How to Safely Travel with Pets in a Vehicle
Ensuring the safety of your pet while driving isn’t just a matter of comfort—it’s essential for their well-being and yours. Unrestrained pets can quickly become dangerous during sudden stops or road collisions. This article covers the safest options for traveling with pets in vehicles, offering crucial insights based on reliable safety data.
Why Pet Safety in Vehicles Matters
Car crashes can turn a beloved companion into a flying projectile. A 60-pound dog in a 35 mph crash can exert 2,700 pounds of force. That kind of impact can be fatal for both pet and passengers. Despite knowing this, nearly half of pet owners allow their pets to roam freely while driving.
The Safest Pet Restraint Options
To prevent injuries and distractions, always restrain your pet properly in the backseat. The following are considered the safest restraint tools:
- Crash-tested harnesses that integrate with your car's seat belts to keep dogs upright and in place.
- Hard-sided crates that bolt to the vehicle’s frame and have been tested by independent organizations like the Center for Pet Safety (CPS).
- Certified pet carriers suitable for small animals, ensuring they fit comfortably without allowing excessive movement.
Backseat vs. Front Seat
Pets should always be secured in the backseat. Airbags in the front deploy with enough force to cause serious injury or death to pets, even in minor collisions. If front-seat travel is unavoidable, a crash-tested harness must be used, and the airbag should be turned off if possible.
Dangers of Unrestrained Travel
Allowing pets to roam puts everyone at risk. They can interfere with pedals, cause distractions, and in crashes, may bolt through broken windows. Dogs riding in truck beds are vulnerable to being ejected or injured by flying debris, and tethering offers little safety. In many states, it is even illegal to transport unrestrained pets in open truck beds.
Never Leave Pets in Parked Vehicles
- Heat Risk: Interior temperatures can rise over 100°F within minutes, posing severe risk of heatstroke or death.
- Cold Exposure: In winter, vehicles offer poor insulation, risking hypothermia—especially for young, old, or ill pets.
- Ineffective ventilation: Cracked windows don’t significantly reduce interior temperatures or prevent heat buildup.
Laws in many jurisdictions make it illegal to leave pets unattended in cars, no matter the weather.
Training Your Pet for Safe Car Travel
- Start slowly: Begin with short trips to get your pet comfortable in their carrier or harness.
- Pre-travel exercise: Helps reduce restlessness and anxiety.
- Bring comfort items: Familiar blankets or toys can make the journey less stressful.
Meal and Hydration Planning
- Avoid feeding: Do not feed your pet right before traveling to reduce the risk of vomiting or motion sickness.
- Hydration: Carry water and a portable bowl, and plan breaks on long trips for hydration and bathroom relief.
Understanding Product Safety
Not all pet travel products are created equal. Look for those that have passed independent crash testing. For example:
- Sleepypod Clickit Sport Harness
- Gunner G1 Kennel
- Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed
Ensure proper fit—harnesses should have about two fingers of space, and crates should fit snugly while allowing movement. Always follow manufacturer installation instructions precisely.
What to Avoid
- Extension tethers: These can cause injuries during impact and are not certified for crash protection.
- Heads out the window: Pets can suffer eye and ear injuries or be hit by debris.
- Uncertified carriers and boosters: Many pet seats on the market lack crash-test validation and should be avoided.
Comply with Local Pet Travel Laws
Many states enforce rules around pet restraint and safety. While specific laws vary, the recommended best practices apply everywhere:
- Use proper restraints like crash-tested products exclusively.
- Keep pets confined to the backseat.
- Never leave pets unattended in a vehicle.
Final Thoughts
Safe pet travel requires preparation, investment in quality equipment, and awareness of legal and safety best practices. By following these guidelines, you’re protecting your pet and promoting a safer driving environment for everyone.
