Go Ahead, Belt Your Pet

Do you belt your pet? I am not talking about discipline. Safety restraints for pets are rising in popularity. Some states have pending legislature to pass laws requiring the use of pet restraints in automobiles. Though there are no statistics compiled of household pets injured in automobile accidents, judging by the number of pets I have seen traveling in vehicles, the number is certain to be high. In some states, pets are not allowed to travel in the backs of pick up trucks, but like children, you see this all of the time.

An unsecured pet can multiply its weight by hundreds or even thousands of pounds during an automobile accident. Some vehicle accident statistics report loose objects, including pets, to be in the top five reasons for automobile injuries. In a sudden stop your unrestrained pet becomes a projectile and this can result in serious injury or death of your pet or other lives in the vehicle.

When I was pregnant with my first child, we were shown a video tape during childbirth classes of an interview with a mother who had held her child in her arms traveling in their family car. She crushed her newborn to death with her own body weight during an accident. After that tape, none of my three children ever traveled in a car without being properly restrained in a child safety seat. Think of the same associated risk to holding your pet. No, I would never compare the life of my children to that of our household pet, but I have friends whose pets are treated better than some of the children I have seen while volunteering throughout our community. My friends who chose not to breed, to them, their pets are their children. With the pet safety restraints that are affordable, conveniently available and easy to install, their use is worth the small investment.

There are two restraints that I like, and I am not an affiliate nor in any way associated with either company. Pet Buckle makes a harness available that can be used with existing seat belts or you can purchase separate tethers for the automobile or a pick-up truck. The Roadie from Ruff Rider offers a well tested harness unit that is machine washable and available in a variety of sizes. Small kennels are also a great option to protect your cats, small dogs or other smaller pets and are available at most pet stores for under $20.00. They even have a built in loop for seat belts to slide through, securing your pet.

Ask your Veterinarian, they may suggest their favorite product. Go online and learn more about the different types available. You will find the one that is right for you and your pet. Go ahead, belt your pet. Until next time, happy (and safe) trails!

Judie Mackie is a writer, reporter and editor for SearchAmelia. -- http://www.SearchAmelia.com/

Pet Buckle and the Roadie can easily be found online by doing a specific keyword search.