Pet travel safety is always on Mom’s mind. Although this day was last Friday, we didn’t have a chance to get a post together, so we are posting today. The information is important every day anyway. We don’t fly, only travel by car, and there are a lot of things to prepare for whether you are going five or five thousand miles! We’re sharing some things we find important in general and from experience.
No matter when you travel, your dog needs to be secure in the vehicle. Most of the time, we are strapped in with our Autobahn approved seat belts in the backseat. Dogs should never ride on your lap if you are driving and actually, for safety, they need to be in the backseat always. AllSafe is a German seat belt that we all wear. They can be ordered here in the US, they are not cheap, but they are the best and they also last for years and years. Everything about them has been though through including the strap to attached the belt to the backseat of the car.
If you don’t want your dog in the backseat, a good kennel is an option. We have Ruffland kennels as they are very sturdy and safe and can be anchored into the car. Bailie rides in her Ruffland when she is traveling with us as she is less bothered by the car ride in a kennel.
Before you go anywhere, including local travel with your dog, make sure you have an emergency tube. Many accidents happen very close to home and if that should happen, what about your dog? You definitely don’t want her to end up in the pound. We have information on us dogs, our human, our vet, and who to call in an emergency. All of us also are chipped, and have tags on our collars too.
We had some big car trouble twice in the past few years. Thankfully, Mom is prepared and we have leashes and harnesses as well as portable kennels in case we have to hang out at a car dealer all day. The one time we had a flat where only one dog could ride in the tow truck. Two of us were safely restrained in our car on the bed of the tow truck while Madison rode in the tow truck. If some thing big happens on the road, we normally friendly dogs may become aggressive out of fear. If Mom isn’t able to help us, it is good to have muzzles in the car. We are all muzzle trained and we don’t mind wearing one if we have to. The muzzles are noted in our emergency tube. With all the stress of car issues, it is nice to know we are taken care of.
The most important part of travel is making sure no one goes missing. In 2021, we did lose Madison in Michigan which was terrifying. She got out of a fenced area and took off after a rabbit. It was dark and a place none of us had ever been to before. Thankfully the people we were visiting sprung into action and within about twenty minutes we had her back. Make sure your dog is chipped and wearing a collar with tag in case they get lost. Mom will never let us use the off leash parks that are popular at gas stations and rest areas these days. Many of them are not very secure unless you have a real big dog. Spend a few minutes instead to walk with your dog, hang out together and give them time to do their business!
Lastly, make sure your hotel is a secure place for your pup. Mom always goes in first with the luggage. She puts any dangers away and makes sure doors and windows are all closed. If you have a clever dog, pay attention to the door handle in the room. If it is a lever, not a knob, can the dog open the door with a paw? It is something to think about. Even if you are in the room, if you are not paying attention, could they open the door and get out?
We love to travel! It is a wonderful thing to do with humans and dogs together but pet travel safety is important! The hope is that no safety measures will ever be necessary but if they are needed, you will be thankful you have them in place!
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