Transporting pets a fairly common occurrence for many owners. Whether they’re going to the park or the vet, it’s important to transport them safely and comfortably. This means making sure they’re comfortable and as safe as they can be during an accident or evasive maneuver, and driving cautiously to try and avoid making a sudden evasive maneuver.
Firstly, don’t transport pets with a learner’s permit. The driver should pass their DMV tests before transporting any pets in the car. New drivers don’t understand the dangers of distracted driving, and they’re more inclined to play or scratch the pet when they should be focusing on the road.
Pets can’t anticipate corners, so you should be extra cautious when driving. Slow down well in advance and take corners slowly. Look further ahead than you normally would, and anticipate road conditions and the movement of other road users. Again, rookie drivers may not be able to anticipate road conditions as well as a veteran driver, so they shouldn’t drive when there are pets in the car.
Make sure the pet is confined. Get a crate, so the pet can be strapped into the car. The pet should be able to see out of the window, but the crate should be secure enough that it won’t move in the event of an accident or evasive maneuver. If the crate moves, it’s dangerous for the pet and any other passengers who could be hit.
Don’t leave any loose toys or bowls inside the crate. They could become projectiles in an accident, and injure the pet further. You should stop regularly to offer them water, but don’t leave it inside the crate with them. One thing you should do is put the crate somewhere open, where the pet can see out of the windows. Do not put the pet in the trunk of a sedan, where there are no windows. The crate should not go on the passenger seat unless you can disable the passenger airbag. If the airbag deploys during an accident, it could cause serious injury to the pet.
Knowing how to transport your pet safely is an important aspect of being a good pet owner. Having a crate, and knowing how to safely secure it safely is very important for your pet’s safety and yours. An experienced driver, driving safely and cautiously with a well-secured pet is a recipe for a fun and safe trip.
