Keeping pets safe and well includes never leaving them inside a parked vehicle. On an 85° day, the temperature inside a car will reach 102° in 10 minutes. At that temperature a pet will begin to show signs of heatstroke, which can be fatal. If there is no one to rescue them, they won’t make it and they won’t last long.
Maybe you thought it’s enough to crack the window open an inch or so, especially if you only have a quick errand to run. No dice. Even with the window open a few inches, the temperature will still rise to a level incompatible with life, whether animal or human. Being that pets are usually smaller than their human owners, it takes less time for them to succumb to the heat.
Ten Minutes is Too Long
Perhaps you thought, “It’s a mild day, it should be fine to leave Fido in the car while I run a quick errand,” but the fact is, the temperature inside a car can rise as much as 20 degrees higher than it is outside. And even the ten minutes it takes to drop off your dry cleaning is too long to leave a pet in a parked car. Besides which, in many states, it is now illegal to leave your pet in a car.
None of this means you need to leave your sweet pet home alone. Most pets love to take a ride, and that’s fine, as long as pet owners know how to keep them safe.
Safety Tips for Pets in Cars
Here’s what you need to know to keep your beloved pet safe in the car:
- Never leave your pet alone in the car. Keeping your pet safe, first and foremost means staying with them, and keeping your car at a safe temperature.
- Make sure your pet is getting enough to drink. This is especially important for longer journeys. Pets should drink one ounce of water per every pound that they weigh—more if they are pregnant, very active, or the weather is hot.
- Pets should always be in the backseat of the car. That can be difficult for a sociable animal who wants to sit next to you up front—think dogs—but it’s safer for your pet. In the backseat, there’s no danger of bouncing into the windshield in the event of an accident.
- A harness or crate is ideal for keeping your pet safe while out for a ride. You may be able to borrow one or the other from a friend. If not, a crate or harness is a good investment, and adds an extra measure of protection for your animal friend.
- If you prefer not to use a harness or crate, make sure you don’t leave the back windows open. Your pet may be tempted to jump out the window into traffic. That’s not just dangerous for your pet, but for other drivers on the road, who may try to swerve to avoid your pet, and crash.
Keeping Pets Safe and Happy
Every pet owner knows that pets can be sad when you leave the house. That’s why it’s so nice to bring them along for the ride, assuming you know how to keep them safe, comfortable, and happy. For example, if you’re planning a road trip, make sure to take frequent breaks to allow your pet to stretch their legs and relieve themselves. Plan ahead and research pet-friendly rest areas along your route. And most of all, keep your furry or feathered friend safe, and enjoy the journey together!