Vehicle Safety Restraints, Part Two
As shown in the first video, one of the most important things you can do for your traveling pet can be to restrain it in the car. But what do you need to do? And how do you do it? And, another important factor, how much will it cost you? Restraints for pets in vehicles is something to look into, and this film can help, whether you have a large dog or a small cat, a pick up truck, or a two door coup. Mitch Wilder, pet specialist, takes us through the choices.
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Step 1:
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Travelling With Your Dog
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Your dog may love riding in the car with his head out the window but while he may enjoy the breeze this habit can be very dangerous. In addition to being a distraction to the driver, unrestrained pets can be thrown into the dashboard or windshield and they can strike other occupants in the car.
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Step 2:
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Pet Restraints
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Pet seat belts like this one were originally designed to keep pets from moving around the vehicle but not absorb the impact of a crash. Now a new generation of pet restraints is proving to be heartier, beefier and just about as strong as the restraints you'd find in your own vehicle.
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Step 3:
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Restraint Devices
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The Ruff Rider Roadie was one of the first pet restraint devices on the market. This beefy harness has a stronger and safer criss cross and over the shoulder design.
The Petbuckle has a simple to use buckle system similar to what you'd find on a car seatbelt. The device can be attached directly to the frame of the vehicle making for a very secure connection. The B.O.S. is the Rolls Royce of pet seat belts. It features heavy duty straps and flush sheepskin fabric.
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Step 4:
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Tips & Tricks
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All of these restraints have been crash tested and should keep your dogs controlled and restrained. Here are some tips when looking for restraints:
Look for designs that carry the weight of the dog over the shoulders and chests. Thick webbing is ideal because it's less likely to twist and injure the skin.
Also avoid products that only attach to the collar. For small dogs and cats the PetStowAWay and the DogGone are the most popular. Unfortunately they're not designed to withstand a heavy crash. Keep in mind any restraint is better than no restraint.
