How to Keep Your Pet Safe in the Car
Traveling with pets requires careful planning to ensure everyone’s safety. Pets who are unrestrained can pose serious hazards to themselves and human passengers. When selecting the safest option for your furry friend, there are multiple considerations to evaluate. This guide helps outline the most important safety measures.
Why Unrestrained Pets Are Dangerous
- A 60-pound dog becomes a 2,700-pound projectile in a 35 mph crash.
- Unrestrained animals can cause driver distractions, affecting visibility and vehicle control.
- In the event of an accident, pets can flee through broken windows and interfere with emergency responders.
Proper Pet Restraint Options
Using appropriate restraint is essential for minimizing injury risk. There are several safe options:
- Crash-tested harnesses like the Sleepypod Clickit Sport secure pets to seat belts and keep them upright.
- Carriers or crates should be fit to the animal’s size, allowing them to stand, turn, and lie down—but not so large as to risk excessive movement during impact.
- Crates certified by independent testers, such as the Center for Pet Safety (CPS), provide the highest safety assurance.
Positioning in the Vehicle
- Pets should always travel in the backseat to avoid airbag injuries.
- If front-seat travel is unavoidable, always use a crash-tested harness and deactivate the passenger airbag if possible.
What to Avoid
- Never leave pets unattended in a vehicle—even for a short time—as temperatures can soar or plummet dangerously fast.
- Cracking windows does not provide sufficient ventilation on hot days.
- Allowing pets to stick their heads out of windows poses risks for eye injuries or falling out.
- Truck beds are highly unsafe for pets due to risk of ejection and flying debris.
Training and Preparation
- Acclimate your pet to the restraint system through short trips.
- Exercise pets before travel to decrease restlessness.
- Use familiar comforts like blankets or toys to reduce anxiety.
- Plan meals to avoid motion sickness; don’t feed pets just before travel.
- Bring essentials for longer trips: water, collapsible bowls, waste bags.
Choosing the Right Equipment
- Look for items that have passed independent crash tests, such as those from CPS.
- Ensure proper fit; harnesses should allow two fingers under the straps.
- Follow installation instructions closely to maximize safety.
- Be cautious of non-certified booster seats and marketing claims without crash-test backing.
Legal Considerations
- Laws vary by state; some require pet restraints, while others mandate that pets cannot be transported in a way that endangers them.
- Know your local pet travel laws and always strive to follow best safety practices.
Additional Tips
- Prepare emergency kits with medications and health records.
- Consider pet insurance for peace of mind in case of an accident.
By using proper restraint and travel practices, you protect your pet and everyone else in the car. Take the time to secure them every ride—your furry companion’s safety is worth it.
