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Car Safety

You would not put your child in the backseat without a seat belt on, and it is equally important that you provide the same level of restraint for your dog.

For the safety of your dog and for the people riding in the car, you should never allow your dog to ride loose in the car. An unrestrained dog can become a dangerous projectile in the event of an accident, and you put your dog’s life at risk as well as your own when you allow him to ride loose in the car.

Safe Options for Restraining Dogs in Cars

• Crates
  The easiest way to ensure your dog's safety in the car is to confine him to a crate. You want to use the sturdiest crate you can find, as some flimsier crates can still fall apart in an accident. If possible, tie the crate down to the base of the car using bungee cords, or box the crate in around other heavy items to avoid sliding. If you are going to use a crate for car rides, it is important to first acclimate your dog to the crate.

• Harness Restraints
  Harness-style restraints are a great alternative to using a crate, but they do require some time and training to get your dog used to wearing them. A dog that is used to riding loose in the car may not immediately take to the idea of wearing a harness in the car. These harnesses are specifically designed to keep you and your dog safer in the event of an accident.

Bottom Line
Although it may seem silly to buckle your dog in the same way you would your child, keeping pets safely restrained is extremely important for the sake of everyone riding in your car.

 

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