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Traveling Safely with Your Pet

Whether it’s a weekend getaway or driving to complete some errands, an increasing number of pet owners
are opting not to leave these ‘babies’ at home alone. Pets live in more than 60% of American households
today. This is a review of safety tips and innovative products to help make the journey safer for all.

Pet-friendly car travel is a surging trend, and the right gear and new vehicle modifications offer owners
good options

It’s Time for Safer Pet Travel Perhaps you travel with your dog in the car but are in the habit of letting
“Rover” roam freely in it. Then it’s time to incorporate precautions for our pets that we give to buckling up
ourselves or children during car travel. An unrestrained dog is a safety hazard, causing distractions to the
driver and potentially being catapulted forward with braking.

Pet Travel Products It makes sense to ensure your pet is secure in a moving vehicle. Here are some
safety products choices for pets of all sizes:

• Travel Booster Seats: Booster seats aren’t just for babies. Creative designs of restraining seats allow a
comfortable and safe ride for smaller dogs, either in the front or back by connecting to the seat belt.
• Travel Barriers: Great for larger dogs or more than one, to separate the back and front of the vehicle.
Nylon mesh, metal or steel, barriers are fitted for small cars, mini and full-size vans, and SUV’s.

Bcreating a safe area in the back, it keeps your dog safely restrained yet comfortable to move around.
• Travel Crates and Carriers: Ideal for small dogs, puppies and cats, there are many styles and sizes to
safely transport your pet. Look for foldable ones that store easily.
• Safety Car Harness: Today’s dog seat belts are designed with comfort and safety - and are handy for
larger dogs who like to sit or stand. Check to see if the seat buckle has been strength tested or crash
tested.

• Other handy items include window screens to prevent dogs from jumping out open windows, travel
water bowls, seat covers and cargo liners and door bibs.
Pet Friendly Vehicles Some technology/safety features that make a car ‘pet-friendly’ include:

• Rear assist camera and back up warning signals
• Dual and three-way temperature controls
• Roomier cargo space in rear
• Cargo dividers act as a barrier
• Tether and anchors in the back seats
• Full length vehicle side curtain air bags
• Fold flat rear seats
Mia

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