As a pet owner, we do not have to tell you that your pet is part of your family. When you drive, you want to know that only are you safe from car accidents but that your pet is protected too. Keep reading to learn how to drive with your pet to keep both you and your pets safer. If you are involved in an accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
Keep Your Pet in a Pet Carrier
This is for the safety of both you and the pet. If your pet is small enough, you should put them in a pet carrier and then tie that carrier down to the floor of the backseat, or using the seatbelt, so that if a car accident occurs, the pet will not be thrown from the car. Crates also have the added bonus of helping prevent or reduce motion sickness for pets.
It is important to never let your pets roam through the vehicle. This is true of any pet, as they can become a serious risk to the driver, but especially cats. When a cat gets nervous, it might crawl under the feet of its owner for protection. This could make it impossible to stop in the event of an emergency.
Keep Your Pet Out of the Front Seat
Likewise, you should not let your pet in the front seat at all – even in the passenger seat. Do not hold your pet on your lap. Remember that both seatbelts and airbags are designed to protect humans – not animals. If you get into a collision, even a minor one, the airbag could severely injure your pet.
Bring Plenty of Food and Water
Make sure that the food you are bringing is tried and tested. Whenever a dog is introduced to a new food, there is the potential for an upset stomach. The last thing you want to do when traveling with a dog is to discover that new treats or foods upset their stomach. Feed your pet a light meal a few hours before traveling to reduce the chance that your pet will use the vehicle as a restroom.
Include Your Pet in Your Emergency Travel Kit
It is likely that you have an emergency travel kit in your car. If you travel with a pet, then it should also include items for your pet. What you keep in it will depend on the needs of your particular pet. For example, you might include extra toys to keep your pet occupied in an emergency, proof that your pet has had its vaccinations, plastic bags, pet bandages, animal pain reliever, and more. If your pet is on prescription medication, bring extra in the car.
If you have suffered an injury in a car accident, contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 to determine if how we can help you recover compensation for your damages.
