October 24, 2018
Thousands of accidents are caused every year due to unrestrained pets, according to the American Automobile Association. If you have a pet you like to bring with you on road trips, it’s vital to realize that they have special needs when they are riding in a vehicle.
Rules to Follow for Safe Pet Travel
1. Always Restrain Your Pet
If your pet is unrestrained and you make a sudden stop or even have a low speed accident, your pet could be seriously injured. Secure your pet in a crate with with a harness for their own safety and make no exceptions. If you use a crate, be sure to secure it against a solid part of the vehicle like the back seat. Be sure you can quickly get you rpet out with a “panic snap” quick release if possible.
2. Do Not Put Your Pet On Your Lap
Simply put, a driver cannot respond quickly to a road emergency if there is a pet on his or her lap. Your pet can also be hit by an oncoming car if it bolts out of the car after a crash. Remember that distracted driving causes thousands of deaths each year, so keep your pet restrained and off your lap so that you won’t be distracted.
3. No Heads Out The Window
Use a pet booster seat so your pet can see out the windows, but don’t let them hang their head out the window. They can be easily wounded by road debris hitting their eyes.
4. Get Your Pet Used to the Car
Usually the only time a pet rides in the car is when they are taken to see the vet. Your pet might now associate car rides with happy feelings and may even be scared of car travel. Teach your pet that riding in the car is fun by taking them for short road trips for a playdate or to a dog park.
5. Make Sure Your Pet Wears an ID Tag
If it so happens that your pet gets lost during your travels, be sure they have on current ID tags with an emergency number listed. Always keep the tags up-to-date just in case.
6. Make a Pet Travel Safety Kit
Keep a small pack ora large zip-lock baggie in your car with items for your pet like: Clean up supplies, towel, portable water and feeding bowls, pet food, water bottle, pet first aid kit, snacks and toys to keep your pet entertained and well behaved. You might always want to have your pets health record and photo’s of your pet in case they get lost.
Just as you wouldn’t allow your child dive from the front seat to the back seat of your vehicle or climb all over you when you are driving or hang their head out of the car, don’t let your pet do these things either. Keep everyone safe with these pet safe travel rules.
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