Whether you’re headed to the vet or for a weekend at the cabin, sometimes you need to take your cat or dog in the car. This can be stressful for you and distressing for your animal friend. Do you know the best ways to keep both you and your pet safe in the car?

Here are some tips to help you travel safely and comfortably.

Dogs

Make sure you dog doesn’t wander around your car. You can get dog seat belts and restraints to keep him or her from roaming and distracting you while you drive, but these measures won’t keep your dog safe in case of a crash. Your best option is to keep him or her in a pet crate that is anchored to your vehicle with a seatbelt.

It might seem fun to let your dog stick its head out the window, but that can be incredibly dangerous. They can get debris forced into their lungs which can hurt them and make them sick.

Cats

Your cat is safest in a cat carrier. Cats typically don’t like traveling in cars -- they can go into “fight or flight” mode, which is dangerous for both you and them. A cat carrier will prevent them from distracting you while you drive. Make sure that the carrier is anchored to the car with a seat belt so your cat doesn’t get bounced around.

Additional Tips

If you’re on the road for a long time, remember to stop and give your pet a break and some water. Make sure they have collars, tags, and leashes so you don’t loose them at a reststop. And never ever ever leave your pet in the car alone--even with the windows open. On a 75 degree day, your car can easily heat up to over 110 degrees within an hour and cause your pet organ damage.

Your pet is an important part of your life, and you want what’s best for them. When you take them in the car, follow these safety measures to be sure that they will be secure and happy. And maybe bring a lint roller to clean their fur out of your car when you get home!

Image by Farrell Small via Flickr, licensed under CC BY 2.0.