Small Dog Seat Belt Safety

There are a variety of reasons why your dog should be restrained while driving. As stated earlier, it is a safer ride and less distracting for you as the driver when your dog is secure. Another reason for using a seat belt is if the car is involved in an accident, your dog will be inside the car when emergency vehicles arrive. Imagine the terror of an owner, arriving at the hospital and realizing that their beloved dog is loose on the streets, afraid, traumatized and possibly hurt after it exits the accident scene in all the confusion.

Emergency personnel are able to cope with your secured pet in the car more easily. If your animal is afraid because of an accident, he will be restrained from biting emergency workers. And emergency workers will know you have a dog in the car and be able to get him needed veterinary care.

By shopping for proper seat belt equipment now, you are going to be ahead of the game in most states. Currently, California requires dogs be tethered in moving vehicles. On January 1, 1999, New Hampshire passed a law stating dogs are not permitted to ride in the back of pick-up trucks. Other New England states including Massachusetts and Rhode Island have followed suit and banned dogs from the back of trucks unless the owner can prove the animal is a working dog.

Let's face it, small breed dogs are not typically working dogs and if we permitted our little dogs to ride in the back of a pick-up, one good bump and they'd be flying to the pavement. But it is expected that eventually, most states will adopt a law similar to the California law. So plan on purchasing a seat belt now, and on using it to protect your dog. He will be able to stretch out and sleep or sit proudly as you drive just as he does now. And your peace of mind will keep your focus on the road.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I AM NOT ENDORSING ANY OF THE FOLLOWING PRODUCTS. THE FOLLOWING LIST IS FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE ONLY.

http://www.ruffrider.com/june16.htm

http://www.webcom.com/777/dogbags.html

http://server4.hypermart.net/resources77

http://www.ridesafehalters.com

http://www.ascx.com/petidtags/pidleash.htm

http://www.desertgold.com/dogs/dog.html

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