by Robin Shane

Created on: November 03, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

As with any time at home, you want to keep your pet as safe as you would a child while you are traveling. Gone are the days of letting pets roam around a moving vehicle. Unsafe practices of old are no longer necessary with the many products found in pet stores.

The most common safety item is the leash. Many people allow their dogs to wander without a leash on potty breaks. This is a very unsafe practice. Gonzo Dane might do well at home without a leash, but little Spitz and Pom who have personalities bigger than Gonzo's size might have different ideas at the rest stop. You might know your dog, but do you know the other dogs who are also not on leashes? Then there is "Rest Stop squirrel" who loves to taunt dogs. What dog wouldn't want to chase the lively squirrel and play? Wild animals at rest stops often carry diseases and you don't want that casual break to be an occasion when your pet actually catches its taunter! Leashes are a safety must.

Pets can be seriously injured in minor traffic accidents. Pet carriers are a safe means of travel for pets whether you are driving or flying. Devices that hold the carrier to the seat along with the seatbelt prevent your pet from being tossed around in the event of a mishap. Pet carriers are designed to fit your pet, so inquire with the pet store associate about the right size of a carrier for your particular pet. Another safety item for car travel that is less cumbersome is a seatbelt harness. These harnesses keep your dog safe while allowing enough movement for comfort.

A final safety note, while you are traveling: Do not allow strangers to play with your pet until you are familiar with them. Your pet may be great with strangers but you have no idea how the stranger treats animals. For the sake of your furry, or hairless, family member keep them safe from people you do not know. Your pet is a part of your life. Keeping them as safe as possible is a number one priority.

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