10 Tips to Keep Your Pet Safe While Driving
At Leash, we’re the pet ride safety experts. So we know keeping your pet safe while they are riding in a moving vehicle is of the utmost importance.
Here are several ways to ensure your furry friend stays protected while on the road:
- Use a pet restraint. Just like seatbelts keep us safe in the event of an accident, pet restraints do the same for our furry companions. There are several types of pet restraints available, including harnesses that attach to a seatbelt, crates that are secured in the back of a vehicle, and barriers that keep pets in the back seat.
- Keep your pet in the back seat. The back seat is the safest place for your pet to ride, as it is farther away from the front airbags. If your pet is small enough to fit in a carrier, that is the best option.
- Never leave your pet alone in a parked car. Even on a mild day, temperatures inside a parked car can quickly become unbearable for your pet. Heat stroke, brain damage, and even death can occur in a matter of minutes.
- Make sure your pet has proper identification. Make sure your pet has a collar with identification tags and/or a microchip. In case your pet escapes or becomes lost during a car ride, proper identification will increase the chances of them being returned to you.
- Plan ahead for rest stops. Just like humans, pets need to take breaks and stretch their legs during long car rides. Plan ahead for rest stops where your pet can get out of the car, have a drink of water, and use the bathroom.
- Keep your pet calm. A stressed or anxious pet can be a danger to themselves and others while in the car. You can help keep your pet calm by providing them with a familiar blanket or toy and playing calming music.
- Check your car for hazards. Before you hit the road, make sure your car is free of any hazards that could harm your pet. This includes things like open windows, exposed sharp edges, and loose items that could become projectiles in the event of an accident.
- Provide fresh water and food. Long trips can be dehydrating, so make sure your pet has fresh water and food available.
- Don’t let your pet stick their head out the window. While it may seem like fun for your pet, allowing them to stick their head out the window can cause injury from flying debris or other hazards.
- Have emergency plan in case of accident. In case of an accident, it is important to have a plan in place for your pet’s safety. Make sure someone knows that your pet is in the car with you, and plan for an emergency contact or veterinarian to take care of your pet in case you are unable to.
By following these tips, you can help ensure that your pet stays safe while riding in a moving vehicle. Remember, your pet depends on you to keep them safe, so take the necessary steps to protect them on the road.
