Whether it’s a drive to the vet or a trip to Starbucks for a Puppuccino, traveling with your pet can go from enjoyable to stressful very quickly. While you try to focus on driving, your pet may grab your attention and that can cause some serious danger.

The Massachusetts State Police and Missing Dogs Massachusetts teamed up to offer helpful tips on how to safely travel with your pet.

Missing Dogs Massachusetts is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that works to reunite missing and found dogs with their families.

Sometimes, if a driver and their pet are involved in a crash, the pet will run away, causing even more panic for a stressful situation.

“An unsecured dog could be hurt, killed, or frightened and run away after a crash,” State Trooper Chad Tata said. The State Police and Missing Dogs Massachusetts hope to decrease those odds by joining forces and getting the word out about safe travel.

With the help of his canine partner, Luna, Tata demonstrated a few ways that pet owners can make traveling in a car with their furry friends a little easier.

Put your pet in a crate tethered to a seat belt

This will prevent your pet from traveling all over the car. My cats hate their cat carrier, but I would rather have them hate me for a quick drive to the vet than have them in danger.

Invest in a pet seat belt

Pet seat belts are affordable and easy to use.
“Always attach it to a harness, not a collar,” said Tate.

Don’t roll your car windows completely down

Some pets may try to jump out, and that’s a scary situation for everyone involved.

“If your pet does get out of your vehicle, call police or animal control,” Tata said.

Always make sure your dog has an ID tag or microchip

“Like children, pets are part of our family. They are precious cargo and should be treated as such,” Tata said.

Sometimes, traveling with your pet is unavoidable, and hopefully, some of these reminders will keep you and your pet safe the next time you hit the road.

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