by KYW's Nan Talleno
Learn the safe rules of the road when traveling in the car with your pet.
First, it’s extremely unsafe for your pet to ride in the front, so it’s important to secure both dogs and cats safely in the back seat. Cats should travel in a durable and comfortable travel carrier that secures to the seat. Small dogs can travel the same way. Larger dogs can be fitted with a safe travel harness that acts as a seat belt. It’s both safe and less restrictive.
Make sure there’s enough airflow to the back seat. Dogs love to look out the window, just make sure to keep it halfway up so his/her head is not fully out of the car. There’s not only the danger of jumping but they can also be injured with road debris as well. Always remember to lock the windows so paws don’t accidentally hit the switch.
Don’t forget to bring along plenty of water, take periodic bathroom and exercise breaks, and feed after arrival to avoid stomach upset.
Never let your dog ride in the back of a pickup truck, hundreds of thousands of dogs die each year due to falls. According to the Humane Society of the United States, there is no harness or leash that will keep a dog safe in the back of a pickup truck — in fact, it could strangle or drag him if he's thrown. Instead, place the dog in a carrier in the back of an extended or crew cab. If you must transport your dog in a pickup truck, put him in the cab with you in a travel crate or other pet carrier
Make sure your pets always wear their ID tags with your information secured to avoid loss.
And NEVER ever leave your pet alone in the car even for a minute in the warm weather, as the temperature in a car on a hot day is extremely deceptive and can be fatal in minutes.
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