| Most places in North America have laws | | | | |
| stating that seat belts are mandatory for | | | | So should we stop taking our pets on car |
| vehicle drivers and passengers. Most | | | | rides with us? I know that my dogs would not |
| provinces and states have laws regarding | | | | be happy with this. There are solutions for |
| child seats in cars. Great! Now, what about | | | | almost every dog and dog owner. There are |
| your pet? Taking Fluffy for a car ride may be | | | | seat belts that work with your dogs harness. |
| fun for you and him, but what are the | | | | There are car seats and car hammocks for dogs |
| consequences? | | | | designed to keep them in one place and still |
| | | | allow them the freedom to see the world |
| As a society we have made our pets, | | | | outside. And if you have a vehicle large |
| especially our dogs, into family members, or | | | | enough to accommodate them, a crate is |
| our "children". We feed them, clothe them, | | | | probably the safest way to transport your |
| take them to the vet for regular check-ups | | | | pet. By using one of these pet safety |
| and regularly pamper them. But for some | | | | devices, you can keep your pet safe in case |
| reason, when we get into our car, having Fido | | | | of an accident. Rescue personnel will be able |
| bounce around from window to window seems | | | | to safely handle your pet, so that they may |
| like the right way to travel. And I must | | | | attend to any injuries. Seat belts or |
| admit that I wave to every dog with their | | | | carriers also give rescuers a way to "hold" |
| head out the car window. | | | | your dog if you need to be transported. |
| | | | |
| Now I want you to think about every accident | | | | Dog vehicle safety devices may also help |
| scene that you have ever passed on the road. | | | | prevent an accident by keeping your pet in |
| See the confusion surrounding the scene. Now | | | | one place and out from under your brake |
| imagine YOUR little pooch in the middle of | | | | pedal! If cell phones, coffee, and the like |
| that! Unrestrained items get tossed around | | | | are dangerous distractions on our roads, then |
| violently at the time of impact. This | | | | Spot jumping from window to window must be |
| includes your pet. Windows break in an | | | | recognized as a potential problem. |
| accident. What is to stop your dog from | | | | |
| bolting in fear? What is there to stop your | | | | Take your dog with you everywhere you can. |
| dog from attacking rescue personnel. Your dog | | | | Just remember to provide them with the same |
| may only be frightened, or even thinking they | | | | car safety that you give to yourself and your |
| are protecting you, but they could be | | | | two-legged passengers. As always, enjoy your |
| preventing rescuers from saving your life. | | | | pet! |