Don't Make Your Pet a Front Seat Driver

We all seen and heard it; the media exposing Britney Spears about a year ago, allowing her infant to sit on her lap while driving through the streets of Los Angeles. As there is no doubt that her choice to do this was poor and very unsafe for her child, but it is illegal. So the question is to anyone that allows their pet to do the same; have you ever considered how you are potentially putting your pet also at risk when you allow your dog to be on your lap (or not secured somehow) while you are behind the wheel as well? In some states it's also illegal to have your pet on the driver's seat but although you may not be caught doing so, the consequences could be fatal should you ever be involved in a car accident.

Airbags deploys within approximately 15 to 30 milliseconds (pretty much at a blink of an eye) and is strictly designed to keep you from injuring yourself or putting you through the windshield of that car. At the force of deployment, a small puppy or dog that is in this area will be easily and majorily injured. This includes passengers holding a puppy in the front seat of a car.

When driving, whether you are the driver or passenger, it is highly recommended that you secure your pet, as you would do yourself. In today's market, many products are now designed to keep you pet safe while enjoying the opportunity of taking a drive with you. Here are some of our recommendations:

• Dog Car Seat - These are designed to not only keep your pet secure, but elevated, so your pet can enjoy looking out the window while minimizing motion sickness. They easily secure to your seat with the use of your car's seat belts. A built in safety strap is always included so you can then attach it to your dog's harness. Note: Never attach the safety strap to a dog's collar. Should you ever be involved in a car accident, the pulling force should come from the dog's chest area (strongest part), rather than the neck which can potentially break (especially on very small breeds and young puppies). Car seats are usually made for puppies or small breeds up to 30 lbs.


• Dog Car Harness - Comes complete with an adjustable web harness that attaches easily to virtually any seat belt with a universal seat belt clip. An adjustable strap keeps dogs safely contained while allowing them to sit, lie down, or stand comfortably. The harness adjusts at the neck and the chest for a more secure and comfortable fit. It’s made of strong, durable woven nylon with plastic quick-release buckles and heavy-duty hardware. Please note: This device does not work with some Saab and Volvo seat belts. Requires an adapter from Ford for use with Ford Explorers. Made for puppies to large breeds.

So the next time you are traveling with your pet, whether it's down the road or across country, secure your pet just like you do yourself to keep both of you safe. Although your pet may want to be as close to you as possible, you could be potentially saving his/her life should an accident happen.