Every car ride with an unrestrained pet is a risk. An unrestrained 60-pound dog in a 35-mph crash becomes a 2,700-pound projectile. Proper car safety protects everyone.

Restraint Options

Crash-tested crates provide the best protection and are ideal for anxious dogs. Vehicle barriers keep pets in the cargo area but do not prevent injury during crashes. Crash-tested harnesses attach to the seatbelt and are convenient but vary greatly in quality. Only use products that have been independently crash-tested.

Never in the Front Seat

Airbags deploy with lethal force for pets. Even small dogs in carriers should ride in the back seat. The rear cargo area of SUVs and wagons with a barrier is an excellent option that provides space while keeping the pet safely contained.

Window Management

Dogs love sticking their heads out of windows, but this exposes them to eye injuries from debris, ear infections from wind, and the risk of falling or jumping out. If you open windows, use pet-safe window guards that allow airflow while preventing escape.

Temperature Protocol

A parked car reaches 104 degrees Fahrenheit within 30 minutes on an 80-degree day. At 90 degrees outside, interior temperatures can reach 160 degrees. There is no safe amount of time to leave a pet in a parked car during warm weather. Period.

Emergency Kit

Keep a pet-specific emergency kit in your car containing water, a collapsible bowl, a leash, waste bags, a basic first aid kit, a current photo of your pet, emergency contact numbers for your veterinarian and poison control, and any daily medications.

Motion Sickness

Signs of car sickness include drooling, panting, whining, and vomiting. Face your pet forward, keep the car cool, and avoid feeding within two hours of travel. For persistent motion sickness, your veterinarian can prescribe anti-nausea medication.