May 2008
Car safety
The final, critical component for responsible travel with a pet is to properly secure the animal. In an accident, an unrestrained
dog becomes a projectile, risking serious injury to the animal and human passengers.
To protect all passengers in a vehicle, it is recommended that pets be restrained by one of three methods. Each type of restraint is available at major pet stores and online supply houses, but there are varying levels of protection and risk.
For crate-trained animals, a plastic or collapsible crate is a natural choice for transportation. A crate offers familiar surroundings, a secure space, and the added convenience of having a place for your dog to sleep once you reach your destination. Unfortunately, many owners make the mistake of loading the crate--and the pet--into the vehicle without restraining the crate itself. Unsecured crates can move during sudden emergency maneuvers and accidents, and the dog might be injured within the crate.
Make the crate a comfy environment. Place a towel or crate mat in the crate for the dog to lie on, according to Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Give the dog some toys to keep him occupied. Make sure your dog has a water supply to stay cool.
An alternative is to secure the animal using a restraint harness that locks into a seat-belt receptacle, though the safety of these devices has not been tested, according to Dr. Beaver. A harness fitted around the animal's chest may allow the pet to move (sit, lay down, look out the window) within the vehicle while keeping the animal secure in the seat in case of a sudden stop. Look for harnesses with metal buckles, since plastic may break during a collision. A drawback to the restraint harness: If the dog vomits, it will likely get on the seats and carpet instead of being contained in a crate.
For SUVs and wagons, you can also install a wire or nylon mesh pet barrier between the rear cargo compartment and the rear seat. But from a safety perspective, this is the least desirable alternative. While the barrier effectively confines the animal to the cargo area while allowing it to stretch and move around, unless the animal is secured he could fly around during a sudden maneuver or accident, injuring himself. In addition, if the rear-window glass should break or pop out in an accident, the dog could get loose on the highway.
Another concern: Before you buy such a barrier, check how it is secured in the vehicle. The installation should be strong enough that it won't become dislodged in a collision, allowing the animal to fly forward and possibly injuring rear passengers. Gates that rely on tension against the vehicle headliner for vertical stability, for instance, might carry an increased risk of becoming dislodged during an accident.
No matter what restraint method you choose, get your animal accustomed to traveling that way before the big family trip. Training, a little preparation, and the right restraint will make for a fun and safe holiday even the four-legged family members will enjoy!
To protect all passengers in a vehicle, it is recommended that pets be restrained by one of three methods. Each type of restraint is available at major pet stores and online supply houses, but there are varying levels of protection and risk.
For crate-trained animals, a plastic or collapsible crate is a natural choice for transportation. A crate offers familiar surroundings, a secure space, and the added convenience of having a place for your dog to sleep once you reach your destination. Unfortunately, many owners make the mistake of loading the crate--and the pet--into the vehicle without restraining the crate itself. Unsecured crates can move during sudden emergency maneuvers and accidents, and the dog might be injured within the crate.
Make the crate a comfy environment. Place a towel or crate mat in the crate for the dog to lie on, according to Dr. Bonnie Beaver, a professor in the Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences at Texas A&M University in College Station, Texas. Give the dog some toys to keep him occupied. Make sure your dog has a water supply to stay cool.
An alternative is to secure the animal using a restraint harness that locks into a seat-belt receptacle, though the safety of these devices has not been tested, according to Dr. Beaver. A harness fitted around the animal's chest may allow the pet to move (sit, lay down, look out the window) within the vehicle while keeping the animal secure in the seat in case of a sudden stop. Look for harnesses with metal buckles, since plastic may break during a collision. A drawback to the restraint harness: If the dog vomits, it will likely get on the seats and carpet instead of being contained in a crate.
For SUVs and wagons, you can also install a wire or nylon mesh pet barrier between the rear cargo compartment and the rear seat. But from a safety perspective, this is the least desirable alternative. While the barrier effectively confines the animal to the cargo area while allowing it to stretch and move around, unless the animal is secured he could fly around during a sudden maneuver or accident, injuring himself. In addition, if the rear-window glass should break or pop out in an accident, the dog could get loose on the highway.
Another concern: Before you buy such a barrier, check how it is secured in the vehicle. The installation should be strong enough that it won't become dislodged in a collision, allowing the animal to fly forward and possibly injuring rear passengers. Gates that rely on tension against the vehicle headliner for vertical stability, for instance, might carry an increased risk of becoming dislodged during an accident.
No matter what restraint method you choose, get your animal accustomed to traveling that way before the big family trip. Training, a little preparation, and the right restraint will make for a fun and safe holiday even the four-legged family members will enjoy!
