One of the things that you can do to prepare for the holiday with your pet is to make sure that he is comfortable and safe during a long trip in the car. Have peace of mind that your pet is safe by using equipment that is ideal for him and that suits your preference. Do regular trips with your pet and the equipment before the long trip, so that he can get used to the car rides and the safety equipment.
Safety first
If you think about it, it is actually obvious why you need to keep your pet safe when you take a trip anywhere – it is for the same reason why humans should wear safety belts. If your pet is not restrained in the unlikely event of an accident, there is a big chance that he will become a flying object in the car. Not only could this seriously injure your pet, but also any human(s) in the car.
Another reason is that your pet might panic if there’s an accident and flee from the car, putting himself in danger, as he could either get lost or be hit by oncoming traffic. This is also why a dog should never travel on someone’s lap, or worse – with his head sticking out of the window. Not only could he be seriously injured in an accident, but he might get a fright and jump out of the window while the car is still moving. Not to mention the possibility of distracting the driver. So, for everybody’s safety, equipment that keeps your dog safe is a must.
Equipment options
There are various options to choose from. It all depends on your personal preference, your budget and what your dog will be comfortable in. Whatever you choose, always research the specific make and model, and find out if that equipment has been tested, and what the results are. Here are four options to consider.
Hammock
What it is A hammock is typically made of strong waterproof fabric or canvas, and fits in most cars.
How it works The hammock is draped over the headrests of the backseat and front seats.
Benefits It gives your dog the opportunity to still move around in the car and see through the window if he is tall enough, but stops him from climbing through to the front seats.
Ideal for A hammock works best on shorter trips and if there are no passengers in the back of the car.
Safety belt harness
What it is The safety belt harness can be the same harness that you dog wears when you go for walks. But it needs to be made of durable fabric that fits comfortably and has a durable clip for the safety belt extension.
How it works The safety belt extension clips onto the safety harness and into the car’s safety belt. The length of the extension determines how much your dog can move around in the car.
Benefits Your dog can’t go further than the extension, and you can control how far that is. In the event of an accident, your dog can’t jump out of the car and run away.
Ideal for Any length of car trip and any size of dog breed.
Small travel crate
What it is A smaller travel crate provides enough ventilation and, with a comfortable blanket, can be ideal for various lengths of trip.
How it works The travel crate is secured with a safety belt, so that it doesn’t move around on the seat.
Benefits Your dog won’t be able to move around a lot and distract the driver. Make sure that the crate is big enough for your dog to lie comfortably.
Ideal for Dogs who suffer from motion sickness will benefit from a travel crate, as the movement inside the car will be greatly reduced.
Big crate
What it is A big crate can be installed in bigger vehicles, like SUVs or bakkies. It is like a cage, built into the vehicle.
How it works It is a permanent fixture in the vehicle that needs to be fitted by a professional. The big crate allows space for more than one dog to be comfortable, but keeps them secure at all times.
Benefits Your dogs will have enough space to move around, depending on the size of the vehicle and the size of the dogs. They can’t jump out of the car when a door opens, and you will be able to control them.
Ideal for All dog sizes and any length of car trip.
