You wouldnB次元官网网址檛 put a baby or a child in a car without making sure they were safely secured and comfortable. Nor would you get in a car without doing up your seatbelt.

Did you know that it is important to take the same care for your pet?

Drivers who donB次元官网网址檛 secure pets within the car could risk fines and penalties.

Further, a new survey by Compare the Market AU finds that almost 30 per cent of Canadian pet owners donB次元官网网址檛 secure their animals when taking them for a drive. An extra 9.7 per cent say a passenger holds the animal but they arenB次元官网网址檛 kept secure. Almost 30 per cent say they use a collar to seat belt attachment, but these can be dangerous in an accident.

With the survey finding over 80 per cent of Canadian pet owners take their pets in the car, and many make plans for road trips, it is important to take into consideration how to keep a pet comfortable in the car and how to best secure them.

Securing your pet

For dogs, the first option is to use a harness.

A harness helps distribute impact across a dogB次元官网网址檚 body for a more secure hold. To ensure a comfortable fit, leave enough room so that two fingers can fit between the harness and your dog.

When a dog is in a harness, they should be able to stand, sit, or lay down comfortably, without having to brace themselves while youB次元官网网址檙e turning, reversing or stopping, ICBC says.

Four Paws Pet Grocery and Boutique in Sidney sells both a rated and unrated car harness in store, or check in with other local shops for products.

Another option is to use a crate. Unsecured crates can bounce around and even become dangerous to other passengers, so make sure they are secured by a seatbelt, cargo hook or placed by the rear seat.

While you may be used to your cat rubbing up against your legs at home, ICBC warns that leaving cats loose in your vehicle can potentially result in them interfering with gas or brake pedals.

Instead, opt for a cat carrier. The BC SPCA recommends the B次元官网网址渁irline typeB次元官网网址� which also helps prevent injury in the event of a crash. Cats are also often more comfortable in a vehicle when they are in a carrier, says the Government of Canada travel page.

Easing car anxiety

Is your pup or kitty nervous in the car? Pawsitive reinforcement goes a long way, so offer them treats, food and familiar toys or blankets inside or around harnesses or carriers before going on a car trip. ItB次元官网网址檚 also a good idea to bring along toys that can calm anxiety, like chew toys.

For persistent anxiety, Christine Leman, co-owner of Four Paws in Sidney gives plenty of ideas to try.

B次元官网网址淎t Four Paws, we carry both CBD and calming chews which may help ease your petB次元官网网址檚 anxiety while travelling in the car,B次元官网网址� she said. B次元官网网址淗owever, they are not always effective for every pet and in those cases, youB次元官网网址檒l want to schedule a visit with your primary care veterinarian for medications that can help reduce anxiety and control car sickness. As well, consider consulting a dog trainer/behaviourist for an effective training program to help ease your petB次元官网网址檚 travel woes. Remember to take it slow and prepare well in advance and soon your pet will love travel as much as you do!B次元官网网址�

Rules of the road

Section 72 of the BC Motor Vehicle Act prohibits the transport of an unsecured pet in the back of a pickup truck. If you must transport your pet this way, the cage or crate must be attached securely so that it cannot fly out.

Both the SPCA and BCHP say pets shouldnB次元官网网址檛 travel in leashed crates on hot summer days.

ItB次元官网网址檚 also good to know that in B.C., drivers can be ticketed $367 for driving B次元官网网址渨ithout due care and attention,B次元官网网址� a fine that also comes with six penalty points. Driving with a pet in your lap or reaching into the back seat to interact or take a photo of your pet while driving could be cause for a ticket.

Pet insurance

Of course, no one likes to think about the possibility, but should something ever happen during an incident, pet insurance can help pay for veterinary treatment.

Michelle from Trupanion, a North American pet insurance company said that their basic pet insurance plans cover injuries from car incidents, whether they are secured or unsecured in the car. She added that it is worthwhile to get pet insurance before travelling.

While there are some things to get sorted before you write your tail of two cities, or leave the barking lot for new adventures, these tips will make your pet travel adventures pawsitively safe and enjoyable.