Car Safety & Your Dog

Most places in North America have laws statingwith us? I know that my dogs would not be
that seat belts are mandatory for vehicle drivershappy with this. There are solutions for almost
and passengers. Most provinces and states haveevery 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 rideseats and car hammocks for dogs designed to
may be fun for you and him, but what are thekeep 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, especiallyhave 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 thetransport your pet. By using one of these pet
vet for regular check-ups and regularly pampersafety devices, you can keep your pet safe in
them. But for some reason, when we get intocase of an accident. Rescue personnel will be able
our car, having Fido bounce around from windowto 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 withgive 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 accidentDog 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. Nowout 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 atour 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 stopproblem.
your dog from bolting in fear? What is there toTake 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 evencar safety that you give to yourself and your
thinking they are protecting you, but they couldtwo-legged passengers. As always, enjoy your
be preventing rescuers from saving your life.pet!
So should we stop taking our pets on car rides