drive to Alaska. Both the RCMP and Alaska troopers' frown on cats driving without a valid license.

Edited March 8, 2023 by GeorgiaHybrid

LindaH · March 8, 2023

You've probably already found this, but just in case, here's the information about bringing a pet into Canada from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency:

Bringing animals to Canada: Importing and travelling with pets - Canadian Food Inspection Agency

Ray,IN · March 10, 2023

One couple brought their cat along on our Alaska caravan and never had any issues. Most of the people on the caravan never knew they had a cat in the MH.