Is Fido Buckled In? - Car Safety for Dogs
by Chris Vassonei

Many people do not realize the importance and value of having their dog travel seat belted in the car.  My own personal preference would be to transport my dog in a crate, such as in the back of an SUV.  However, I don't own an SUV, and it doesn't look like I'll be getting one in the near future.  So when I take my dogs anywhere, they ride in the back seat, wearing a doggie seat belt.

Everyone knows it's important for children to be buckled in.  In many states, it's the law for all persons to be wearing their seatbelt.  But did you know that dogs can suffer injury just the same as a child if you're involved in an accident?  They can become a projectile, going through the windshield, or they can be thrown around in the back seat or floor, suffering broken bones.

One thing people may NOT realize is that if they are involved in an accident where they need emergency medical care, it is the responsibility of the paramedics and police to administer to you first and not to worry about your dog.  If you're in an accident and your dog has been injured, is in shock, or is just terrified and acting completely unlike himself, the police have the right to either "subdue" your dog or let it loose, to run the chance of being hit by a car or running away.

So, if you transport your dog in a crate or in a seatbelt, you will have the peace of mind of knowing that if you become involved in an accident, your dog will first be safer and, second, will be restrained and out of the way of the medical personnel that may have to attend to you.  Your dog will also be comfortably contained so that you can focus your attention where it should be, on driving the car safely without a dog in your face or lap!  And remember to have Fido "buckle-up" in the backseat if your car has passenger-side airbags.  If your dog is riding in the front passenger seat and the airbag deploys, he can be seriously injured.

And, as one last point, please DO NOT EVER transport an animal either loose or on a chain in the back of a pick-up truck.  Besides the obvious danger of the dog jumping or falling out and being run over, if he's on a chain and this happens, he will hang himself.  If you absolutely have no room in the cab for your dog, use a dog crate in the pick-up bed and tether it to the sides for stability.

Canine seat belts can be purchased at most pet stores and online from these merchants.

Copyright © 2003 - Carol Fisher