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