Whether driving to the dog park or on a cross-country road trip, you must take certain precautions to keep your pet safe in the car. Read our Roosevelt Animal Hospital team’s tips to learn how to keep your pet safe during a road trip.

#1: Restrain your pet appropriately

If you allow your pet to roam freely around your vehicle, they can distract the driver, potentially leading to an accident. In addition, if you are in an accident and your pet isn’t restrained, they can be thrown from the car. Vehicle pet restraints include:

  • Pet carrier — The best option for cats and small dogs is a pet carrier. The carrier should be large enough that your pet can turn around easily and stretch out when lying down. Place the carrier in a secure location where it can’t slide around or tip over. A good spot is behind the front passenger seat.
  • Crate — A crate is a good way to restrain large dogs when traveling. To determine the appropriate crate size, measure your dog’s height when standing and body length, and add four inches to these measurements. Place the crate as close to the center of the car as possible, and secure the crate so it can’t slide around.
  • Pet barrier — A pet barrier can be used in sport utility vehicles (SUVs), station wagons, and hatchbacks to confine your pet to a specific area. 
  • Safety harness — A safety harness is another option for large-breed dogs. Find a product that allows your pet to sit, stand, and lie down while remaining restrained. 

#2: Never put your pet in the front seat

An airbag can injure your pet if they travel in a vehicle’s front seat. Always restrain your pet in the rear seats, away from areas that have side-impact airbags.

#3: Properly identify your pet

If traveling by car with your pet, they can get past your defenses when you stop for a rest. Your pet has a much higher chance of reuniting safely with you if they have your current contact information. Microchipping is the best way to ensure your pet’s identification (ID) isn’t lost or removed. Our Roosevelt Animal Hospital team can easily perform this procedure at your pet’s next wellness visit. Once the chip is in place, you must keep your contact information updated in the microchip registry, so authorities can notify you if they find your pet. In addition to having your pet microchipped, you should also ensure they wear a well-fitting collar and legible ID tags that have your current contact information.

#4: Never let your pet hold their head out the vehicle window when traveling

Although many pets seem to enjoy having their head out the window, with the wind blowing their ears back during a car ride, this is an extremely dangerous practice. Potential dangers include:

  • Flying objects — Rocks or other objects may hit your pet.
  • Eye injuries — Small particles, such as bugs, sand, or other debris, can seriously injure your pet’s eye.
  • Sudden stops — If you stop suddenly, your pet may fall out the window or be injured.
  • Jumps — If your pet sees a small animal or other pet, they may get excited and jump out of the car, putting themself in serious danger.

#5: Never leave your pet in an unattended vehicle

When traveling, do not stop at establishments that are not pet-friendly. Your pet is never safe when left in an unattended vehicle, because temperatures quickly rise to dangerous levels in the small, enclosed space. Parking in the shade or leaving your window cracked open is not enough to diminish your pet’s overheating risk. You may plan to leave your pet unattended for a minute or so, but you may become sidetracked or detained. 

#6: Take frequent breaks to allow your pet to relieve themself

Pets need frequent breaks to stretch their legs and relieve themselves. If you are traveling with your pet, don’t expect to stay on a strict schedule. Be flexible, and stop often, so you and your pet can both enjoy the trip.

#7: Bring water for your pet

Pets can easily overheat, and dehydration increases their heatstroke risk. Bring bottled water and a portable bowl so you can frequently offer your pet a fresh drink from a clean source. 

#8: Bring toys for your pet

A gray kitten with big eyes explores inside a pet carrier, possibly ready for a visit to the vet. Its front paw is extended in motion, curiosity leading the way. Beside it on the blue pad sits a colorful striped ball, adding a touch of playfulness to the journey.

Traveling can be stressful for your pet, and providing distractions can help alleviate their anxiety. Bring a few of your pet’s favorite toys to occupy them during the trip.

#9: Never transport your pet in an open truck bed

Traveling in an open truck bed is extremely dangerous for pets. They may jump out in traffic or be thrown if the vehicle stops suddenly. If your pet gets loose, they can cause an accident that harms people in other vehicles. In addition, an open truck bed offers no protection from the hot sun, increasing your pet’s heatstroke risk. You also should never leash your pet within an open truck bed because if they jump over the side, they can strangle themself.

Follow these tips to help ensure your car rides with your pet are safe and fun. To have your pet microchipped before your next road trip, contact our Roosevelt Animal Hospital team.