Do's and Don'ts of Riding with Your Pet

Most pets (read "most dogs") love going for car rides. Service Advisor Nelson Beverly and his wife Christina have a toy poodle named Scooter. When they say the word “ride” in front of Scooter he lights up as if it were Christmas morning. This month we interviewed Scooter to get his recommendations on Pet Car Safety.

Scooter’s Pet Car Safety Tips

1. Don’t ever put me in the bed of a pickup truck! The Humane Society estimates that approximately 100,000 dogs are killed each year from being thrown or jumping out of a pickup. Besides, I’d so much rather sit in the air conditioned cab with you!
2. We may be super excited to join you for a drive, but please buckle me in. There are many Center for Pet Safety approved products that will keep me nicely contained and from roaming freely about the vehicle. Harnesses and dogs seats are life-savers. It keeps us from distracting you while driving AND reduces the risk of injury if we are involved in an accident. Also, I love you so very much but please don’t allow me to ride in your lap. You need to be focused on the road and have all fingers and toes available if you need to make a sudden maneuver.
3. Don’t leave me in the car by myself, please! It can get awfully warm in the car very quickly and the consequences are dire. Twenty-eight states, including Florida, have laws that either prohibit leaving an animal in confined vehicle under dangerous conditions or provide civil immunity (protection from being sued) for a person who rescues a distressed animal from a vehicle. To see the laws for a specific state visit https://www.animallaw.info/topic/table-state-laws-protect-animals-left-parked-vehicles.
4. A fresh bowl of water for longer car rides is great! A ride around the block is fine, but for those longer trips please remember to bring some fresh water along for me!
5. Don’t let me hang my head out the window. I mean, I know I enjoy it and all those smells, but it’s really not a good idea. I can easily try and jump out if I see another animal, or you never know when there could be an unexpected flying rock or even another vehicle. Just a little crack of the window is all I need to get the tease of fresh air and wind in my face.
6. Don’t just take me to the vet when we get in the car. This is no bueno because every time we get in the car I will get all anxious and think we’re headed to the vet of course! Take me around the block, to the pet store, to the park!
7. Don’t forget to take your car to my dad’s shop to make sure it’s safe for the entire family!

​These are just some of the main tips Scooter wanted to share with our readers, he did pretty good for not having opposable thumbs - now he has some toys to go play with and then a scheduled nap; his life is ruff.

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Make sure your ride is safe for you, your family, and your furry friends!
​Bring any concerns, weird noises, or flashing lights to Harrell & Beverly.
Call 407-322-8415 today!