Just over a week ago, I was in one of those car accidents that remind you to slow down and not take life and health for granted. Not that I was speeding; a crash happened about 10 or more car lengths in front of me, and I managed to stop the car without hitting the mess in front – and so did the guy behind me – but the car behind both of us didn’t. We were hit from behind fairly hard. My car was banged up, and my passenger and I definitely felt some aftereffects of whiplash, but afterward, all I could think of was that I was so glad I didn’t have any dogs in the car. (Virtually all of my friends: “You didn’t have a dog with you??!”)
Not only do canine seat belts prevent dogs from being thrown through the car like a dangerous projectile in a car crash, they keep dogs from being flung out of the car onto the roadway – or escaping in a panic through broken windows immediately afterward. The accident was somehow confined to the middle lane of five lanes– and this being a big city on a Saturday afternoon, traffic continued to pour past the damaged and disabled cars on both sides, at least until the Highway Patrol came and stopped the traffic on the right two lanes so an ambulance, a fire truck, and several tow trucks could attend to the hurt drivers and disabled vehicles. If a dog had been thrown out of any of the crashed cars, or had escaped from one, the dog’s death under a passing car would have been the next horror to happen. Again, I didn’t even have a dog with me, but I can see that happening as clearly as I can see what actually did happen.
There are many online groups that have Facebook pages where members can share information about lost dogs, and at least a couple times a year, I see a post from someone who lost dogs in the chaos of a car crash and is hoping beyond hope that the dog will be found unhurt. But there’s nothing like your own crash, or one that happens to a friend, to remind you that protecting your dog is just as important as protecting your children and other loved ones in a car.
Let me be that friend. Buckle up those pups!
(And, yes, I’m gathering products for an updated review of canine seat belts and other car restraints.)
I’ve always been cautioned away from seatbelts and harnesses as totally inadequate and unsafe. Instead, I purposefully selected a crossover vehicle that could safely accommodate a crate, and adopted a mid-size (50#) dog that I can easily assist as he ages <3. There’s a great Facebook group — Dog Sport Vehicle Ideas & Set-Ups — where people share crate recommendations and configurations for a wide range of vehicle makes, models and years, with photos and everything. I would be devastated if we were in an accident and my dog was not safely secured — not taking any risks with my pup!
I’m just reading this 2 years later. I seat belt my dogs in the car always…..and put comfy fluffy rugs that have rubber non slip bottom on the leather seats. They snuggle on the rugs and are secure and not sliding around on the slippery leather seats.
Yeah is very hard to find small dog Harness …we’re i can buy it?
Dear Ms. Kerns,
I’ve been worrying about this very issue as I have a new puppy and am trying to figure out how safely to transport him in my car. He’s almost 13 lbs @ 15 wks and has outgrown his original carry bag. Yesterday I tried him in a Vest Harness and, like my girl before him, he twisted around so badly that I cannot use it. Please, PLEASE suggest a better product!
I use USA K9 Outfitters seat belt restraint system. Curious about opinions on this brand.
Posted a comment on Jan 23rd around 11:00 AM on the above topic. I was just wondering WHY it was not shown? There wasn’t anything inappropriate in my comment. I now see that some owners of small dogs are looking for “what works” solutions. As I previously stated … look at PetSafer.com. They have crash tested seats for dogs under 45 lbs.
Thank You!
Lots of opinions (and excuses) on this. I have a different suggestion: think of the crate (and yes, even the transport vehicle itself) as a dogmobile, not just your car. You spend money choosing the right vehicle features for yourself, but only “dog people” who go to shows and events have transport that maximizes their pet’s safety? After several years of using wire crates (and a lifetime of no crates, loose dogs, because no one even knew about crate safety), I needed a newer car. I bought a used vehicle, and thought of my new crash-tested crate (a double Vario for two 45 lb, doggos) — as a car accessory, rather than a luxury. If you think of passenger/pet safety as part of the car, and include the crate in your purchase price, it becomes far more realistic and less daunting. You wear your seat belts and use child car seats. And you’d spend on other car features…..be safe!
I am looking forward to reading your eventual article!
I have a tiny dog (6.5 lbs) and a “Look-out” style car seat that is really just a big foam base so he sits high enough to see out the window. I use its built-in tether to attach to my dog’s harness. Of course I worry all the time if it would actually help in a crash! (I do trust that the passenger airbag would not deploy because there’s not enough weight on the seat.) Real information on what really works would be so helpful.
Thanks for what you do!