"Buckle Up, Pup: Why Car Safety for Dogs is a Must"

Traveling with your dog can be one of life’s simple joys, whether it's a quick trip to the vet or a fun-filled road trip. However, ensuring your pet’s safety in the car is not just about comfort—it’s a legal requirement and could literally save lives. As responsible pet owners, it’s our job to make sure our four-legged friends are safely restrained when riding in the car. Here’s why it’s crucial to keep your dog secure and how you can do it effectively with options like Hendricks and Maple adjustable car restraints.

Buckle Up Your Pup! Its not just the law, its for the safety of them, you and your passengers and others.

The Law Is Clear: Pets Must Be Restrained

Did you know it’s illegal to drive with an unrestrained pet in your vehicle? That’s right—by law, you are required to secure your dog during car travel. Not doing so can result in steep penalties. If your unrestrained pet is injured during an accident, you could face a fine of up to $5,000, and in some cases, even jail time. The law recognizes the dangers an unsecured pet poses, both to themselves and to others on the road, and so should we.

Hendricks and Maple Car Restraints are all ADJUSTABLE and come in 14 different designs that match our Printed Neoprene Harness Ranges

The Danger of Unrestrained Pets: More Than Just a Fine

While the threat of fines and legal consequences is real, the physical dangers your pet faces when unrestrained are far more harrowing. In the event of an accident, your dog can become a projectile, flying through the car with deadly force. This not only puts your pet’s life at risk but can also injure or kill other passengers in the car and even outside of the vehicle in an accident.

Allow "more or less" room to roam in the vehicle with our adjustable car restraints and still keep them safely secured at all times.

Distracted Driving: Pets Can Cause Accidents

Even without an accident, an unrestrained dog can be a serious distraction. Whether they're pacing around the car or blocking your view by sticking their head between the seats, these actions can divert your attention from the road. Dogs can also get excited, jump around, leap from a car window or unexpectedly try to climb onto your lap while driving—all of which increase the risk of an accident. In fact, studies show that distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, and a roaming pet is no exception. Many a pet has jumped out the window whilst the car was in motion and been run over by another vehicle on the road or even their own vehicle.

Do not let your pet distract you whilst driving or risk their life make sure that you restrain your pet in a vehicle via a harness and not by a collar.

Proper Restraints Matter: Avoid Collars

When it comes to securing your dog, not all restraints are created equal. It’s essential to use a harness that fits snugly around their chest rather than relying on a collar around the neck. A sudden stop, even without an accident, can put enough force on a dog’s neck collar to cause severe injury or even death. A chest harness spreads the pressure evenly across your dog’s body, reducing the risk of harm during abrupt stops or collisions.

Hazelnut is only a pup but she is already learning good travelling behaviour and how to sit nicely in the vehicle when travelling but its never too late to start training to enjoy car trips and adventures.

Choosing the Right Restraint: Safety Meets Comfort

Thankfully, there are great solutions out there to help you keep your dog both safe and comfortable while traveling. One option worth exploring is Hendricks and Maple adjustable car restraints. These adjustable restraints allow your dog a safe amount of room to move while still keeping them secure. They even offer the ability for your pup to stick their head out the window without compromising safety—a favourite pastime for many dogs!

What’s even better is that Hendricks and Maple restraints come in 14 different designs, and all of our car restraints are adjustable, making it easy to find one that suits your style. These high-quality restraints are only $19.95 and come with the option to purchase matching adjustable harnesses that adjust at both chest and neck points for total comfort during car trips and that added touch of flair. Not only do they keep your dog safe, but they also add a little bit of fun to your travels.

Final Thoughts: Safety First, Always

Car safety isn’t just for people—it’s for pets too. Restraining your dog in the car isn’t just about following the law; it’s about ensuring the well-being of everyone in the vehicle. By using high-quality, adjustable restraints like those from Hendricks and Maple, you can travel with peace of mind, knowing that your dog is safe, comfortable, and not a danger to themselves or others.

So, next time you’re getting ready for a drive with your dog, don’t forget the most important step: buckle up your pup!