3 dog travel safety tips

These days, no matter where we go, people can’t seem to leave the house without their pets, and that includes our cars. But what most of us may not consider is that driving with our canine companion can be dangerous.

According to a recent AAA survey, more than half of all respondents admit to engaging in at least one potentially distracting activity while driving with their dog.

Of course, driving distracted can easily lead to a crash. So, in an effort to keep you and your canine safe, we have compiled a list of dog travel safety tips you should know when driving with your dog.

Dog travel safety tips: Secure your ride

Whether you’re on a quick outing across town or a long road trip, your pet should always be restrained while you’re behind the wheel; after all, if dogs are given free reign in a vehicle, it can prove distracting or worse. In the event of an accident, pets left unrestrained can easily be thrown from a car or become dangerous projectiles, possibly injuring you or other passengers.

Providing your pet with a restraint system is the best way to avoid these scary situations. Here are a few options:

• Pet barrier: These containment measures can serve as a car divider to keep dogs from wandering all over while you drive. Additionally, they can help block Fido from sitting on your lap and come in a variety of different sizes to fit most vehicles. But while they can be helpful in avoiding doggy distractions, barriers won’t provide crash protection.
• Harness: Harnesses are the equivalent of a seatbelt for dogs. Not only do they limit movement, but they also help protect your furry friend in the event of an accident. Not all harnesses are created equal, though. Still, the Center For Pet Safety recommends purchasing a crash-tested version as the safest bet for your pet.

Dog travel safety tips: Be mindful of the temperature

Is it ever OK to leave your dog in the car? The short answer is “no.” Even in the shade, the temperature can heat up quickly inside your vehicle. Let’s say the weather outside is mild. Well, it’s still not a safe call to leave your pup in a vehicle whose inside temperature could rise to 90 degrees or higher.

In fact, experts say if it’s 70 degrees outside, the temperature inside your vehicle can rise to 104 degrees within 30 minutes. Not to mention, if you choose to leave your pet in the car in one of these 16 states, which have hot car laws, you could wind up facing some serious fines and criminal charges.

Instead, search online for dog-friendly businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, along your route so that you can avoid this potentially dangerous dilemma altogether.

Dog travel safety tips: Plan for the long haul

When taking your pet on an extended trip, it’s always a good idea to keep a maintenance checklist handy to get your vehicle ready to hit the road. Many of the same things that keep humans safe also help our dogs stay out of danger’s way.

For example, getting an oil change and making sure your coolant, wiper, brake and steering fluid are all topped off can help you avoid unnecessary stops, which can lengthen trip times and ultimately take a toll on your dog.

Another critical safety check is to measure the tread depth of your car’s tires before heading out. Having the proper amount of tread on your tires is crucial to navigating through inclement weather, using emergency braking maneuvers and generally staying safe on the road.

The importance of dog travel safety

Ultimately, drivers who travel with canine passengers should look for any number of ways to safeguard their pooch. It’s also critical to keep up with regular vehicle maintenance, such as oil changes and checking tread depth. Being mindful and intentional about vehicle maintenance helps contribute to the overall goal of a road trip: safety and enjoyment for you and Fido.