Winter is here, bringing with it slushy roads and hazardous driving conditions! While car safety for ourselves and our human family members is common sense for most people – seatbelts and car seats are standard practice and (in Ontario) the law – it is easy to overlook our pets. At Guelph Animal Hospital, we know that we have amazing clients that go above and beyond for their furry family members, and we would like to share some information to help you better protect your pets in the car!
The Dangers
Driving with our pets presents some unique safety challenges – for us and them. Some of these dangers are obvious. For instance, if an accident occurs with our pets in the car, they may be injured by the impact or thrown from the vehicle if they are not properly secured with a safety harness or crash-tested carrier. However, many do not consider that having an unsecured animal in their car during an accident poses a danger to the other passengers in the car, who may be struck by the animal during a collision. In addition, a pet that is free to move about a vehicle can become a visual distraction and physical impediment to the driver. Pets should NEVER be allowed to travel in the front seat of the vehicle, both to ensure they do not present a distraction to the driver and for their own safety. Much like small children, pets in the front seat can be seriously injured by air bags during an accident.
Outside of safety, legal complications are also a concern. If an accident occurs due to a loose pet distracting their owner, sitting on their lap or impairing their vision by blocking side mirrors, the driver can be charged with distracted or (depending on the severity of the case) careless driving.
If convicted of distracted driving, a fully licenced driver will receive:
· A fine of $400, plus a victim surcharge and court fee, for a total of $490 if settled out of court
· Fine of up to $1,000 if you receive a summons or fight your ticket
· Three demerit points applied to your driver’s record
If you endanger others because of any distraction you can also be charged with careless driving. If convicted, you will automatically receive:
· Six demerit points
· Fines up to $2,000 and/or
· A jail term of six months
· Up to two-year licence suspension
You can even be charged with dangerous driving (a criminal offence), with jail terms of up to five years.
As you can see, there are many reasons to ensure your pet is safely secured in the backseat of your vehicle. Now that we have discussed the why, let us tell you the how!
The Solution
Sleepypod makes a wide range of carriers and harnesses to help keep your furry friend safe and secure while riding in your car, and we are proud to carry many of these products here at Guelph Animal Hospital. All of Sleepypod’s award winning products have been independently safety tested and have passed baby seat crash testing requirements!!!
*Interested in prices, colour or size options? Simply click on any of the product photos to be directed to our online store!!!*
Clickit Sport Harness
ClickIt Sport is Sleepypod’s next generation dog safety harness. The unique Infinity Loop design, in combination with an energy absorbing padded vest, is engineered to work together to distribute and reduce damaging forces in an accident without the need of additional hardware or attachment straps. Sleepypod Clickit harnesses are the only harnesses to have passed independent crash and safety testing. When it comes to keeping your furry family members safe, only the best will do!
Sleepypod Mobile Pet Bed
Sleepypod mobile pet bed is three products in one: it’s an everyday pet bed, a stylish carrier, and a safe car seat.
While many cats and dogs associate travel with negative experiences such as a trip to the vet or kennel, Sleepypod mobile pet bed reduces stress by allowing a pet to travel safely in the comfort and familiarity of his or her own bed.
When at home, Sleepypod’s Ultra Plush padded base can be easily positioned in a favorite corner, on a table top with a view, or even in a dark closet providing your pet a comfortable space of their very own.
Crash-tested Sleepypod transforms into a cozy and safe car seat with velcro positioning points that secure a seat belt in place. Your furry friend can now remain safely in his or her own bed throughout the entire journey.
Sleepypod Atom
Sleepypod Atom is a modern pet carrier for everyday living that is consistent with the innovative design features for which Sleepypod has built its reputation. In designing Sleepypod Atom, Sleepypod took ideas from its multiple award- winning Sleepypod Air and applied them to the smaller-sized Sleepypod Atom.
The included a strap on both sides of the crash-tested Sleepypod Atom transforms the carrier into a safety car seat. These straps position the seat belt around the Sleepypod Atom to prevent the carrier from leaving the seat during an accident or sudden stop. Just like all of their carriers and harnesses, Sleepypod Atom was crash-tested to assure your pets safety when traveling by car.
Traveling by air with your petite pooch or kitty has never been easier! Sleepypod Atom’s ergonomic and sleek design fits comfortably below most airline seats.
Sleepypod Air
The Sleepypod Air offers an innovative solution to the many conflicting airline size restrictions put on pet carriers by providing size versatility through flexibility. Sleepypod Air’s design also keeps with their strict safety standards and high quality material and color selection.
Sleepypod Air’s unique design allows it to contract in size to fit in the space below most airline seats during the restricted times of takeoff and landing. Once the plane is in the air, the Sleepypod Air can be expanded to allow a pet the largest possible space below an airline seat.
Sleepypod understands that car safety is a must when out driving with your pet. Sleepypod Air includes straps on both sides to secure a car seat belt in place around Sleepypod Air. This positioning keeps the carrier in the seat in the event of an accident. Sleepypod Air was put through the same safety testing that continues to position Sleepypod among one of the safest pet product manufacturers on the market.
We hope that you have found this blog informative!!! Please come down to see us and we would be happy to help you choose which of these amazing products is best for your furry family!
Krystal Luscombe
