How to Keep Dogs Safe in Cars

Traveling with your dog can provide good company on trips, and it can also be a great way to save money on boarding kennels or pet sitters. But you need to keep a dog just as safe as you would keep yourself and your children. It might be fun to have a dog wandering loose in a car, but in the event of an accident--even a minor one--your dog could be killed.

Things You'll Need

• Dog harness
• Dog kennel

Instructions

1. Decide on a travel method. Your dog can either travel in a secure kennel or in the seat with a harness. Also, if you have a cage installed in the back section of your car, your dog can travel back there.

2. If you use a kennel, be sure it is secured in the car. Remember that even if a dog is in a kennel, if the kennel is not secure, the entire thing can fly up and hurt the dog, or even hurt you, during an accident.

3. If you are using a harness, make sure that you have hooked it to the seat belt according to the manufacturer's guidelines and that it is the proper size for your dog. When you travel, be sure your dog is hooked up to it securely.

4. If you install a cage, be sure that the dog can not go through the windows or windshield in the event of an accident.

5. Always leave a leash on your dog while traveling in the car. If there is an accident and the dog does get out of the car, you'll be more likely to catch it if it has a leash.

Tips & Warnings

• Always travel with your dog in the secured positions.

• It helps to provide something for the dog to chew on.

• Never leave a dog in a car unattended unless there is ample air and water.