In addition to giving our pets love and attention, we need to keep them safe at all times – even during our journeys.
The Automobile Association of South Africa provides the following tips to ensure both you and your four-legged companions journey safely:
- Pets should always travel in the back: It’s fun to have your furry friend ride shotgun, but it’s also dangerous for the animal. If you have an accident and the airbags deploy, your pet could be severely injured. Animals should never sit on your lap while you’re driving.
- Use a harness or pet crate while driving: The safest place for animals is sitting or lying in the back seat where they can be safely secured to a harness, or in a pet crate in the uncovered boot area of an SUV.
- Keep your windows two-thirds up: We all know how much dogs love sticking their heads out the window and letting their tongues flap in the wind on road trips, so it’s hard to deny them that pleasure. But a sudden tap of the brakes, even a small one, can result in a tragedy with the animal being ejected from the car.
Read: IN PICTURES: Man and his dogs survive fire
- Pack some stress relief: Travelling in a car can be stressful for animals, so have a few of their favourite toys or a comfy blanket on the back seat or boot area to help them relax. If your pets are at ease, the driving experience will be safer and more enjoyable all around.
- Take a break every hour: Long drives can get dull, especially for Fluffy and Fido. Take a break every hour or two to let your pets stretch their legs, play a bit, drink some water, and relieve themselves. Let’s be honest, you’ll probably want to do all those things too.
- Never leave your pets alone in the car: After a car is parked in the sun for just half an hour in warm climates, the cabin temperature can rise to as much as 70°C – which is hot enough to fry an egg. That’s easily enough to cause animals heatstroke.
- Get a pet ID: Attach a tag to your pet’s collar with your phone number on it, just in case your dog or cat escapes from the car, either through a window or an open door. A pet ID tag is essential for people to be able to get in touch with you if an animal runs off.
Watch this cute video that provides tips for safe travelling with your furry friends:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VxAcfW3kS80&feature=youtu.be
