How to travel with a dog by car

Whether you’re on a long trip or a short trip, road trips with your dog can be a lot of fun. However, traveling with animals in a vehicle can be very risky in terms of safety. In this article, you will learn how to comfortably transport your dog and minimize the risks associated with traveling by car.

Cells are the best

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals recommends that animals, regardless of size, be placed in special cages or travel carriers when traveling by car. This is necessary both for the safety of the dog itself, and to prevent distractions while driving. If possible, the cage should be mounted in the back seat of a car or in the back of an SUV, station wagon, or minivan and strapped in so that it does not slip under heavy braking. How to choose the right cage? The cage or carrier must be sized to allow the dog to stand up, turn around, sit down and lie down comfortably. At the same time, it should not be too large so that the animal does not throw inside the cage from side to side while the car is moving. In addition, adequate ventilation should be ensured. You can make the crate more comfortable for your dog by laying blankets on the floor or lining the walls with foam to prevent injury. Oh, and make sure your dog doesn’t try to eat or chew on the materials you use for upholstery.

When the cage doesn’t fit

If you can’t use the crate, you can use a harness that attaches directly to the seat belt buckle and buckle your pet in the back seat. Another affordable option for safe car travel with your dog is a mesh or metal barrier for minivans and SUVs to keep your dog in the back seat. While these options are great for keeping your pet distracted and out of your way when you’re trying to focus on the road, they won’t protect her from injury in the event of an accident. You may think that these options will give your dog more freedom and make his trip more enjoyable, but for his own safety, a crate or carrier is still the best option.

When there is no rear seat in the car

Generally, the back of a car is the safest for a dog, mainly because of the potential for injury from airbags in the front seats. But sometimes there is simply no rear seat or bodywork, as is the case with standard truck cabs or two-seat cars. In this case, it is best to place the animal in a cage or carrier in the passenger seat and deactivate the passenger side airbags. If your dog is too big to fit in the front seat, use the seat belts to secure it. Do not, under any circumstances, carry it in an open pickup truck!

On a long trip, you might want to drive as fast and as long as possible (while still respecting speed limits, of course), but don’t forget your four-legged passenger as you rush to your destination. Schedule stops every two hours to let your dog rest, stretch, and do his chores. It will not be superfluous to take fresh water with you and give it to drink during stops. If she doesn’t get sick in the car, you can feed her a little.

Travel in comfort

Keep in mind that by following these recommendations for road trips with dogs, you can ensure the safety of your dog, you and your other passengers. In fact, the main thing is to securely hold pets of any size. Your tiny dog ​​might be fine curled up in your lap while driving, but it’s no safer than holding a baby in your lap while driving. Restricting your dog’s movements for the duration of your trip by putting him in a carrier or restraint, regardless of breed or size, will greatly increase the chances that you will reach your destination safely.