Traveling With Your Pet This Summer? Keep These Things In Mind.

For many of us, our pets are considered to be cherished members of our families, so it’s only natural that we would want to bring them along wherever we go. However, by allowing your pet to occupy the passenger seat of your car, you might actually be doing more harm than good for both you and your furry friend. Unrestrained objects in a moving vehicle can pose a serious hazard for everyone on the road, and pets are no exception to this rule. While dogs have long been known as man’s best friend, they may not necessarily be a driver’s safest companion.

Upon realizing the potential dangers associated with unrestrained pets, pet owners become three times more likely to utilize a proper restraint system for their pets while traveling in a car. Continue reading to discover additional information about this important topic.

What Texas law says in regards to traveling with your pet.

Dogs do not need seat belts by law, but they are prohibited from being transported cruelly.

What risks are associated with traveling with a pet?

A staggering number of vehicle accidents occur each year as a result of unrestrained pets. Allowing dogs and other animals to roam freely within your car can create several potentially hazardous situations:

• In the unfortunate event of an accident, animals who are not properly restrained can become deadly projectiles due to the force generated during the collision. This can result in severe injuries or even fatalities for both humans and pets alike. Furthermore, should an airbag deploy while your pet is situated in the front seat, they run a high risk of sustaining significant injuries or even death.
• Following an accident, unrestrained dogs may flee from the scene, putting themselves in danger of being struck by another vehicle or unwittingly causing additional accidents as nearby drivers swerve to avoid them.
• After a crash, it’s not uncommon for dogs to become protective of their owners and exhibit aggressive behavior. This can make it difficult for emergency responders to gain access to the scene in order to administer necessary medical treatment.

Here are 8 helpful tips to remember when traveling with your pet.

1. Make certain to keep your pet properly restrained during your journey. When driving, having an unrestrained pet in the car can pose a danger to both you and your furry companion, especially if they become overly excited or frightened. As the driver, it’s crucial to concentrate on the road, which may become difficult if your pet is causing distractions. Airbags are indeed a lifesaver for humans, but they can have fatal consequences for pets if involved in an accident while seated in the front. Consequently, it’s best to keep pets in the rear. The most secure method for pet travel is through using a carrier firmly strapped to the seat with either a seatbelt or another anchoring device. Be sure that your chosen carrier is spacious enough for your dog to freely stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Alternatively, you may use a pet seatbelt, although these haven’t been proven as effective in safeguarding pets during automobile accidents.
2. Prior to embarking on a lengthy excursion, take your dog on several shorter trips so they can acclimate to riding in a vehicle. Gradually increase the duration of these practice drives to better prepare them for long-distance journeys.
3. Feed your pet a light meal about three or four hours before departure time. Throughout the trip, make sure to stop and provide food for your dog when necessary—never feed them while driving, as this may contribute to motion sickness.
4. Never leave your dog in a vehicle whenever temperatures exceed 70°F or fall below 35°F. Regardless of temperature, onlookers might feel compelled to break windows if they believe your pet is trapped inside.
5. Additionally, assemble a travel kit tailored specifically for your pet’s needs. It should include their health records (with recent immunization proof), their regular food and medication (plus food and water bowls), waste bags and scoops for clean-up purposes, and toys—both new and familiar—to keep your pet entertained during the journey. Furthermore, don’t forget a pet first-aid kit.
6. Identification is key, and while a microchip is essential, provide your dog with a collar bearing an ID tag displaying your home address and phone number. For longer trips or vacations, consider attaching a temporary tag with the contact information of your destination in case your pet becomes lost during travels. Ensure that all collars are flat and never use a choke collar on your beloved dog.
7. Resist the temptation to let your dog ride with their head out the window. Though it might seem like harmless fun for them and onlookers, it puts them at risk of being struck by debris or even ejected from the vehicle during sudden stops or turns. By adhering to tip #1, this potential issue should be easily avoided; however, it’s worth reiterating its importance.
8. Ensure you have all pertinent documentation for your pet with you while traveling. Crossing state or international borders may require showing proof of vaccination(s) or even a health certificate.

If you’ve been in a car, truck, or motorcycle accident due to the negligence of another driver, contact us today.

Named one of the “Best Car Accident Lawyers in Dallas” by Expertise.com, Brian Brunson is Dallas personal injury attorney who is dedicated to helping clients who have suffered a car, truck, or motorcycle injury through the negligent or wrongful conduct of other drivers. In addition, his professionalism is unmatched and the firms’ client reviews speak for themselves.

We proudly serve the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and surrounding areas, our office supports the legal needs of a wide variety of clients. Let the Law Office of Brian Brunson be your advocate in your time of need and help you put your life back together. If we can’t win or settle your case, you don’t pay a dime! We know it can be daunting to take that first step after you’ve been hurt. Contact Brian Brunson today via email or call us toll-free at 1-844-41-WRECK. We can help, when no one else will.