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While you may be tempted to open the door and let your pooch sit with you on the front seat, don’t do it. An unrestrained animal in a moving car is a recipe for disaster. A 2019 Volvo study found that allowing pets to roam unrestrained while driving led to “significantly more unsafe driving behaviors, more time distracted, and increased stress on both drivers and their four-legged friends.”
Let’s face it—not all pets are road trip enthusiasts. Some dogs associate car rides with vet visits, while many cats would rather stay put than hit the highway. Even when properly restrained, pets can still experience stress during travel. If your furry friend hesitates to hop in, try easing their nerves with a treat or a short, fun ride to a nearby park or pet store. Here are a few other tips:
- Take several short trips before any long haul.
- If it’s a long ride, plan for stops every two hours for your pets to relieve themselves, exercise, and sniff new things.
It’s dangerous to have a dog on your lap or unrestrained in your car. Keep your pet on a leash at all times. In the event of an accident, airbags are not designed to protect loose animals.
Check for local or regional laws that might apply. This is a partial list:
- In Hawaii, New Jersey, and Rhode Island, it is against the law to transport an unrestrained animal.
- In California, Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Washington, it is illegal to drive a truck with an unrestrained animal in the truck bed.
- Maine extended the ban on unrestrained animals to include driving a convertible.
- Several states, including Arizona, Florida, and Nevada, consider driving with an unrestrained pet a form of distracted driving.
Buckle Up, Buddy
In an accident, an unrestrained pet can be thrown across the cabin or escape through a broken window, endangering itself and others. Just like a child, the safest spot for an animal is in the back seat of a car. Use a pet harness linked to a seat belt for an anchor. Your animal can still enjoy the sights and sounds while cruising.
Turn off the rear electric window switches, so only the driver can open and close the windows. This will prevent accidental injury from pets leaning on buttons. Adjust your car’s vents and fan settings, especially those directed towards the rear seat, to provide good airflow to your traveling pet.
Kurgo, a popular brand for dog lovers, offers a harness that includes a strap to clip into a seatbelt. If you already use a harness with your pooch, Kurgo also sells a strap to connect the harness to the seat belt clip. The Coastal Easy Rider Harness is another popular choice among pet lovers.
For smaller animals, place the pet inside a carrier and secure the carrier in the rear passenger compartment using either a seatbelt or a child restraint latch. Carriers can also be used to transport a pet via a plane. JoyPaws offers a carrier suitable for cars and planes.
Another good option is to place your pet in a wire crate in the cargo area of an SUV. Secure the crate in the cargo bed to prevent it from shifting or moving around. Even with the crate tied down, your pet might still be unsteady if you swerve suddenly or hit the brakes.
The crate should be rigid enough to offer some crash protection. It shouldn’t flex if you lean on it. Avoid collapsible crates that might not withstand the vigor of a crash. Many manufacturers indicate if they have crash-tested their devices.
Petmate offers a variety of rigid plastic crates, like its Sky Kennel model. Pet Essentials wire mesh crates are another solid choice.
Some companies offer a wire mesh barrier between the bench seat and an SUV’s cargo area. While this prevents the animal from jumping forward into the back seat, the extra freedom of movement increases the risk of injury.
Making Your Car Pet-Ready
If you place the animal in the back seat, invest in a cloth seat protector. These covers easily fit the seats and help protect them for when humans occupy the space. Some pet seat covers are also designed to protect the back of the driver’s seat, creating a cocoon for the animal. Most seat covers are easily removed and washed.
As any pet owner knows, furry friends have distinctive body odor. Use an air freshener to keep the interior habitable. A detailing brush, specifically designed for removing pet hair, is also a handy tool.
We recommend bringing a favorite blanket or toy to keep your pet happy and active. It’s better that your dog chews on a rawhide bone than an armrest. You might not want to provide water to your pet while driving. However, when you stop and park, use a collapsible water bowl and bottled water to keep your pet hydrated.
Consider a dog ramp to help your dog easily climb into a car. This prevents future hip injuries.
Finally and most importantly, do not leave your pet unattended in a car. Even with the windows cracked, the temperature inside a vehicle can soar in minutes, turning the cabin into an oven. That’s how pets might suffer heat stroke. It happens way too often.
Show your love by protecting your animal. Secure your pets properly and never leave them unattended in a parked car. Not even for a minute.
Pet Car Safety Checklist
- Use a restraint. Dog harnesses should be crash-tested and attached to a seatbelt. Carriers or crates should be secured with seat belts or tie-downs.
- Choose the back seat. Never let pets ride in the front seat—airbags can be deadly. Keep them in the back for maximum safety. Turn off rear window controls. Disable power windows in the back to prevent accidental openings.
- Protect your seats. Use washable seat covers or blankets to protect upholstery and create a cozy space for your pet.
- Pack essentials. Bring a favorite toy, chew, or blanket to reduce stress. Always carry a water dish and bottled water for hydration breaks.
- Take frequent stops. Let your pet stretch, relieve themselves, and cool down every two to three hours on long drives.
- Check the temperature. Never leave your pet in a parked car—even for a few minutes. Heat stroke can occur quickly, even when the windows are cracked open.
- Use a ramp (if needed). For senior or large dogs, a ramp can prevent joint injuries when getting in and out of the vehicle.
- Know the law. Some states fine drivers for unrestrained pets. Research local regulations before you travel.
