Volunteering at a local shelter, I am privy to the anxiety that some pets face while traveling in a vehicle. I’ve also seen what can happen to a pet when they are involved in a traffic collision. As a foster “dad” to three furry kids of my own, I thought I’d share some of the vehicle safety tips I have learned with other pet guardians. By following these tips, you will help to ensure the safety of your pets while they are riding in your vehicle.

What To Do If Your Pet is Anxious in the Car

The first thing you need to decide is if your pet is truly anxious or if they suffering from motion sickness. Your veterinarian can help you sort this out. In either case, there are medications that you can administer to your pet before any car rides to help calm them, mentally and physically.

If your pet suffers from a simple case of anxiety, you can make the car ride a more pleasant experience. Take short practice trips throughout the week. Keep these drives under 10 minutes. Drive slowly and avoid sudden stops or turns. Give your pet a treat before they get in the car and immediately when they exit. As their anxiety decreases, extend the time of your practice sessions.

Once your pet is able to ride in the car for longer periods of time without experiencing stress or motion sickness, be sure that every ride doesn’t end in a trip to the vet’s. Take them to the dog park, a friend’s house or even just around the block. Pets aren’t dumb; if every car ride ends in a vaccination, they’ll soon be reluctant to get in the car.

Pet Safety

An unrestrained pet in your vehicle is both dangerous and distracting. Not only will you spend more time trying to keep your pet out of the front seat but also, should you become involved in an accident, your pet stands a high chance of being thrown from the car. Always keep your pet contained:

- SUVs: install a pet safe barrier behind the front seats. There are a wide variety of options ranging from mesh to metal. Even better, put your seats down and secure your pet in a crate.

- Cars: smaller pets should be placed in a carrier that can be buckled in or, at the very least, be strapped into a safety belt harness and secured in the backseat. Pet perches are available for small dogs that allow them to see out of the window.

- Trucks: trucks can be tricky when it comes to securing your animal. Your best option in a truck is a safety belt harness. Never allow your pet to ride in an open truck bed. Not only is it horrifically dangerous – in many states, it is illegal.

Safety Kit

Just as you should have a human safety kit and a vehicle maintenance kit in your car in the case of an accident, you should also have a pet safety kit. If you are in an accident or stranded on the side of the road, you’ll need to think of your pet’s health and well being. Your pet safety kit should include:

- Several bottles of water
- A few flip top cans of wet food
- A leash
- Collapsible food and water bowls
- A blanket
- At least three doses of any prescribed medication your pet is currently taking
- Basic first aid supplies

Traveling with a pet doesn’t need to be burdensome or dangerous if you do so with common sense. Keep your pets restrained, pack a pet safety kit and you’ll be prepared for anything the road can throw at you.

Shelter volunteer, Stephen Anderson, is also an insurance consultant who strongly suggests that you search online for Auto Insurance Comparison sites to make certain you are getting the best possible rates these days. Car Insurance Quotes Illinois is one example of the state rates you can compare.