The joy of car journeys with our furry friends is undeniable and oftentimes travelling by car is a necessity- yet the significance of our pets’ safety often flies under the radar. Whilst we buckle up without a second thought, ensuring our dogs are just as securely restrained is a responsibility that many overlook.
The necessity for dog restraints in cars is more than just a precaution; it's a critical safety measure. Research reveals that 28.3% of dogs exhibit stress or discomfort during car travel, which can be mitigated with the right type of safety measure, such as kennels, crates or tethers, which have been shown to positively affect dogs' travel experience by preventing bumping around in every turn, as well as appropriate conditioning and training.
Letting dogs roam free or sit on laps, or tethering them by their collars, is not only unsafe for the dog but also for us and other drivers. In the case of an accident the unrestrained body of a dog can get hurt but also cause serious damage to us or other people involved. Furthermore, a loose dog in the car significantly increase the risk of distractions and accidents, endangering everyone involved. A study found that older drivers who always traveled with their pets had a higher incidence of motor vehicle collisions, underscoring the potential distractions and hazards pets can introduce when not properly restrained. Similarly to how a seat belt is now considered an essential precaution, and enforceable by law, this finding emphasises the universal need for pet restraints, regardless of the pet owner's driving experience or confidence.
Studies across the US, UK, and Australia are showing a varied approach to dog restraint in cars, with over half of dog owners using some form of safety measure. Despite these efforts, the choice of restraint often varies by country, indicating a lack of consensus on the best practices for dog safety in vehicles but also how unique every combination of car-dog is and the need for consideration when assessing your needs.
Many pet owners are unaware of the significant implications of skipping on this safety precaution and what the risks are. Others find the choices available on the market either too overwhelming or too limited. Lastly, many are downright confused which choice is the best for their animal.
So, how to choose the right safety measure for a safer car journey?
Crash tested crates have passed tests for crash safety and they offer tangible safety benefits over their less durable counterparts. They are probably the safest option out there.
Even a crash tested crate needs to be securely fastened to the car frame somehow to be deemed safe and not fly around during a crash.
Whilst crash-tested crates offer the best protection, not every vehicle can accommodate one, or one that fits our dog. My Ford KA for example would never fit a crash tested crate that could fit Oreo. In these cases, crash-tested tethers or seat belt clips are the next best thing. Tethers should be as short in length as possible to prevent injury in the case of a crash.
Never clip your dog to a seatbelt tether or clip by the collar. It is even more dangerous than letting your dog travel without precautions. Always ensure you have a suitable harness. Crash tested are best, but if hard to source, a wide padded harness could be considered taking in consideration the size and weight of our dog.
For me, taking on the responsibility of a dog means that we ensure they are safe in every aspect of our mutual life, and car journeys are one important aspect. By taking into consideration scientific insights into our decisions, we can ensure that every trip is as safe as possible.
Finally, it is important to note that calm car journeys are not intuitive to our dogs. A study assessing owners' behaviour regarding dog transportation by car found that 28.3% of dogs responded negatively to car transportation. The most used means of restraint were net/grating (34.2%), kennel (22.4%), and seat belt/leash (15.9%). It is our job to introduce them to what they are supposed to be doing during transit similarly to how we teach our kids the importance of wearing a seatbelt and not accepting any deviation from it.
All dogs can learn to travel calmly and safely.
If your dog is struggling in the car, either due to fear, hyperactivity, reactivity etc watch out for my next blog post or message me for help!
If you are as interested as I am to take a deeper dive into the science of pet travel safety and more insights, here are some links to relevant research.
Crash crates evaluation: (Ivarsson & Davidsson, 2018)
Case Report on Restraint Failure (Zelený & Grusová, 2016)
Restraint Use in Different Countries (Hazel et al., 2019)
Risks of Driving with Pets (Blunck et al., 2013)
Crash Safety of Travel Crates and importance of fastening to car frame (Ivarsson & Davidsson, 2018)
Use of Restraints and Effects on Dogs' Responses (Ricci, Iovino, & Mussini, 2017).