Family road trips and quick errands are part of daily life. But when you’re traveling with kids and pets, safety becomes even more important. Whether you’re headed to the vet, the park, or on a long-distance vacation, understanding how to keep your pet secure in the car is essential.
Pets that are loose in a vehicle can be distracting to drivers and vulnerable in the event of a sudden stop or accident. At the same time, young children need space and security, too. So how do you create a car environment that keeps everyone safe and comfortable?
In this guide, we’ll cover the essentials of pet car safety, how to plan for trips with pets and children, and the best tools to help your family travel safely together.
Why Pet Car Safety Matters
While most families use seatbelts and child car seats without a second thought, many forget that pets also need protection during car travel. According to safety experts, unsecured pets can:
- Become projectiles in a crash, injuring themselves or others
- Distract drivers by moving freely in the cabin
- Suffer anxiety if the travel setup isn’t secure and comfortable
Ensuring your pet is safely restrained isn’t just safer. It helps reduce stress for both the animal and the driver.
How to Secure Pets Safely in the Car
Depending on your pet’s size and your vehicle, different tools can help keep them safe.
1. Pet Seat Belts and Harnesses
For medium to large dogs, a crash-tested car harness that connects to the seatbelt system is an excellent option. These harnesses allow pets to sit or lie down but keep them in place during stops or accidents.
Make sure the harness:
- Fits snugly but comfortably
- Attaches securely to the car’s seatbelt
- Is labeled as crash-tested or safety certified
2. Pet Carriers and Crates
Smaller pets, such as cats or small dogs, should travel in well-ventilated, hard-sided or soft-sided carriers.
Best practices include:
- Placing the carrier on the floor behind a seat or using a seatbelt to secure it
- Choosing a carrier that’s roomy enough for your pet to turn around and lie down
- Allowing your pet to become familiar with the carrier at home first
3. Car Barriers
For large dogs in SUVs, a vehicle pet barrier between the back seat and cargo area can prevent the animal from jumping into the front seat. Make sure barriers are stable and do not shift during turns or sudden stops.
Travel Safety Tips for Pets and Kids
1. Never Let Pets Sit on Laps or Ride in the Front Seat
This is especially dangerous in cars with airbags, which can cause serious injury to pets during deployment. Pets should always stay in the back seat area, away from distractions and airbag zones.
2. Take Breaks on Long Trips
On road trips, plan rest stops every 2 to 3 hours. Give your pet a chance to stretch, drink water, and relieve themselves safely on a leash or harness.
For kids, this is a perfect chance to run around, use the restroom, and reset their energy.
3. Keep Heads and Paws Inside
While dogs may love sticking their heads out the window, it can lead to eye injuries from dust or debris. It’s also a risk if the dog becomes overexcited and tries to jump out. Keep windows rolled up enough to prevent this.
Comfort and Calming Strategies
Some pets (and kids) aren’t naturally great travelers. A little extra effort can go a long way to make car rides smoother.
- Bring a favorite blanket or toy to comfort your pet
- Play calming music or use a pheromone spray recommended by your vet
- Feed a light meal a few hours before travel to avoid car sickness
- Use sunshades on windows to keep the cabin cool and protect sensitive eyes
Packing Essentials for Pet Travel
Here’s what to pack for your pet when you’re traveling with the family:
- Collapsible water and food bowls
- Extra leash and harness
- Waste bags and pet wipes
- Health and ID records
- Favorite toy or comfort item
- Seat cover or blanket for the car
Having these items on hand can help keep both your pet and your child comfortable on any trip.
Emergency Preparedness
Accidents and emergencies can happen, so being prepared is essential.
- Keep a first-aid kit that includes supplies for both pets and children
- Have your vet’s contact information and emergency contacts stored in your phone
- Make sure your pet’s ID tag and microchip information are up to date
- Consider using a pet travel ID card attached to their carrier or harness
Teaching Children About Pet Car Safety
Including your children in pet safety routines helps build awareness and empathy.
- Talk to your child about why the pet is in a carrier or harness
- Let them help secure the pet’s travel space
- Explain why pets need calm, quiet behavior in the car
This reinforces the idea that caring for a pet means keeping them safe. Even on the road.
Final Thoughts
Safe travels start with smart planning. By securing your pet properly and preparing your vehicle for both your furry and human passengers, you’re ensuring that every journey is safe, calm, and enjoyable for the whole family.
