Your Car and Your Dog – Tips to Help You Drive Safely

If you are a pet lover and a new dog owner, you may be thinking about taking your four-legged friend for a car ride. You’ll want to make sure that they’re happy and safe during the journey, but may not be sure how to go about it. 

When you’re driving with dogs, where should they sit, and should you restrain them? Here’s how you can keep your pet safe. 

Where is the safest place for your dog to sit in the car?

Never allow dogs to travel in the front of the car or sit on your lap when you’re behind the wheel. They could easily slip off your lap if you brake suddenly and make it very hard for you to steer or stop the vehicle. 

If they sit on the front passenger seat, they could sustain an injury if the air bag deploys during an accident. It’s far better to put the dog in a rear seat or an open cargo area and look at restraints that companies have specifically designed for dogs.

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What are the law requirements for traveling with pets?

Some states have laws that insist you restrain a dog when traveling within your vehicle. For example, New Jersey now says that it is a punishable offense to carry an animal in a cruel or inhumane manner, often referred to as the “pet restraint” law.

Is your pet safe in the back seat?

During a serious accident, your car will decelerate rapidly and anything unrestrained will fly forward. Clearly, a flying object like this could cause an injury to front-seat passengers, and if you don’t restrain your dog in the back seat, they could be the object flying forward. In this situation, the animal could also sustain serious injuries. A dog harness will keep your pup secure.

Can I put my dog in the trunk?

You should never put your dog in the trunk of your car. It is not properly ventilated and could get very hot. Also, the animal could lose their balance or be severely injured if someone else crashes into the rear. Apart from the obvious suffering, you wouldn’t want to see the size of your vet bills after a car crash like this, especially if you don’t have pet insurance.

However, if you drive a wagon, hatch, or SUV, the cargo area behind the rear seats is a perfectly safe place for your best four-legged friend to ride safely in the car. 

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What about getting safety devices?

Many companies now market items that will help you keep your dog safe while in the car. 

You could think about buying a dog harness, which is effectively a seatbelt for your canine.  Alternatively, consider a dog barrier, which may be a great idea if you have a van or an SUV. 

Some people prefer to use a dog carrier or crate. Always buy a product that is the correct size for your animal, allowing it to stand upright or easily turn around. Most carriers also have a water bowl for the longer journeys. Ensure that you secure the crate or carrier when the vehicle is in motion.

But is it safer to put them even further back in the vehicle?

How can I get my dog used to traveling?

If your dog is very young or is not used to traveling in a car, it may be good to take small steps first. Introduce your pet to the vehicle while it is stationary so that they can acclimatize to the general environment. Next, go on a very short trip with your animal appropriately secured. Drive carefully and avoid any sharp acceleration or sudden braking, and they’ll slowly get used to the sensation and begin to beg you to go out for more drives.

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Other Tips When Driving with Dogs

What else should you think about?

• If you need to go on a long journey, remember to stop from time to time so that you can walk your dog and give it plenty of water.
• Don’t allow your dog to stick its head out of the window when the vehicle is in motion. It could encounter flying debris or the branch of a nearby tree.
• Above everything else, never leave the dog in the car with the windows up as this can quickly lead to heatstroke or worse.

In short, be mindful of your pet’s safety, comfort, and health by keeping them well secured, cool, as well as well-fed, and watered.  

What You Need to Know About Pets and Car Safety

When it comes to car safety for pets, you should never allow a pet to ride in the front of the car or on your lap. Make sure that you properly restrain them when traveling in the backseat or the cargo area of your SUV.

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