It seems like a great idea to bring Fido along for every road trip you can, but this carries some risks. If you’re planning to travel with your dog, make sure that you have a plan in place to protect you and everyone inside the car.
If your animal is not restrained and serves as a distraction because they won’t sit still, you could wind up in an accident unexpectedly. Using a harness or containment unit inside the car keeps you and your dog safe when you’re on the open road.
In addition to using a harness, there are a few tips you can keep in mind to make this trip safe and enjoyable. These include:
- Make sure that your pet always has an ID tag in case they become separated from you.
- Start with shorter trips to see how your dog does in the car before attempting longer drives.
- Verify that any harness is suitable for their breed and current weight class.
- Don’t allow pets to hang out of the window or to sit on your lap while you’re driving. This might block you from being able to control the vehicle safely.
- Don’t ever allow pets to ride in open sections of a vehicle like a truck bed. All it takes is one sudden stop at an intersection to cause a problem.
While you can’t always prevent an accident while your pet is in a vehicle, you can do your best to ensure that you’re always focused on the road ahead and that your dog is properly secured. If you’ve recently been in an accident in which you suffered critical injuries because of another person’s distracted or reckless behavior, you might need a dedicated personal injury lawyer in San Francisco to help you file suit.