Car safety for dogs!

Ranked #114 in Pets & Animals, #3,093 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.
It doesn't have to be! Please be safe, be aware, be educated; and help educate and bring awareness to others.

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!

Crash Test... cani in auto in sicurezza
by centrostudidelcaneit | video info

6 ratings | 7,537 views
curated content from YouTube

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.

This is what we don't like to see!

anti botox brigade by emdot
car.ride by ocbeejay
Tobique's first car ride by Greencolander
Waiting Dog by kencf0618
Woooosshhhh!!... by ♡Blackangelツ
curated content from Flickr

This is what we like to see!

Pimp My Dog by cote
Good boy in the car! by Living in Monrovia
Responsible passenger, wearing his seatbelt by ~ggvic~
Happy to be in the "bye-bye car!" by abbynormy
IMG_1169 by pdxjeff
Driving to the bank... by jelene
curated content from Flickr

Dog restraints, an important part of travel for your pup!

Here are some important articles we found on the subject of restraining your dog in your car, for their safety and yours!

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 Harness

The 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 Harness

    This 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 Harness

    Designed 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 Harness

    Secure 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 Kit

    The 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 OS1

    This 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.

Driving safely!

No Tails Left Unbuckled
by wagn4u | video info

1 rating | 2,319 views
curated content from YouTube

Great travel crates!

If you can fit a crate in your car it is the safest form of travel for your dog. It's what we do! Here are some recommended crates that will fit nicely in a van or SUV.
  • Kennel-Aire Professional Series Wire Kennel

    Safety 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 Crates

    Stylish 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 Dogs

    Here'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 Crate

    Classic 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!

Tips and info on the best way to travel 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.
Pick up some great pet travel tips from PetAirways
Prepping your Dog or Cat for Travel.

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!

More great info on car safety for dogs from AAA and Kurgo!

AAA/KurgoPetSafetyVideo.mp4
by AAA | video info

11 ratings | 1,930 views
curated content from YouTube

Get all the gear you need to be prepared!

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

Ready Dog Essentials 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 Guide

The 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

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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!

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