Pets often love road trips, especially when not all road trips lead to the vet. A loose pet in a vehicle can quickly become a distraction and cause accidents. It is important to you and your pet’s safety that you travel safe and smart when pets are involved.
Prepare Ahead Of Time
Practice being in the vehicle with your pet and train them to be comfortable in the car. Attempt short trips in the car before taking on a long-distance trip. When traveling with a pet, pack accordingly. Include things like cleaning supplies for accidents; food and water; bowls and leashes; and vet records.
Securing Your Pet
Pets should always be secure when riding in a vehicle, never ride with a pet in your lap while driving. Unsecured pets can become flying debris in an accident, causing harm to themselves or passengers. Additionally, pets may get frightened during an accident and may run away, causing other collisions on the road or becoming lost. Protective pets may prevent help from reaching injured parties in accidents.
There are different ways to secure pets in a vehicle. The most common is a crate, it is best to use a plastic or aluminum crate as wire crates can collapse in an accident. When using a crate, anchor it down to the vehicle for additional safety. Crates should be stored in the back-cargo area or in the back seat behind a front seat. Securing a pet in the front seat of a vehicle is dangerous because of potential airbag deployment. If a pet must ride in the front seat, secure them in a crate and turn off the passenger side airbag.
Harnesses are also a popular way of restraining a pet. A harness is a good alternative to crates when pets are not familiar with being in a crate or get anxious in crates. Ensure that harnesses fit properly and do not have too much slack, so pets cannot jump over seats, into the drivers lap, or out windows.
Windows
Many dog owners allow dogs to hang their heads out the window while riding down the road. It can be dangerous for a dog to hang their head out the window, especially while traveling at high speeds. Since dogs do not measure distance well and may leap out the window of a moving vehicle. Ensure that if you choose to roll windows down for air flow, lock automatic windows so dogs do not accidentally roll windows down further.
Extended Car Rides
Remember that dogs and cats need exercise and water regularly, especially when in a car of an extended time. It is important to ensure that you stop regularly to allow pets to stretch their legs and handle business.
Leaving a pet in the car while you run into a store can be a serious concern. During warmer months, the inside of a car warms up quickly and can cause permanent brain damage, cause heat stroke or even die if pets get too hot. In colder months, pets can catch hypothermia. If you know you will be in the store for an extended period, leave your pet at home.
Pets are great for companionship and can make a trip more fun. It is important however to consider their safety first when traveling with a pet.
The Merdes Law Firm has been helping injured Alaskans for more than 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us … We’re here if you do. ~ Ward Merdes
Source: Auto Credit Express “Where Should Your Dog Sit in the Car?” and Whole Dog Journal, “Dogs Riding Safely and Calmly in Cars“
