Animals in cars
Article 442 of the Highway Safety Code states that "No one may drive a road vehicle when a passenger, animal or object is positioned in such a way as to obstruct the driver's view or hinder the driving of the vehicle." Even if the legislation is rather vague regarding the transport of our furry or feathered friends, a few precautions based on simple common sense are necessary to preserve everyone's safety.
The habit of wearing a seat belt when travelling by car is acquired by the vast majority of people. However, not all pets benefit from this same precaution. Animals can have unpredictable reactions: they can jump on the driver, slip between their legs and are just as vulnerable to injuries in the car. Not to mention that in the event of sudden braking or impact, they can be injured or thrown onto passengers. In the event of a collision at 50 km/h, a 35 kg dog turns into a one-ton projectile!
Travel safely
Under no circumstances should your pet travel in the trunk of a car. In addition to the danger posed by exhaust fumes, the trunk is much more suitable for transporting luggage than animals.
To prevent your dog from getting car sick, it is best not to feed him anything for two or three hours before departure. It is highly recommended, especially during the first few journeys, to carefully protect the seats.
The habit of wearing a seat belt when travelling by car is acquired by the vast majority of people. However, not all pets benefit from this same precaution. Animals can have unpredictable reactions: they can jump on the driver, slip between their legs and are just as vulnerable to injuries in the car. Not to mention that in the event of sudden braking or impact, they can be injured or thrown onto passengers. In the event of a collision at 50 km/h, a 35 kg dog turns into a one-ton projectile!
Travel safely
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The dog seat belt
The dog seat belt attaches to the car seat belt buckle and attaches to the pet's collar or harness, preventing the pet from being thrown around in the event of an impact. -
The harness
There are several models of safety harnesses adapted to the physiognomy of each dog. You simply adjust it, put it on and attach it. Safety harnesses for car travel have a shorter leash and wide, comfortable straps, making them better suited in the event of an accident. -
Transport box
Sometimes it is better and more convenient to put the animals in a carrier. Most dogs are used to the carrier, so it even becomes a comforting den for dogs that are afraid during car trips. For cats, this is often the best known and most convenient solution! In the carrier, your pet should be comfortable and have enough space to stand up and turn around. The carrier should also be well ventilated. -
The barrier
Often used in SUVs, the net, grille or safety barrier isolates the trunk of the car, so that your pet cannot be thrown forward during an impact. It also prevents it from distracting you while driving. More suitable for large breed dogs, this option does not protect your pet.
Under no circumstances should your pet travel in the trunk of a car. In addition to the danger posed by exhaust fumes, the trunk is much more suitable for transporting luggage than animals.
To prevent your dog from getting car sick, it is best not to feed him anything for two or three hours before departure. It is highly recommended, especially during the first few journeys, to carefully protect the seats.
Animals alone in the car?
Heat and dehydration are two important factors to consider when traveling by car with an animal. You should never leave an animal alone in a car, even for a relatively short time and even if it is not very hot. A car can indeed turn into a real oven in a few minutes. Above 30°C, your animal can go into shock, suffer from heart problems and even die: this is heat stroke.
In the event of a very brief absence, for example to go to the toilet, you should park the car in the shade and leave the windows ajar, enough for air to circulate but not enough for the animal to be able to stick its head out.
When the car is moving, you should also ensure that the dog does not put its head out of the door, as this often causes ear infections, conjunctivitis, colds and irritation due to dust entering the eyes, nostrils or ears.
In summer, you should also be wary of traffic jams if your car does not have air conditioning, because here again your pet could get heatstroke. If the traffic jam threatens to last, choose to stop and go for a walk or play with your dog while waiting for the traffic to improve.