Happy National Seat Belt Day! I am a HUGE advocate for pet safety in a vehicle. Too often, I see pups hanging their heads out a window or a cat sitting in the driver’s lap.
When our oldest daughter, Bekah, left Texas for Maryland, we moved her in a U-Haul with her car towed behind us. Bekah, Erick (who drove), me, and one kitty in the cab. Unfortunately, there was no room for a cat crate in the cab of the U-Haul. Where did Peanut want to sleep? Under the gas pedal. YIKES! Not safe. Where did she want to watch the scenery go by? Standing in Erick’s lap looking out his window. Again, this was not safe. Thankfully, it was still cool outside, so we ended up putting Peanut in her crate, in the tow car. We were all much happier, safer and comfortable.
Erick took Maggie (our Schnauzer) with him on a camping trip to Eisenhower State Park. He was looking for that perfect campsite and enjoying the cool breeze with the truck windows down. With her head out her window, Maggie was in heaven. Erick took a curve and Maggie was gone! He pulled the truck over, praying he hadn’t run over her. He found her a few yards away, dazed and greasy.
Now, we know better. For their safety, pets must be restrained when in a vehicle.
What are the dangers for dogs and cats who are not restrained in a vehicle?
- Flying objects could cause serious injury.
- The wind and cold air can cause lung infections and inner-ear damage.
- Excitable dogs and cats may jump out the window.
- Or…your pet might fall out the window.
- You pet might slam into, or fly through, the front windshield
How can you keep your pet safe in a vehicle?
Use a dog seatbelt! A dog seatbelt is an excellent idea for both your dog’s safety and your own while driving. They are available from Amazon for less than $10.
Cats should be crated and on the floorboard behind the front seats.
Here are some important reasons why:
- Protection from sudden stops: A dog seatbelt or a cat crate can prevent your dog or cat from being thrown forward or out of the vehicle in the event of a sudden stop or collision. Just like humans, dogs and cats are vulnerable to injury if they’re unsecured. Can you imagine your pup or kitty flying through the windshield? A seatbelt for your dog and a crate for your cat provides stabilization.
- Minimizes Distractions: An unrestrained dog or cat might roam around the car, causing distractions that could lead to an accident. A dog seatbelt and a crated cat keeps them secure and in one place, allowing you to focus on the road.
- Prevents Escape: Dogs and cats are curious and may attempt to jump out an open window or door. A seatbelt/crate keeps them in place, reducing the risk of them bolting or accidentally falling out.
- Comfort and Calmness: Many dogs and cats find security in being strapped in, which can reduce travel anxiety. Knowing they’re secure helps them relax, especially on longer trips.
- Legal Requirements: Some areas have laws requiring pets to be restrained in vehicles for both their safety and the driver’s. Using a dog seatbelt or cat crate keeps you compliant with local regulations and helps avoid fines.
Safe travels for you and your pet!
Top Dog Pet Sitters always keep an eye on your pets to make sure they’re safe. To learn more on how we can help you and your pets, check out our Services pages. Wondering if we travel to your area of McKinney or Melissa? Refer to our Service Areas pages. And if you’d like to contact us direction, see our Contact page or call us on (214) 244-1629.