We’ve all seen it — people driving down the road with their dog cheerfully sticking its head out the window, tongue hanging out, ears flopping in the wind. Seeing the dog’s joy may bring a smile to your face, but is it safe? Should dogs be secured in a dog seat?
THE RISKS OF RIDING UNSECURED
As a pet owner, you may see little harm in letting your pup ride unsecured while in the vehicle. However, even the best-behaved dog can be hurt, or killed, if you swerve unexpectedly or there’s a collision. Securing your pet when driving can not only help keep your pet safe, but also keep you and other passengers in your vehicle safe.
Millions of Americans own at least one dog, and many take their pup along in the vehicle, whether it’s running errands around town, visiting the vet, or going on a road trip. Regardless of the reason, the dangers of letting Fido roam free in the vehicle are real.
According to a 2024 survey commissioned by Erie Insurance, a whopping 92% of dog owners surveyed said they are driving somewhere with their dogs for various reasons. What’s especially alarming is the fact that 50% of pet owners who drive with their dog acknowledged that their pup could cause an accident while in the car with them.
In a separate survey conducted by AAA, 31% of respondents admitted to being distracted by their dog while driving, and one in five allowed their dog to sit in their lap. Some people also said they’ve played with their dog or given it food and water while driving. The survey also revealed that only 17% of drivers used some form of pet restraint system when driving with their dog.
To put it in perspective, the AAA explained it like this: “An unrestrained 10-pound dog in a crash at 50 mph will exert roughly 500 pounds of pressure, while an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert 2,400 pounds of pressure.”
As a pet parent, you want to keep your fur babies safe, and unfortunately, accidents happen. That’s why it’s important to take precautions and help ensure the safety of your dog when traveling.
DOG CAR SEATS AND CRATES
Whether you’re shopping at a pet store or online, you’ll quickly find that there are several ways to secure your dog in the car. There are basically two types of dog car seats: carriers and crates. There are also harnesses, which are worn on the dog’s upper body and secured by a seat belt. Let’s take a closer look at each.
Carriers
When you envision a dog car seat, it’s probably a carrier that initially comes to mind. Carriers, sometimes called a dog booster seat, are soft-sided, box-shaped seats that are often recommended for small to medium-sized dogs. They are secured to the seat by a seat belt and feature a safety leash so your pup won’t be able to jump out.
Crates
If you opt for a crate, consider a hard-sided crate with ventilation holes that can be secured to the seat. Make sure it’s large enough for your pup to sit, stand, lie down, and turn around without touching the top. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), a collapsible or wire crate isn’t recommended since they can break and hurt or kill your pet in the event of a car accident.
Harnesses
Harnesses are another way to secure your pet. Unlike a leash worn around a dog’s neck, harnesses are worn on the dog’s upper body and secured by a seat belt. To make sure it isn’t too loose or too tight, you should be able to comfortably fit two fingers between the harness and your dog’s body.
Regardless of the restraining system you choose, just make sure that it’s attached to the seat belt or securely anchored to the vehicle so it won’t move if you have to make a sudden stop or are involved in a car accident.
It may be tempting to let your pup roam free in the car, but accidents happen, and animal behavior can be unpredictable. Your dog can still enjoy the thrill of the open road, but take precautions to make sure it’s safe and secure. At Acoma Animal Clinic, we’re here to help keep your pet happy and healthy. Contact us today to learn more.
