Choosing and Making a Vehicle Safe for Your Dog

Safety is a concern for everyone when it comes to car buying and even car riding! Allowing pets to be put in the back of a vehicle where they can jump out is a hazard for both you and your dog. Pets are a part of the family and their safety must be taken into consideration when traveling. Always ensure that power windows are locked. Dogs can easily lower a window and jump out of a moving vehicle without you even knowing that they’re gone. Be cautious of the way you transport your best friend and choose a vehicle that is suitable for your needs.

Choosing a Vehicle

Choose a vehicle suitable to your family’s size and your dog’s size. You wouldn’t want a large dog taking over your whole backseat. Where would you put your passengers? If you have a large breed of dog, your dog would probably be more comfortable in a larger vehicle. Plus, larger vehicles can facilitate a crate. Think about which type of vehicle is the most spacious and comfortable for you and your family when purchasing. Each vehicle has a safety rating, so before purchasing a vehicle check out the model’s safety rating. If you’re looking for a good price on a larger vehicle or simply can’t find a vehicle that you love in a dealership, try looking online. Online auctions are cheaper and offer a variety of vehicle options. There are plenty of online auctions that are local. If you live in New York, for instance, you could search New York automobile auctions for a great vehicle at a decent price.

Pet Safety Equipment

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The best way to keep your pet safe is to ensure that they’re unable to reach the middle console when riding in the backseat. Puppies often cause accidents because they are trying to get to the driver’s seat to give their owners kisses. Although cute, your dog’s safety is at risk when they are able to freely move around the vehicle. If your pet can fit in a crate and the crate can fit in the vehicle of your choice, ensure that you’re always using the crate as it is the safest way to travel with your pet. The safest crates to get are the ones that are crash tested. Be sure that your dog has a crate large enough to accommodate their size and that it can fit safely in your vehicle.

If you don’t want to get a large vehicle and you’re happy with your vehicle size even though it does not support a crate, give your pet added safety by using a pet safety belt and a harness. This is a good option for vehicles that can not accommodate a crash-tested crate. These safety belts are safe, easy to use, and must be used with a fitted dog harness. Dog harnesses are great for everyday use. They don’t choke your dog and allow them a full range of motion. If your dog likes to pull, a harness is a great leash attachment. When your dog pulls, they aren’t being choked by a collar, which will prompt them to pull less.

Make sure you choose a vehicle that has a great safety rating as well as room for the whole family. Buying a vehicle can be expensive, so check online auctions before resorting to a car dealership as you may be able to afford that large vehicle for your large breed dog. If your vehicle doesn’t have enough room for you to put a crate large enough for your puppy in the backseat, consider using a safety harness and dog seat belt. Take all the precautions necessary to ensure that your family is safe!

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