When the sun shines and the temperature is perfect, it’s easy to want your dog up front with their head poking out the car window while you cruise. However, this seemingly innocent activity can result in harm, or even death, for your cherished canine companion.
USA TODAY Pets consulted multiple pet safety specialists regarding the optimal methods for traveling with your dogs and cats.
What are the risks of leaving your dog or cat loose in the car?
If you’re on the road with an unsecured dog or cat in your vehicle, there is much to understand and plenty of guidance to follow to prevent unnecessary suffering. Should a dog leap from a moving car window, they are heading toward likely severe injuries, according to Lindsey Kaplan, DVM, of Woof.com.
“I have witnessed this firsthand. They can suffer broken bones, severe road rash, head trauma, and they can die,” Kaplan stated.
Kaplan further noted that even without major injuries, dogs may become frightened and bolt.
"A frequent cause of death for dogs in car crashes or after jumping from a vehicle is being struck by another car," she said.
Airbags also present a significant hazard, according to Lindsey A. Wolko, Founder of Center for Pet Safety, an organization that conducts independent testing of pet safety gear.
“Picture having your small dog or cat on your lap during a collision or even a minor fender bender. If the airbag meant to shield you goes off, your pet could endure serious injury, or worse, they could be crushed fatally,” Wolko explained.
And, Kaplan added, if they go missing, it creates risks for the animal, the owner, and other motorists. If you’re journeying this summer and your cat or dog escapes, you might find yourself searching for a lost pet while far from home.
Avoid letting your pet stick their head out the car window
Though it appears harmless to allow your dog to rest their head outside the window while driving, dangers exist beyond just causing an accident, according to Mikayla Morris, CPDT-KA, from Dogtopia’s Canine Behavior Expert Council.
“The danger of debris and objects being kicked up by another vehicle and flying at them is very real. It doesn’t happen every time, but it’s a hazard that pet owners often overlook,” Morris said.
She recommended placing dogs in kennels located in the rear of the vehicle.
“I recently moved my own dogs from tethers in the backseat to kennels in the cargo area of my car, and they absolutely love it. They hop right into their kennels!” Morris remarked.
What’s the best way to keep my dog safe in the car?
Using some form of restraint is always the safest choice, if only to keep your dog off your lap and minimize distractions while you’re behind the wheel.
Kaplan noted that ideally, dogs should travel in a carrier designed specifically for vehicles, one that has undergone independent safety testing and is installed correctly.
Unsure which carrier to select? The nonprofit Center for Pet Safety advises pet owners to always restrain or contain their animals while traveling in a car, preferably using a CPS Certified product that has met demanding testing and performance criteria.
If a carrier isn’t suitable for your dog, consider a crash tested harness and seatbelt buckle, Kaplan suggested.
“Essentially, the dog is secured with this crash tested harness—not a standard everyday harness—and it is either connected to the seat belt or attached using a special leash that clicks into the seatbelt buckle,” she said.
It’s critical to use a harness instead of a collar, as a harness lowers the likelihood of neck or trachea damage.
“If you imagine being in a car accident and the only point of contact for the dog is their neck, that would be a tremendous force,” Kaplan said.
Every expert we spoke with agreed that, just like children, animals must be secured in the backseat to prevent airbag-related injuries.
What’s the best way to keep my cat safe in the car?
Cats are typically simpler to restrain, but they are also known escape artists, as any cat owner can confirm.
“Cats will be most secure when fastened to the rear passenger seat inside a CPS Certified Carrier,” Wolko stated.
