How to Travel Safely with your Dog

Whenever I see a dog it makes me smile. I love dogs and what they bring into our lives. In my business, I realize how dogs are at risk in vehicles. So often we hear about how someone’s dog being injured in what we would call, “a minor accident”. No one would ever think to not put their child in a car seat securely and your pet should also be secured safely. So many times we hear about dogs that slide off the front seat and end up under the dash. Many are hurt badly and some even die. It is a heartbreak for the owner.

As a dog lover and owner of a smaller breed, years ago I went and bought our then dog, a “dog car seat”. Yes, a “Dog Car Seat”! She was comfortable, could look out the window, was secure and if she wished she could go to sleep. Our most recent dog now rides in that same “dog car seat”. It is not a difficult transition for the dog and you can drive worry free knowing they are safe at all times. Using their harness (do not use their collar) you secure them in their dog car seat. Owners of much larger breed dogs can tether their dogs harness to the back seat belt. Your dog is then able to move back and forth, go to sleep, look out the window and still be safe. Dog Car Seats are well under $100.00 and they last indefinitely.

There are car back seat covers (at around $19.95), to keep the back seat clean and they are washable. There are a great number of dog safety items on the internet under the name Kurgo and they are available at Pet Valu in Orillia and other Pet Food Stores throughout North America.