Automobile accidents in which pets are involved have become so common that most major auto insurance companies have begun to cover pets that ride in the automobile in their policy coverage. If you’re one of the 29 million pet owners who frequently travel with their pet, it may be time to invest in a car seat, belt, or carrier to ensure your dog’s automobile safety.

Fortunately, dog car safety doesn’t mean having to coop your pet up in a kennel, although that is an option for many pet owners. Many dog product makers now make automobile safety devices, like the PetBuckle Seatbelt Harness for all dogs or the PetGear Dog Booster Seat for small dogs. No matter what method you choose it is as important to restrain your dog during any length of automobile trip, as it is to buckle up yourself. Even a fender bender can result in severe damage to your dog if he or she is thrown about or hit by objects that may shift in the vehicle.

Another important aspect of safe dog travel is to ensure that your pet doesn’t hang their head out of the window. A dog whose head is out of the window is more likely to be injured by bugs, flying debris, or severely harmed in the event of an accident. Dogs whose heads are outside of the vehicle can be thrown out of the vehicle or have their trachea crushed by impact with the window frame during an accident.

Any time you transport your dog it is important to make sure that his or her ID tag is attached to the collar. Not only will this help identify your pet in the case of an accident but will help your pet be returned to you should they escape from the vehicle as you are exiting or entering.

Another thing you should carry with you is an emergency list. Creating a sticker, similar to CHAD stickers often placed on children’s Car seats, is likely the best way to ensure your pet’s health and care in the event of an accident. This list should include information such as the dog’s veterinarian’s name and number, and emergency contacts. In the event of an accident this could help your pet to get the medical care it needs, or aid in helping rescuers to return him or her to their family.

We do a lot to prevent injury and loss due to automobile accidents for ourselves, and our canine companions should be no different. By securing your pet while he or she rides in the vehicle, ensuring that your dog is tagged and emergency information is on hand, and protecting them from dangers outside of the moving vehicle, you can give your pet the safe ride he or she deserves.