Car safety for dogs!
Ranked #32 in Pets & Animals, #947 overall
Keep your pup safe in the car!
On a very hot, 90 degree day in July 2007, coming back from an agility trial, me, my sis Gracie, and Mum were involved in a dangerous car accident on Interstate I-70 just west of Dayton, Ohio.
It was a very scary situation, and one we don't ever want to repeat. But one thing is certain, if Mum hadn't had us restrained in the car...well, I just hate to think of what could have happened to me and Gracie.
Here we will explore the ways in which you can keep your pup safe in your vehicle car when traveling.
And remember, it's important to keep them safe on long and short trips - even to the local pet store!Why restrain?
There are so many reasons to take precautions when traveling with your pup. Each year thousands of animals are injured, die or become needlessly lost in car accidents. Let's explore:- Your pup could distract you and cause an accident.
- If you were involved in an accident, your pup could escape from the car and become lost.
- They could be seriously injured or needlessly die if loose in your vehicle.
- Other equipment or items in your car can injure your pup in just a slight fender bender.
Read on for more information on what you can do. And please remember, keep your pets out of the front seat and safe from the airbag!
Watch what can happen when your dog is unrestrained in the car.
Eye opening!
Types of dog restraints for automobiles!
There are several ways to restrain your dog in your automobile. It's a personal decision and one that is based on many individual factors. We'll explore here the various ways to help you make a more informed decision.One of the most popular dog restraint for traveling in cars is the crate. Whether it's a soft crate, wire crate or plastic crate will depend on your individual circumstances and the available space in your vehicle.
Crates are a preferred choice when you have the space available, and the best choice when you have equipment in your car that can shift during an impact. All that equipment can be very dangerous, not only to you, but your pup.
Another good choice if you have one dog or dogs that get along well with each other, is a dog seat belt. They come in a wide variety of price ranges and you get what you pay for. Read our link on seat belt reviews to help you make a more informed decision.
If you have a small dog, a dog car seat may be a good choice. They come in several styles, and are secured with your seat belt, or an included restraint that attaches to your seat or seatbbelt. These help elevate your small dog so that they can easily see out the window, and are cushioned for comfort.
Dog restraints, an important part of travel for your pup!
- Dog Seatbelt Feature Comparison
- All kinds of great info on which dog seat belt is right for you, brought to you by Canine Auto Restraint Equipment.
- Why dogs should not be loose in your vehicle - A very important blog post from Taj MuttHall
- If you travel with your dog, please, please read this important blog post from a fellow dog agility competitor. Here is just one of the several important stories in her post: "Years ago Mom was driving her van with a dog crated in the back. Traffic on the freeway came to a dead stop but the driver behind her didn't notice and plowed into her at 60mph. Mom's van was shoved forward into the car ahead of her, the back doors popped open and the crate landed on the freeway. The van was totaled but the dog was fine."
- Car Restraints for Dogs
- All about the different types of dog restraints!
- Consumer Reports: Car safety for dogs
- The final, critical component for responsible travel with a pet is to properly secure the animal. In an accident, an unrestrained dog becomes a projectile, risking serious injury to the animal and human passengers.
- Dog Safety: How to Keep Your Dog Safe when Riding in Your Car
- An unsecured dog in a moving vehicle is a potential danger to you, your passengers, your dog, and other motorists. Read more.
- Bark-Buckle Up
- Bark-BuckleUP campaign educates pet parents on how to put on and take off safety pet belts and the importance of securing their pet safely for travel.
Great harnesses and seatbelts to keep your pup safe!
Ruff Rider - Roadie Elite Dog Safety HarnessThe most popular dog harness restraint is the Ruff Rider.
The Roadie Elite Dog Safety Harness is tested to US human seatbelt standards. Researched and independently tested, Ruff Rider's Roadie Canine Vehicle Safety/Training Harness keeps the dog you love safe while you are driving, braking or turning and affords the best protection in extreme situations.
It easily attaches to any vehicle's seatbelt system, and it includes a built-in short walking lead for all-around use. Every Ruff Rider Roadie is veterinarian-approved & exceeds S.A.E. tensile strength standards for human seat belts.
-
Dog Safety HarnessThis car harness utilizes a lightweight, comfortable vest with 600-denier nylon strapping, two high-grade aluminum carabiners, and an adjustable tether that easily attaches to your vehicle's seat belts or child-seat anchors.
-
Clix Car Safe HarnessDesigned by Dr. Roger Mugford, the Clix Car Safe Harness combines safety with comfort for your dog in the car and while walking. Soft neoprene padding covers all points of contact to ensure maximum protection in the event of a crash, with particular focus on the central chest protector.
-
PetBuckle Seat Belt HarnessSecure your dog in your vehicle. See the description and information above for the details. The PetBuckle Travel Harness can be adjusted to fit any dog over 10 lbs. with a chest size of 14" or larger.
-
PetBuckle Travel KitThe universal fit PetBuckle Travel Kit contains everything you need to safely protect your dog in your vehicle. It allows freedom of movement while your dog is safely secured and prevents your dog from distracting you while you drive. Your dog will still be able to watch out the window or lie down and sleep. Protect your loved one from sudden stops, starts, and mild collisions.
-
Lookout Type OS1This is the perfect booster seat for small dogs that like to ride with you in the car and also see out the window. Features seatbelt slot to keep it securely in place, we also recommend using a harness for added security.
Does it pass the test?
V9DT is a new standard that has been developed with manufacturers and independent laboratories. It establishes a minimum durability standard for automotive pet harnesses. Look for the "Complies with V9DT" logo on product packaging in retail stores to be sure you have the best product on the market today. Great travel crates!
-
Kennel-Aire Professional Series Wire KennelSafety for your dog, simplicity for you! Ease is the bottom line with the Kennel Aire Professional Dog Kennel. It folds to a suitcase, so you can store and carry it anywhere, and the FDA-approved plastic floorslides out easily for cleaning. Kam lock and dual pin closing mechanism provides the ultimate in security
-
NozToNoz Soft Dog CratesStylish home, portable crate, collapsible kennel, lightweight ease, hip and reliable dog house. Easy to set up and take down. Very upper class. The sides stretch tight and give this crate a look we don't see in other soft crates. It's durable, well ventilated, easy to carry, comfortable, and our dogs' first choice at nap time. Sturdy and lightweight. When we tested this crate, we had a 200 pound man sit on a corner of the set up crate and it didn't budge! Now this is where we say, "Kids, don't try this at home, we are professionals!" Try sitting on the edge of another brand of soft crate (when it breaks, come to SitStay for a new NOZTONOZ Sof Krate).
-
Precision Pet Great Crate for DogsHere's a folding 2 door dog crate for everyday use that won't cost you an arm and a leg. It's built to last and it looks good too! The doors secure with unique slider latches. Another handy feature is the unique pan release mechanism. The black plastic pan stays put which makes it nearly impossible for your dog to slide the pan out. The crate folds easily into a flat, suitcase-type package with a comfortable carrying handle. Includes a Puppy Divider Panel with every crate. We don't recommend this crate for dogs who are escape artists. No crate will hold a strong dog who wants to get out. A truly crate trained dog will be happy in any crate. Due to manufacturing variances, the sizes listed are not exact. We don't recommend purchasing one of these crates if the space it must fit has less than an inch of tolerance all the way around.
-
PetMate Vari-Kennel Traditional Pet CrateClassic Kennel is reliable and practicle and is made with durability that will last for years. Assembles in seconds without tools, made of easy-to-clean, high impact plastic, and packed with features designed for your pet's safety and comfort.
Traveling with your dog!
- ASPCA: Car Travel Tips
- The top ten tips for safe car travel.
- AKC: Traveling with your Dog
- Taking your dog along can make the family vacation more fun for everyone, if you plan carefully. Here are some trip tips to make traveling with your dog enjoyable.
Sad statistics for dogs who travel!
The Travel Industry Association of America says, "of the 71 million people in the U.S. who own dogs, over 29 million travel with them."
According to the 2007-2008 APPMA National Pet Owners Survey, "only 20% of pet owners use a restraint for their pet when they travel."
Get cool stuff for cool dogs at JohannTheDog.com!
JohannTheDog.com - where you can shop for cool stuff for cool dogs.JohannTheDog.com has put together, in one place, all the cool stuff you need for your dog.
Find dog beds, all natural foods and treats, collars, leashes, charms, training and agility gear, vitamins and supplements, books, clothing, toys, crates, dog seat belts, t-shirts and other cool stuff for two and four-leggers!
And the best part is they donate 10% of their profits to dog shelters and rescues!
Tag 'em!
Keeping identification on your dog is so very important. Surprise accidents, and emergencies happen when you least expect them. There are several ways to provide identification for your pup.1. Microchip. I have a HomeAgain microchip embedded just underneath the skin between my shoulder blades, so does my sis, Gracie, and my kittie bros, Wolfie and Wiggy. We know that if we get lost and someone finds us, that any veterinarian shelter can scan our chip and instantly know how to get in touch with our Mum.
2. Another type of identification is through the HomeAgain ID Tag. For around $40.00 you can receive a tag, microchip and a membership in the HomeAgain National Pet Recovery Database. So if your lost pet is taken to an animal shelter or veterinarian, his unique HomeAgain ID number will be used to look up your contact information and reunite you with your pet.
3. Last but certainly not least, is provide a collar id tag for your pup's collar. Include on the tag your name, address and phone number, veterinarians contact information, your pup's microchip id number, and an alternative contact phone number, just in case you can't be reached. Mum has found many dogs just wandering around our neighborhood. In every case, the pup was wearing identification and Mum was able to help reunited the lost pup with their owner within about 30 minutes. Lucky dogs!
Here's a tip: My Mum keeps a collar for both me and Gracie, and our kittie bros, Wolfie and Wiggy, in the car all the time. When we get in our crates to travel, they are very handy, and Mum can slip them on us quickly and easily. We have other sets for when we go outside and on walks.
Deluxe Canine First Aid Kit
Accidents can happen, so be prepared. The Essentials First Aid Kit is perfect for keeping in your training bag, car, or hiking pack. This kit gives you the necessary tools to handle minor to moderate injuries to your dog.
*Stainless Steel Forceps
*Emergency Information Card
*Instant Cold Compress
*4 oz Eye Wash
*Latex-free Tourniquet
*Sterile 4x4 Gauze Pads
*Sterile 5x9 ABD Pad
*1" Medical Tape
*3" x 5 yd Roll Gauze
*Cotton Tipped Applicators
*Antihistamine Capsules
*Triple Antibiotic Ointment
*Honey
*Exam Gloves
Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles!
If you've got a dog, you won't want to miss this article from Bark Buckle Up and Edmonds, reviewing the Top 10 Pet Safe Vehicles! Get your free safety kit!!!!
Be Smart Ride Safe® with Bark Buckle UP's Pet Safety Kit!
The Bark Buckle UP Pet Safety Kit was designed to protect your pets if you are in an accident. First Responders will see a sticker on your car window to direct them to locate the pet safety kit in your glove box and call your contacts to come get your pet, and inform them you have been in an accident.The kit includes:
Pet emergency information that outlines:
Shots and other records
Veterinarian information
Pet travel safety tips
Closest contact
Along with a first responder decal for your car window.
It's super easy and the first pet card and decal are free (with a buck or two for shipping). Additional pets are just $1.00!
Do it and be safe! We did!
A great first aid book for your car!
Pet First Aid & Disaster Response GuideThe Pet First Aid & Disaster Response Guide is designed to help pet owners provide temporary, urgent care to pets until they can reach a veterinary or emergency clinic. The text will teach readers to care for their animals before, during, and after an emergency.
The Pet First Aid & Disaster Response Guide includes coverage of:
* Preventing emergencies
* Preparing for disasters
* Normal vital signs
* Making a disaster action plan
* Personal safety precautions to help pet owners identify and minimize risks
* A wide array of pet emergencies including bleeding and bite wounds, cardiac arrest, choking, burns, poisoning, trauma, and more
Give me some woofs!
-
-
lclchors
May 24, 2012 @ 12:41 pm | delete
- very important lens every pet owner should read
-
-
-
Sky-lab
May 24, 2012 @ 1:41 am | delete
- Very informative. I just started to use a plastic crate because I was worried about what would happen if I had a car crash.
-
-
-
Tony stemberger
May 19, 2012 @ 8:44 am | delete
- Jeez, after watching that first video, with the dog crashing into the window; I think it's time I get my dogs off my lap, out of the front seat and use the restraints I bought years ago.......
-
-
-
anushka6605
May 12, 2012 @ 12:54 am | delete
- Good one... Thanks for this safety lens
-
-
-
AlphaChic
Apr 20, 2012 @ 11:33 am | delete
- Hi five to you! This is a great lens with a very important message. Well thought out and very complete. I, too, was in a bad accident with my dog and because he was crated, the worst we suffered was a bad fright.
-
-
-
Pamela O'Saile
Apr 18, 2012 @ 2:03 pm | delete
- I attached a large card laminated with the names and phone numbers of several dog friends that I new could come get my dogs if I were in an accident on the crate I keep in the car. I also leave a leash on my dog while they are in the crate I have one dog that is very freaky and would be hard to catch and might make it easier for someone to nab him if he got out after an accident. Hope an accident does not happen but better safe than sorry.
-
-
-
JohannTheDog Apr 18, 2012 @ 4:43 pm | delete
- Great tips Pamela!
-
-
-
PuppiesUnleashed
Apr 17, 2012 @ 5:16 pm | delete
- Having your dog in a proper carrier is good advice. It's not always easy or practical but you should do it. If you can't do that then a pet barrier is another good option.
-
-
-
jholland Apr 16, 2012 @ 3:26 am | delete
- Great information. My Husky-Shepherd mix traveled through more than 30 states with me in the 10 years after she came home from a shelter. She was a perfect traveling companion - but I learned after the first long trip to secure her in the car. At a gas station hundreds of miles from home, she bolted from the car before I could get her leash. Watching her play chicken with oncoming traffic was not my idea of fun and she was safely restrained after that.
-
-
-
JohannTheDog Apr 18, 2012 @ 4:44 pm | delete
- That is just toooo scary! Glad she is safe!
-
-
-
DarleneN
Apr 15, 2012 @ 6:21 pm | delete
- Wow, great lens. This is something most pet owners never think about. My husband stopped to help at an accident scene once; the man who was in the car was injured, and his two dogs had run off, terrified. He did get them back the next day, though, and they were OK. Wish they had been restrained!
-
-
-
bloomingrose
Apr 15, 2012 @ 5:33 pm | delete
- Back to pin your lens to my "Dog" board.
-
-
-
JohannTheDog Apr 18, 2012 @ 4:44 pm | delete
- Thank you!
-
-
-
marktodd
Apr 14, 2012 @ 5:26 pm | delete
- Our dog 'Sisa' hates the car she hides under the car seats! Woof!!
-
-
-
omesanko
Apr 14, 2012 @ 2:54 am | delete
- This simply shows how the owner loved his pets, animals are like humans who must be care, they have a feelings who need love. I like this lens, thank you for this information, I will buy like this to my car, for the safety of my pets.
-
-
-
MyraReid
Apr 12, 2012 @ 4:11 am | delete
- very informative lens and it very helpful to me as a pet lover.. thanks for sharing your tips and more power to your lens
-
-
-
christie11
Apr 11, 2012 @ 3:41 pm | delete
- Great lens! Love it! Safety for your traveling hound! My dog gets buckled in the back seat. No more front seat for her.
-
-
-
JohannTheDog Apr 11, 2012 @ 3:46 pm | delete
- Good for you Christie!
-
-
-
favored1
Apr 11, 2012 @ 1:29 pm | delete
- This is exactly what I've been trying to get across to pet lovers. Adding this to my pet lens so people will visit here.
-
-
-
Pastiche
Apr 11, 2012 @ 10:19 am | delete
- I travel with a cat, and she rides with a harness and a soft carrier. I think that small dog booster might be fun for her in combination with a proper-fit travel harness. Must research this topic for kitties!
-
- Load More
by JohannTheDog
Hi, I'm Johann, nice to meet you!
I'm an agility dog, herder, marrow bone lover, green dog, blogger, charity hound & Chief Dog at JohannTheDog.com!
- 154 featured lenses
- Winner of 21 trophies!
- Top lens » Teach your dog to walk on a treadmill!












