Did you realise that you can be fined $425 and lose 3 demerit points for not restraining your pet in the car? 

All of us would agree that it is imperative that we wear seatbelts when we are travelling in a car as we could face serious consequences if we don’t follow this law. Many people do not realise that it is law to restrain your pets as well. Police are cracking down on this. 

RULES AND REGULATIONS: THE COST OF NOT RESTRAINING YOUR PET

As a nation of animal lovers, Australians love to take their pet with them on holidays or for a fun day out.  Unfortunately too many pets are left unrestrained in cars.  It is not uncommon to see dogs not only sitting on the drivers lap but from time to time standing upright resting their front paws on either the steering wheel or driver’s side window.  It is also very easy for some small dogs and cats to get under your front seat and interfere with the brake and acceleration pedals, possibly causing an accident or harm to your pet.
This can be dangerous for a number of reasons.

A pet standing or sitting on a driver's lap could interfere with the driver’s ability to steer, indicate or even obscure the drivers view. It is also dangerous for the pet should a vehicle be involved in a collision. Your pet would likely be injured if thrown around the cabin of your vehicle or injured by a deploying air bag. Dogs travelling in the back of vehicles such as utilities should also be secured by a leash to prevent them either accidentally falling from the vehicle or being ejected from the vehicle in the case of a collision.

Check the laws in your state, but these days you can face hefty fines or penalties for having an unrestrained pet in your cat.   Rules introduced in Australia in 2013 prohibit a pet being in the driver's area of a vehicle for these safety reasons above.  Police can find you a hefty $425 and 3 deremit points if a pet is on your lap whilst you are diving or if them deem the animal to be causing you to not have full control of the vehicle.

RSPCA statistics reveal about 5000 dogs each year are injured or killed in Australia as a result of falling from a moving vehicle.

 CAR SAFETY FOR DOGS

A dog that is restrained is a dog that is under control and cannot cause driver distraction

In the event of an accident a restrained dog is less likely to become airborne, decreasing the risk of injury to the dog and passengers or other vehicles

Restraining your dog may also preventing it jumping out of the window or back of the ute which could cause the animal serious injury or cause an accident.

• Use a car harness to secure you dog such as a Beau Pets Harness, Kurgo Tru-Fit Enhanced Strength Harnesses or the YD Car Harnesses
• For those dogs that won't sit still in the car, use the Kurgo Swivel Tether which is a heavy duty tether.
• Seat Belt attachments and Rogz Safety Clips are also available to clip onto your dog’s existing harness and clip into the seat belt fitting. (it is not recommended to use your dog’s collar as this could put undue stress and pressure on their neck)
• Protect your car’s upholstery by using a hammock seat cover, such products as the Wander Hammock, , Hammock Seat Cover Car Protection Mat are quality products.
• If your car rides in the back of an SUV you can use a cargo barrier in conjunction with a harness to have them securely ride in the back.

• To prevent your dog from jumping out of the back of a ute and causing injury to themselves or others on the road, a ute tie is a great option

• For smaller dogs or cats the Travellin’ Pet Seat , Kurgo Skybox Booster, Car Safety Seat and Tagalong Seat Deluxe, Tagalong Seat Standard & Medium Tagalong Seat ( for smaller dog )s are great options 

Remember it’s not just your dog you need to have restrained.  Cats and birds that are free to roam your car is just as dangerous.

• Place your cat or small pet in a secure pet crate such as the Wire Carry Cage,  a sturdy front opening Carrier, or one of Pet Designz stylish carriers - Travelz Pet Carrier 

NEVER LEAVE 

 Even on mild days the temperature inside a vehicle can rise rapidly to danger ous levels.  For example, one study that found that when the ambient temperature is 22C, the temperature in a car can rise to over 47C in 60 minutes.  Have you ever sat in a car on a hot day with the window just slightly opened?  Trust me after a few minutes you will soon realise that it is not safe to leave your dog or any pet in a car.

MOTION SICKNESS

Does your dog or cat excessively drool, vocalise, become restless, urinate, defecate or vomit when they travel in your car?  It's important to remember, that like us, pets can suffer from motion sickness.   If your pet has learned to associate a car ride with unpleasant experiences, it may be worthwhile taking gradual steps in the weeks prior to making the experience more enjoyable.

There are products that can provide your pet with relief during travel

Try Homeopet Travel Anxiety  ,  Natural Animal Solutions Traveleze, Canine Tranquil Formula  or Feline Tranquil Formula

these are natural products that can be used to help decrease your pet's motion sickness.

DOGS AND CATS

• Taking short car trips to places your dog enjoys, like the park
• Gradually building your dog or cat's tolerance to car trips; start by getting your dog/cat used to approaching the car, then spend some time in the car with the engine off. When your dog/cat is ready, take short trips (around the block, for example) to build tolerance before progressing to longer car rides.
• Do not feed your pet before travelling to minimise the incidence of vomiting
• Lower your car windows a couple of inches while the car is moving. This helps balance the air pressure inside the car with the air pressure outside, which may help reduce your pet's nausea and discomfort. Also, be sure to keep the car cool and well ventilated, as a hot or stuffy vehicle can contribute to unpleasant sensations for your pet.
• Keep your pet refreshed during the trip with plenty of water.  The Popware collapsible bowls are ideal to keep in your car so you can give your pet a drink 
• Take along their favourite toy or blanket to help them feel more comfortable.

Remember if you love your pet – restrain them while travelling so you reach your destination safely!

Check out our other blogs for more great tips on Travelling this summer - Preparing for travel,

travel essentials and sun safety for more great tips