Driving With A Dog: Don’t Forget Your Seat Belt!
If you take your dog with you in the car, you have to follow certain rules to keep it safe. The seat belt is one of these measures. Then you will find out what you should consider when driving with a dog .
Driving with a dog: what needs to be considered?
There are clear rules in Germany, which are formulated in Article 23 of the Road Ordinance. The driver is responsible for the road safety of the vehicle and must also ensure that this is given if a dog is in the car.
Even if you often see dogs without seatbelts in the car, it is illegal to do so, so you should refrain from doing so. There are various ways of ensuring security and at the same time complying with the legal requirements:
- Use a transport cage that comes in a variety of sizes. If it is a small animal, you can put it on the floor, if it is larger, the travel kennel is best placed in the trunk. A shield grille is also a good option.
- A special seat belt for dogs is also perfect to protect the safety of all road users. The belt is inexpensive and comfortable.
Why use a seat belt when driving with a dog?
Regardless of legal regulations, the aim is to protect the lives of all road users. No measure is too much to guarantee this. If you transport an animal, it must therefore be appropriately secured.
But which model and which brand is best to choose? If you buy a seat belt for driving with a dog, make sure that it is homologated. You then know that it is a tested and efficient belt that can save lives.
You can have such peace of mind because you know that the belt will work in an emergency.
How is the seat belt used correctly when driving with a dog?
Very simple: the belt can be attached to the dog’s collar or harness. The seat belt is then buckled in the car.
Your dog may not be used to being buckled up and may be nervous. Prepare him for it before driving his dog so that he can slowly get used to it.
Put your dog in the car, talk to him gently and buckle him up with the special dog safety belt. The dog may want to remove the seat belt or start howling or whimpering.
Gently calm him down and talk to him so that he can see that nothing is happening. Don’t leave him strapped to the harness for too long. Repeat this process several times before driving your dog for the first time so that the situation will become completely normal over time.
Then take your dog for a short drive and talk to him as you go to calm him down. Maybe the dog just falls asleep, or the ride is fun!
Don’t forget that dog owners have to take responsibility. Safety measures in the car can save lives!
