Pet Car Safety: What’s The Best Way To Travel With Your Pet?
With air travel becoming increasingly expensive and pets becoming ever more involved as part of family trips, we've seen considerable growth in road tripping with pets. While it may be easy to have a pet hop in the car and give them free rein throughout the trip, you should consider some safety factors.
Safety For Your Pets
As the popularity of traveling with pets grows, manufacturers are working to help keep those furry family members safe and protected. Some of the most popular and beneficial accessories are:
- Harness Systems: Even the most loyal pets are tempted to hop out an open window. OEM pet harnesses work with your stock seat bely systems and keep your pet securely in their seat, even in the event of a collision.
- Seating Separators: These sturdy metal grates provide a physical barrier that keeps your pet in their place, away from the driver. These are popular for large or excitable pets that can be difficult to control in the car and might cause dangerous distractions.
- In-Car Kennel/Carrier: Need an even more secure mode of transport? You can get an OEM spec pet carrier that will fit perfectly into your cars seat or cargo area. Remember that you should still consider securing the carrier inside your car so it doesn't get thrown around in the event of a collision.
All of these relatively simple systems are designed to work with your car's standard seat belts and cargo spaces to ensure your pet is held safely throughout your trip. Check out this link to explore the options - all with OEM fit and function.
Safety For You
In addition to benefiting your pets, many pet accessories help keep you and your passengers safer:
- Front Seat Barriers - These simple fabric barriers strap between the driver and passenger head rests and keep your pet from poking their head forward to demand attention from a focused driver!
- Access Ramp - Lifting your large or old pet into your vehicle is no small task. Access ramps make self loading possible for your pet, no matter their age or ability.
In the case of an accident, a pet that isn't strapped in can quickly become a flying object and can be dangerous to anyone in the vehicle. By giving your pet a specific seat and ensuring they're wearing a seat belt (or otherwise secure), both your passengers and your pets will benefit in the case of an accident on the roadways.
Safety For Your Car
Aside from the added safety for you, your passengers, and your pet, Subaru also offers accessories that help to protect your vehicle:
- Rear Door Panel Protectors: Most dogs can't resist an open window. They'll rest their paws on the door's arm rest or window edge to improve their view, and the door panel will pay the price.
- Rear Cargo Area Mats: Pet paws are harsh. If you travel with your pet in the cargo area, you'll need the extra protection.
- Seat Protectors: Protect your seats from fur, paws, drool, and anything else your funny friend brings along!
Subaru offers these and many other pads and systems to help keep your interior protected from excited pets and their paws. Adding accessories that allow safe transport of your pets to your vehicle works for everyone - pets, passengers, and your beloved Subaru.
When it comes to keeping your Subaru running right and safely, keep Subaru Parts Plus in mind. Our staff is full of Subaru enthusiasts who are happy to help you keep your car in top shape. Subaru's OEM manufacturer warranty backs all our parts, and we've been happily shipping parts since 2005. You can contact us here or call us at 1-888-294-4979.