Just as you buckle up all of the people in a car to keep them safe, you also need to make sure that your pets are safe and secure when they come along
for the ride. A loose pet can be a distraction, and they'll become a dangerous projectile if there's an accident. But taking a few basic steps to keep
your cat, dog, or other animal safe and comfortable in the car ensures that everyone can have a good trip.
How Dogs and Cats Can Ride Safely in a Car
The safest place for dogs and cats in the car is in the back, secured in a crash-tested carrier, crate, or harness. Research has shown that unrestrained
pets can cause serious injuries to the other passengers in a crash, even at low speeds, and they're also likely to be gravely injured themselves.
Here are a few tips for keeping your pets safe when you need to take them somewhere by car:
1. Use Crash-Tested Products
There are many pet safety products on the market, but not all of them are created equal. The Center for Pet Safety conducts independent testing on pet
carriers and restraints, certifying those that do well in crash tests as "Elite Performing Products." Choose a carrier, crate, or harness that's been
CPS-certified so you can feel confident that it will protect your pet in an accident.
2. Keep Pets in Carriers or Crates
Choose a carrier or crate that's big enough that your pet can stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Then, position the carrier or crate in
the
middle of the back seat and strap it down using the car's seat belt or other restraints. Smaller animals can ride comfortably in a lightweight carrier,
while large dogs will likely need a sturdy crate to keep them safe.
3. Use Harnesses Properly
Another option for keeping a dog or cat safe is to use a harness that attaches to the car's seat belt. A proper safety harness will secure your pet in
an upright sitting position. Harnesses that allow the animal to lie down won't adequately protect their spine from injury in a crash.
Additional Tips for Traveling With Pets
1. Give Them Proper Identification
It's a good idea to get your pet microchipped before you travel, just in case they get lost. At a minimum, they should wear a collar with an ID tag on
it that includes your phone number and address. Also, take a picture of your pet before you leave and bring it with you, so you can show it to people
if your pet escapes and you need help finding them.
2. Never Leave Pets Alone in the Car
Cars can heat up quickly, leading to heatstroke in pets, even if you leave the windows cracked open. The cold can be equally dangerous to pets left alone
in a car in the winter. Don't take your pet somewhere in the car if you won't be able to bring them with you or have someone else stay with them once
you've parked.
3. Bring Travel Supplies for Your Pet
If you're going on a longer car trip, bring their food, water, and bowls along with any medications they might need. If you'll be crossing state lines,
you might also need to bring proof of their vaccinations with you. And of course, don't forget to bring a waste scoop and plenty of bags, a travel litter
box, or whatever else your pet will need to relieve itself.
4. Help Pets Adjust to Car Rides Before You Go
Pets that never go anywhere by car or don't usually take longer car trips will need some time to adjust before you hit the road. Start by taking them
on
short drives, giving them a chance to get used to being strapped in and riding in their carrier, crate, or harness, then work your way up to longer trips.
You might want to bring a comfort item like a favorite blanket or toy to help them relax.
Before taking a longer trip, don't feed your pet right before the ride; leave a few hours in between their last feeding and when they'll need to get in
the car. This can help to prevent carsickness and give them a chance to relieve themselves before they're strapped in. If your pet is particularly energetic,
you should also make sure that they get plenty of exercise before you head out.
5. Plan Regular Breaks
Whenever you're on a long car trip, stop every couple of hours to give your pets time to stretch, eat, and relieve themselves. Never let your pet eat
while
you are in a moving vehicle, as this can lead to an upset stomach. By planning ahead and making sure that you have plenty of time for rest stops, you
can ensure a more comfortable trip for everyone in the car.
Additional Resources