Safety Tips for Traveling with Pets
November 8, 2017From making lodging reservations to ensuring that your transportation is in working order, traveling requires a certain degree of preparation. If you are traveling with a pet, there are additional steps you need to take to avoid problems during your trip. For instance, you will want to make sure that the pet is safe and properly restrained during your travels. Like humans, pets can be seriously injured or killed if there is a car accident and they are not restrained by a pet restraint that is appropriate for their size and weight.
Consider Location
If you are staying in a hotel, or any other type of lodging, you must confirm ahead of time that the establishment allows pets. You do not want to arrive at the hotel where you made a reservation, only to find that you cannot stay because they have a no pet policy.
Also, keep in mind that different cities have different laws regarding pets. For example, dog restraint laws vary from city to city so it is imperative that you do your research beforehand. In some cities, you may be fined if your pet is not properly restrained.
Restrain Pets in Vehicles
A study conducted by the American Pet Product Association revealed that over 50 percent of dog owners traveled with their pet at least once a month. Only 16 percent of those people used a restraint of any kind for their dog. A staggering 83 percent of respondents said that they placed themselves and their dogs in a potentially dangerous situation.
This statistic only refers to dog owners who put their pet in the car. It does not include people who let their dogs ride in the back of a pickup truck. According to the American Humane Association, approximately 100,000 dogs die each year from riding in the backs of pickup trucks.
General Safety Tips
The next time you plan on traveling with a pet, particularly a dog, consider the following safety tips so that you and your pet have a safe and enjoyable trip.
- Plan ahead by checking where all of the rest stops are located on your route so that you can let your dog get some exercise and take a bathroom break.
- Be sure to pack the essentials for your pet, including food, bowls, toys, a blanket to sleep on, and plenty of water.
- Check the laws in the towns you will be visiting to confirm whether you need a temporary license for your pet, as well as any other laws that affect pet travel.
- Find a reputable vet clinic in the town you will be visiting in case of an emergency.
- Make sure your car is in good working order, including the heating and air conditioning.
- Check to see if dogs are permitted on public transportation.
- Use a well-fitting car restraint for your dog whenever you are driving anywhere.
Baltimore Car Accident Lawyers at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton Represent Victims of Motor Vehicle Accidents
If you have been injured in a car accident, contact an experienced Baltimore car accident lawyer at LeViness, Tolzman & Hamilton. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 800-547-4LAW (4529) or contact us online.
Our offices are located in Baltimore, Columbia, Glen Burnie, and Towson, allowing us to represent car accident victims in Maryland, including those in Anne Arundel County, Carroll County, Harford County, Howard County, Montgomery County, Maryland’s Western Counties, Southern Maryland, and the Eastern Shore, as well as the communities of Catonsville, Essex, Halethorpe, Middle River, Rosedale, Gwynn Oak, Brooklandville, Dundalk, Pikesville, Nottingham, Windsor Mill, Lutherville, Timonium, Sparrows Point, Ridgewood, and Elkridge.