Megapolis Insurance

Surely you buckle up every time you get into a car (don’t you?) – but have you thought about pet safety as well?

It’s a common sight to see a dog riding in the back of a pickup truck or with his/her head out the window of a moving vehicle. Unfortunately, most people fail to understand that allowing a pet to roam freely in a car that is in motion is a hazard both to their four-footed friends and themselves.

What Can Happen?

Of course, in a collision, an unrestrained pet can be flung forward against interior surfaces or through window glass, just as human passengers can with devastating results. They can also cause major driver distraction if allowed to move freely through the cabin.

Cats are especially bad travelers in this respect; they can slip under your arms while you’re trying to steer, or worse, under the pedals (the consequences of this, should you have to slam on the brakes in an emergency stop, should be painfully obvious). They may be inclined to climb up on the dashboard or into the back window, interfering with your vision.

The grim possibilities are endless.

What to Do

Regardless of size, dogs should always be restrained in a carrier while traveling. If you must carry your dog in the back of a pickup truck, s/he should not only be in a carrier, but the carrier itself should be secured to the back of the cab with some kind of ties or fasteners. Some type of padding is a good idea as well.

A new product, called the Pet Tube, has recently come on the market. This is a lightweight, collapsible carrier with padding and a mesh top. However, at prices between $85 and $120, it’s not for everyone, and comes in only two sizes at present (though the length is adjustable.)

If the Pet Tube is out of your price range, you should definitely invest in a traditional, hard-shell pet carrier with a secure gate. As is the case with pickup beds, these carriers should be tied down and placed away from any area in the vehicle where airbags may be deployed.

About cats: these often high-strung, nervous, independent and even willful creatures usually do not adapt to change well and often make horrible traveling companions. If you must take your cat(s) on an extended road trip, you may wish to consult with your veterinarian about administering a mild sedative for the journey.

Ask Your Insurance Agent

Most auto insurance customers don’t realize that they may be able to purchase a rider that will cover injuries to pets while traveling. Not all auto insurers currently offer this coverage, but more and more companies are making it available and their ranks are likely to swell as customers whose insurers to not offer pet coverage switch to those who do.

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