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P.O. Box 1015 Waldorf, MD 20604-1015
Phone: 301 645-8181

24 March 2000, From the American Humane Association
Safe Car Rides

When you and your family go for a ride, everyone "buckles up" for safety. The same should go for your family pet.

Animals should never ride loose in the car (or in the back of a pickup truck). First, small animals can crawl behind gas or brake pedals and cause you to have an accident. Or animals sitting on the lap of the driver could easily interfere with vision or steering. Second, in an accident, your pet could be injured or thrown from the vehicle, because they are not secured. Third, because your pets will be frightened in an accident, they could easily get loose and run into traffic.

Special seat belts to accommodate a dog's size and shape are now available from most pet supply stores. Human seat belts can be very dangerous for dogs, since they are made to secure the human figure, not something with four legs. Crates are available for cats and dogs that will not sit in a seatbelt.

Whatever you do, make sure your dog rides completely inside the car, just like everyone else in the family. Pets who ride with their head out of the window are in danger of injury from debris flying into their eyes, nostrils, ear canals, or throat. If you have to stop suddenly, they can be severely injured.

While you think of your safety, make sure you include your pet's safety as well!