Occupant Safety Resources
Pets
Why pet safety matters
Keeping your furry friends safe while traveling is just as important as protecting human passengers. Unsecured pets can pose risks, not only to themselves, but also to everyone in the vehicle. In the event of a crash or sudden stop, an unsecured pet can become a projectile, leading to serious injuries for both the animal and human occupants. Research shows that unrestrained pets can cause distractions for the driver, increasing the risk of a crash.
The risks of unrestrained pets
- Injury to Pets: Unsecured pets are at risk of serious injuries from sudden stops or crashes, potentially leading to trauma or even fatality.
- Driver Distraction: An unrestrained pet may move around the vehicle, distracting the driver and increasing the chance of a crash.
- Ejection Risk: In a crash, pets can be ejected from the vehicle, leading to severe injuries or loss.
How to Keep Your Pets Safe
While there are no laws in Minnesota to prevent unrestrained pets in vehicles, nor are there are industry standards or tests for pet restraint products, there are restraint options.
Restraints
- Pet Seat Belts: Invest in a crash-tested pet seat belt that secures your pet in the back seat. This is an effective way to keep them restrained while allowing some freedom of movement.
- Pet Carriers or Crates: Use a sturdy pet carrier that can be secured with a seat belt or affixed in the cargo area. This protects them from injury and minimizes distractions.
- Pet Safety Harnesses: Harnesses designed for pets can be attached to the vehicle’s seat belt system, providing security while allowing your pet to sit or lie down comfortably.
Travel Preparation
- Get Your Pet Used to the Car: Before embarking on longer trips, take your pet on short drives to help them acclimate to the vehicle environment.
- Avoid Feeding Right Before Travel: To prevent motion sickness, avoid feeding your pet a large meal just before getting in the car.
- Provide Comfort: Bring along your pet’s favorite blanket or toy to create a familiar environment, helping to reduce anxiety.
Make Safe Stops
- Plan Regular Breaks: On long trips, plan for regular breaks to allow your pet to stretch, hydrate, and relieve themselves.
- Never Leave Pets Unattended: Avoid leaving your pet alone in a parked vehicle, especially in extreme temperatures. Even with windows cracked, cars can heat up quickly and pose a serious risk to your pet’s health.
Additional Safety Tips
- Keep Windows Closed: Avoid letting your pet hang their head out of the window, as this can lead to serious injury from debris.
- Avoid the Front Seat: Pets should always ride in the back seat to minimize the risk of airbag deployment injuries.
- ID and Microchipping: Ensure your pet has proper identification, such as a collar with tags or a microchip, in case they get lost during travel.
Additional Resources
- American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA): Provides information about the safe transport of pets in motor vehicles.
- Center for Pet Safety: Provides travel products for pets that have been independently crash tested.
- Nuna Tavo Pets: Provides crash-tested pet car seats that adhere to United Nations ECE child restraint standards.
Disclaimer:
The information and materials found on this website are intended for reference and education. To ensure all passengers are using vehicle restraint systems correctly, please consult with a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician, as well as your vehicle’s owner’s manual and your child restraint owner’s manual.