![Pet Travel Safety]()
Pets in Vehicles
Your dog or cat may not like following the
rules, but pets can’t help obeying the laws of physics. In the case of
a crash, your pet can be prone to deadly injuries, so keep them as
car-safe as every other member of the family. Here are some tips to
help you:
- Only humans in the front seat – It is very important that you keep your
dog out of the front seat. The impact of the airbags in case of an
accident can be fatal.
- Buckle up your best friend - Restraints are important. An unrestrained
dog can interfere with driving. Invest in a doggie seat belt harness,
(available at The WHS Gift Shop) a pet travel crate, or a cat/dog cargo
barrier.
- Role up those windows - Your dog’s head should be kept inside at all
times. Dogs are at risk of suffering from eye infections and allergic
reactions from airborne irritants or suffering injuries from flying
debris or rocks.
- Never leave pets unattended - On hot summer days, cars can heat up very
quickly to dangerous temperatures, even with the windows down.
- Back of pickup trucks - Unrestrained dogs in the backs of pickup trucks
can be dangerous. Pickup harnesses are available. *In Manitoba, it is
illegal to travel with an unrestrained dog in the back of an open
pickup truck.
- Take a break - For longer car rides, give yourself and your pet a few rest stops every two or three hours.
- Use barriers - These useful items allow you to drive without having
your pet distract you and will keep them from chewing on upholstery,
sunglasses or groceries.
