How To Secure Your Dog While Traveling

February 11, 2009 by Dog Service Network
Filed under Activities, Safety

In this article, “How To Secure Your Dog While Traveling”, we will look at the best ways to protect your canine when taking him along with you on car trips.

Have you ever seen a dog fall out of the back of a pickup truck? Have you ever seen a dog hanging on a rope off the side of a pickup truck? Have you ever seen a panic stricken dog struggling to keep its balance in the back of a pickup truck? Pretty dismal situation for a dog, isn’t it?

According to a SPCA representative it is the law to have your dog secured in a vehicle. There does not appear to be a guideline to how to secure your dog. Nor is the law being enforced.

However, if you love your dog, ensure its safety when you are traveling with it in any type of vehicle. We secure ourselves with seatbelts and our small children and babies with appropriate sized car seats. Why not protect our beloved pets?

There are many brands of dog cages available through pet stores. When purchasing one for your dog, buy one that offers enough room for the dog to turn around and lie down, but also is small enough to offer comfort and security. Dogs are feral animals, that is, they are happy in a den. If caging your dog, make sure the cage is secure. Cages can slide around and get projected from an open vehicle in an accident. If your vehicle isn’t large enough to accommodate a cage, then use one of the many seat belt adapters or harnesses that can be used to secure your dog. Save your dog from being tossed around in a car. The simple act of slamming on your breaks to avoid an accident could cause your dog to fall off the seat and possibly get injured. Save yourself grief and possible veterinarian bills due to your pet being injured in your vehicle, SECURE YOUR DOG. And make sure your dog has ID tags or discs.

Remember…………….
BUCKLE UP, IT’S THE LAW.
SECURE YOUR DOG, IT’S THE LAW.

Reprinted with permission by Terrie Simpson, www.k9klearup.com/19726. Terrie has been involved in the dog world for over 28 years and has achieved numerous awards with her Springer Spaniels in tracking and obedience. Over that time, she has amassed a good amount of knowledge about how to keep a dog healthy. She is now happy to give back by sharing her experience with other dog owners.

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