Drivers and passengers alike know the importance of wearing their seatbelt when riding in a vehicle. Next time you take your pet with you, make sure they are just as safe.
Many dog owners let their dog run loose in an open truck bed, not thinking about the dangers. No matter how well-trained or coordinated your dog is, they can still fall or jump out of the back of a truck.
Oregon law requires a dog to be protected by a carrier or other restraint if transported on “the external part of a vehicle” on a highway.
A carrier or cage is most ideal, but if you use a leash or lead, make sure it is of a length that doesn’t allow the dog to go over the side. A two-point restraint works best to ensure the animal can’t jump or be thrown in the event of a sudden stop or collision.
If your pet travels inside the vehicle with you, remember that driving with any animal on your lap presents a distraction and puts the pet, driver, passengers, and other motorists at significant risk for a collision; a collision that would otherwise be preventable.
There are numerous pet-specific vehicle restraints that work with your existing seatbelts and can be purchased either online or in pet stores. Remember to keep your pet’s collar with ID tags on during the trip and keep their license updated. An updated license (required for dogs, recommended for cats) and current contact information can help reunite you sooner if there is a collision or your pet gets separated from you another way.
In addition to ensuring your pets are properly secured for the journey, remember to pack emergency supplies. Packing essentials such as extra food and water can make a big difference if you are stuck in traffic or inclement weather.
Never leave your pet alone in a parked vehicle, even in the shade with the windows cracked. Interior temperatures can skyrocket to life-threatening levels within minutes.
Our pets love to be on the go with us. Show them how much you care by always considering their safety when you take them on the road.
