Road Trip Safety For Your Pets

Sixty-one percent of pet owners travel with their four-footed family members--and no wonder, because road trips are an affordable, convenient way to keep your canine (or kitty) with the pack and out of pricey kennels. Follow this advice to help your pet stay healthy and happy the whole time.

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Before You Go...

See the Veterinarian
Your pet may need updated vaccines, depending on the destination, says Gregg Takashima, DVM, president of the American Animal Hospital Association. Carry a record with you on the trip.

Make ID Tags
Even microchipped pets should wear a collar and vacation ID that has your cell number and hotel contact info, says Kim Salerno, founder of tripswithpets.com.

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Don't Let Your Shih-Tzu Ride Shotgun
One in five dog owners surveyed by AAA admitted to driving with pets in their laps, which is incredibly dangerous. Dogs should never ride freely--not in the backseat, not in the bed of a pickup, and especially not in the front seat, where the air-bag risk is the greatest. According to Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, Traffic Safety Programs manager at AAA National, an unrestrained 10-pound dog in a car going 50 MPH will exert roughly 500 pounds of pressure in a crash.

To keep your pet safe, you have two main options: a crate or a seat-belt harness. "A crate that's secured to the vehicle with tether anchors and engaged child locks is the safest way for your dog to travel," Dr. Takashima says. "Harnesses are also good, but keep your pet away from air bags, which can easily break her neck if deployed." If your pooch isn't acclimated to the method you choose, take him for short trips before your vacation to get him used to his new gear.

In a minivan, SUV, or station wagon: A crate is a smart choice, says Christie Hyde, automotive/driver safety spokesperson for AAA National. Even a divider between the backseat and trunk/cargo area isn't enough to protect your pet in a crash. Make sure the crate is large enough for her to stand, sit, lie down, and turn around--but not so large that she can pace. Place the crate in the back, facing forward (to prevent car sickness). Pick a hard crate for safety and unclip her leash to prevent dangerous tangling.

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In a sedan or sporty two-door model: A crate might not fit in the backseat. A seatbelt harness, available at pet stores for about $20, will keep her secure. Look for one with a broad front, lots of padding, sturdy metal hardware, and wide straps that are made of a seatbeltlike material.

Window Warning!
Your dog should never be allowed to stick his head out the window of a moving car. "Debris can be driven into a pet's eyes, nose, and ears--especially at high speeds--causing injuries and pain," says Dr. Takashima. "I've also seen dogs that have jumped out of a 'small crack.'"

http://www.pawnation.com/2012/07/25/road-trip-safety-for-your-pets/#page=1