As much as your furry friend would love to ride on your lap, it’s not the safest idea for either of you. The animals do not sit still. They will stretch, walk, look out the window, or better yet stick their heads out the window. All of these things can not only distract the driver, but also completely block the driver’s view.
It is always important to know where the airbags are located, in the vehicle that will be used. This can help determine which of the following options is best. Should there be an unfortunate incident, the safety of everyone involved is important.
Booster seats and raised bedding are available, but the smaller dog is safer traveling in a soft-sided crate or convenient collapsible dog crate in the back seat of your vehicle. If the pet gets sick, the mess is in a contained area. Any of these can contain a comfortable dog bed. Once you arrive at your vacation spot, the dog has its own den or both crates can be flattened and stored away.
The cages mentioned above would also be an option for a medium dog. A seat belt connector would also work. The seat belt connector connects to the dog’s harness. The dog stays safely in the back seat and has a little more freedom. The connector allows the dog to sit, stand or lie on a dog bed or the use of a waterproof seat cover would also be helpful. Seat covers help your dog latch on better, keep seats clean and scratch-free, and are also available waterproof. These covers are sometimes more comfortable than the rear seats. A hammock seat cover is also available.
The larger dog has a number of safe options. There are several barriers available that can be easily installed on a car, SUV, or mini van. Available dividers are made of different materials. There are mesh barriers, metal bar separators or metal fence separators. The dog can lie down in a comfortable waterproof seat cover, in the hammock cover or in a plush bed. Of course, the soft sided or collapsible box could be used and the seat belt connector is also a viable option.
Making the right decision for the driver and passengers together with the four-legged friend is important. Everyone wants to have been comfortable and in a good mood, upon arrival at the destination.
