What is the safest way to have a dog in the car?
The safest way to have a dog in the car is to properly restrain it in the backseat using a crash-tested harness, crate, or carrier designed for car travel.
Safest Ways to Transport Your Dog in the Car
Keeping your dog safe during car travel is not just a matter of responsibility but a vital step in protecting both pets and passengers.
Unrestrained animals can become dangerous projectiles in the event of a collision. A 60-pound dog can turn into a 2,700-pound projectile at just 35 mph, endangering everyone in the vehicle. Here’s how to ensure your dog travels safely and comfortably.
1. Use Crash-Tested Restraints
- Harnesses: Choose a crash-tested safety harness that connects securely to the seat belt system. These help keep dogs upright and restrained during sudden stops or accidents.
- Crates: Use hard-sided crates that are crash-certified by organizations like the Center for Pet Safety (CPS). These crates should be properly bolted to the vehicle's frame and sized for the dog to stand, turn, and lie down comfortably.
- Carriers: For smaller dogs, soft-sided or hard carriers rated for impact are ideal. Again, opt for CPS-certified products that limit excessive motion.
2. Seat Placement Matters
- Always place your pet in the backseat. Airbags in the front seat can be deadly to pets in the event of deployment.
- Even if they are restrained, the front seat remains a dangerous location due to the force of airbags.
3. Never Leave Pets Unattended
- A car can heat up by 20°F in just 10 minutes. Even on a mild day, this can rapidly become fatal to pets left inside.
- Cold temperatures also pose risks. Thin, elderly, or young pets can quickly develop hypothermia in an unheated car.
4. Avoid Dangerous Behaviors
- Never allow your dog to ride with their head out the window. Eye, ear, and face injuries from debris are common.
- Dogs should never ride in open truck beds. They risk being thrown or jumping out, leading to injury or death.
- Don’t use extension tethers, which are not crash-tested and can cause serious injury in an accident.
5. Minimize Driver Distraction
- Unrestrained pets can interfere with driving by accessing foot pedals or obstructing your view.
- In an accident, a panicked dog may flee the vehicle through broken windows, making rescue efforts chaotic and dangerous.
6. Training and Preparation
- Start with short trips to acclimate pets to restraint systems.
- Bring along familiar items like a blanket or toy for comfort.
- Exercise your dog before travel to reduce hyperactivity and anxiety.
7. Plan for Long Trips
- Avoid feeding your pet just before departure to reduce the risk of motion sickness.
- Ensure access to fresh water and take frequent breaks for hydration and potty needs.
- Pack portable pet bowls and waste bags.
8. Use Certified Products
- Only select restraints and crates that have passed independent crash testing from organizations like CPS.
- Beware of marketing claims—most pet products are not regulated for safety.
- Install and anchor all equipment correctly according to manufacturer instructions.
9. Know the Laws
- Some states require pet restraints by law, and others penalize unsafe pet transport.
- Stay informed and practice safe pet transport even if your state doesn’t mandate it.
10. Emergency Planning
- Always carry your dog’s medical paperwork and medication.
- Consider pet insurance to manage unexpected expenses from injuries or accidents.
Conclusion: Prioritizing your dog’s safety during car travel is essential for avoiding accidents and ensuring a comfortable ride. Use appropriate, crash-tested restraints, prepare your pet with training and proper gear, and never leave them alone in a car. These informed choices help protect both human and animal lives while on the road.
