Protecting Your Pet While Traveling
Many families choose to take their pets when traveling. Before loading the animals into a vehicle, ensure they can be properly restrained for their safety. When a vehicle brakes suddenly, the animal may be thrown from the vehicle and injured or killed if it isn’t restrained. The same could happen if the vehicle is involved in a crash.
Pets and humans need to be secured. When purchasing a truck seat cover from 4Knines (https://4knines.com/collections/truck-seat-covers), look for pet restraints designed for vehicle use. Securing the pet will also reduce the risk of the pet distracting the driver.
Choosing a Pet Restraint
Government entities oversee the safety and security of human restraints, but pet products don’t have this oversight. Manufacturers might claim their products are “crash-tested” but an owner cannot know what this means. The Center for Pet Safety tests products to ensure they function as claimed. Sadly, few products that undergo these tests earn the organization’s crash test certification.
Pet owners spend tens of billions of dollars each year on their companions and want to ensure they’re getting value for their money. Thanks to funding from Subaru, the car manufacturer, they know which products to buy to keep their pets safe when traveling in a car or truck. Owners will have peace of mind knowing they have done everything possible to keep the animals safe from harm.
Travel Tips
- Invest in mats and liners to keep carpets clean. Many owners opt for mats and liners with lipped edges to prevent spills from spreading.
- Carry a pet bed if the animal is used to it. The animal will feel more secure when it has this bed.
- Purchase a loading ramp to make it easier for the dogs to enter and exit the vehicle. Choose a telescoping or foldable ramp so it will fit in the car for travel.
- Research pet-friendly places along the travel path. Petswelcome.com and petfriendlytravel.com are excellent starting points.
- Ensure every animal on the trip has a collar ID tag. This tag should include the pet’s name, the owner’s name and phone number, and any medical information a vet may need if the animal is lost. If there is enough room, include the regular vet’s phone number on the tag. Carry a picture of the pet to share with others if the animal gets lost.
- Carry the pet’s regular food on the trip to prevent gastrointestinal issues. Doing so will also save money. Have a water dish and bottled water readily available for the animal.
- Consider purchasing a few new toys for the pets. Playing with the toys will distract them and help reduce stress.
- Carry the pet’s medical records and medications. If a vet must be seen on the trip, they will have the information they need to care for the pet without harming it unintentionally.
- Keep animals secured on leashes. Put the leashes on before opening the car or truck door to prevent them from running off.
The most important thing to remember is never leave an animal in a car on a hot day. While it may feel cool outside, the interior of the vehicle will heat rapidly, and the animal could be harmed or killed. Plan ahead to ensure the pet can go where the family goes and remain safe from harm. They will have their loving owners to minimize the risk of anything wrong happening.