12 News & AZ Big Media: Pet Safety Tips for Air and Car Travel

PHOENIX — While Buddy, hanging his head out of the window, open-mouthed with wind in his fur hurtling down the freeway at 65 mph, or Spot, seemingly enjoying a trip in the bed of dad’s pick-up, may seem like pictures of pure bliss, well-meaning owners may be putting their daredevil pets in harm’s way. With thousands of Arizona families expected to hit the road this spring break and also starting to make summer road trip travel plans, Larry H. Miller Dealerships, in partnership with the Arizona Humane Society, is bringing greater awareness to often overlooked opportunities to keep pets safe when traveling by car, SUV or truck.

The incidence of well-intentioned acts with Fido or Kitten in the car turning into tragedies is astonishing. According to a survey by AAA and Kurgo Pet Products, only 16 percent of people who transport their dogs use proper safety restraints. Equally troubling are distracted driving habits involving pets, including more than half (52 percent) who pet their dog while driving and the 17 percent of drivers allowing their pet to sit in their lap while their attention should be on the road.

“With how much time we spend behind the wheel, our vehicles have become second homes in many instances, not only for us, but our children and pets, as well,” said Sara Waldman, director of communications, Larry H. Miller Dealerships. “While we wouldn’t think twice about allowing our children to engage in unsafe behavior while mom or dad drives, we’re hoping by sharing these tips from the Arizona Humane Society that people adopt that same safe-travel mindset when it comes to pets.”

Regardless of the type of vehicle – car, sport utility vehicle or truck – basic rules apply to help eliminate the dangerous actions that can increase the risk of a crash or serious injury.

“When traveling with your pet, safety and comfort should be paramount,” said Bretta Nelson, Arizona Humane Society spokesperson. “A good rule of thumb is a child litmus test; if you wouldn’t allow a child to do something, your pet shouldn’t be exposed to it either.”

Among the safe-travel tips shared by the Arizona Humane Society:

Keep the roam in check. A small 10 lb. cat or dog can easily be thrown from a vehicle in a potential crash. Crates, especially those that are anchored to the vehicle, are key to ensuring safety for pets. While restraints or pet seat belts are helpful in keeping pets from roaming, they haven’t been reliably shown to protect pets in a crash.

Make truck travel safer. Free-range pets in the back of a truck bed is a bad idea. Notwithstanding the chance of a crash, flying debris, weather conditions and loud traffic noises that could scare a pet into jumping out of the truck, are all hazards. Tethers and leashes are not a good restraint and could be just as dangerous resulting in potential choking or dragging if a pet jumps out of the bed. Always keep pets with you in the interior of a car while traveling and never leave a pet unattended in a vehicle.