How safe are your pets when you are travelling in your vehicle?  Have you taken all necessary safety precautions into consideration?  Annually, there are approximately 6.5 million car accidents.  You cannot afford to gamble with your pets' lives.  Please keep the following tips in mind before getting behind the wheel with your 4-legged friends:

1) Animals are most shielded when travelling in a crate or harness that is secured by seat restraints.  Just like people, animals are most protected when they buckle up.  Crates and harnesses can be purchased at any pet supply store.

2) If your animals travel by crate, be sure to label the crate with a "LIVE ANIMAL" sticker with arrows pointing upward.  In case you are involved in a hazardous collision, authorities will know right away that an animal is in the vehicle.  If your animal is not crated, there is a greater chance of your pet attempting to bite or attack paramedics trying to treat injured persons inside your automobile.  There is also a risk of your pet escaping from the car and running off, or worse, running into traffic. 

3) It is particularly dangerous to drive with a loose cat in the car. 
Some cats are at ease in the car; however, many are not.  It is best not to take a chance.  Cats and other small pets can easily get under the gas and break pedals of your vehicle.  They can also become lodged under dashboards and under seats. 

4) Loose pets can also cause quite a distraction when driving.  Whether it be jumping on your lap to look out the window or chewing on your leather seats, it's best to keep them confined. 

5) Never leave pets in a poorly ventilated car, even for a short period of time.  Always provide plenty of water for your pets.  The stress of being in a vehicle will make them more thirsty than usual.

6) This should go without saying; however, NEVER let unsecured pets travel in the back of open pick-up trucks.  Additionally, NEVER let live animals travel in the trunk of your car. 

Regardless of whether you are going to the gas station or travelling cross-country, always have your pet's safety in mind when taking a trek in your vehicle.  Being safe, smart, and responsible is the best protection for your animals.