BY SOLO INSURANCE® [Update of Nov 2019]

Restrain Your Beloved Pet?  Yes

According to AVMA [American Veterinary Medical Association]: “Transport of pets, loose or tethered, in open cargo areas of motor vehicles is not safe and puts the animal’s health and welfare at risk.” (Source)  The same could be said for back and front seats also.

Why Restrain Pets in Your Car?

Simply put, restrain your pets in the car for safety: Yours, theirs, other passengers, other drivers. Dogs, and animals in general, become flying projectiles when loose in a vehicle wrecking. So, restraining a dog in a car prevents injury to the pet and passengers even during sudden stops or worse, accidents. A loose animal also dangerously distracts the driver. After a crash it can also be bad or terribly sad. Unrestrained pets escape into traffic or run off, often with heartbreaking results.

Contact Solo Insurance® for more information about car insurance savings or to get a quote.

Restraint Options

In a recent social media post someone asked, “Am I the only one who makes my dogs ride in crates 100% of the time?”  She’s not alone, but “non-craters” likely exceed those who use secured crates.

Crates, especially when secured to the vehicle, add much safety for your dear ones. Crates protect their passengers by limiting the amount of movement, impact and ability to run scared in case of an accident. Some crates are so tough that even if they get thrown from the vehicle, there’s a good chance they’ll stay intact! These crates limit the injury that can happen and help prevent the pet from running off or getting thrown. Consider crates as you would a car seat for a child.

Other forms of restraints are also available.

• Geared to dogs, there are harness restraints that attach to the vehicle’s seatbelt or LATCH system.
• For smaller dogs there are car seats with restraints in them as well; they raise the dog to be able to see out of the window.
• For large breeds, some barriers keep the dog in the back of an SUV, but they’re not secured. A harness could help secure them in the vehicle.

But, again, a crated pet (in a good crate) is the safest choice, for all involved.

My Dog Rides in My Lap

NOT a good idea! Dogs in laps are dangerous. Please do not let your pet ride in your lap. It’s unsafe for them and for other humans on the road. Lap pets can cause drivers to swerve unexpectedly. Not to mention, the poor pet could fall out the window, get hurt or cause more problems.

In some states, like Illinois, a dog in the lap is a fineable offense.  Did you know: Police can even issue citations for having a dog in your lap while driving. Specific laws vary by state, but driving with a pet in your lap is distracted driving or impinged operation of a vehicle. Therefore, police officers can pull you over and issue a ticket.

Restrain Your Pets in the Car for Safety

It’s not worth losing a beloved pet in a car accident. We strap in. We secure our children. While crated pets are the most secure pets when it comes to vehicles, there are other restraint options and styles. Research online then go to your local pet store to see them. The key is keeping it simple, but secure, to make sure you latch them in. Love your pets and secure them. Remember, it’s not cute when they are in your lap.

They trust you with their lives. Be trust-worthy and take care of them.

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