National Pet Travel Safety Day, which takes place on Jan. 2, was started by former EMT-Medic Colleen Paige as an effort to highlight the dangers of having pets unsecured in vehicles. The day is for educating the public to ensure pets are safe in vehicle travels.
"Most people are in denial that their animals are at risk, because they've never had an accident," Paige states on National Pet Travel Safety Day's website.
"Even stopping quickly at 10 mpg your pet is at risk of injury," the site adds.
It is very unsafe to travel with pets while they're not secured. Besides the risk of injury for you both during an accident, many people lose their pets at rest stops, gas stations and fast food parking lots when pets become frightened with the door opening and bolt off. There is nothing more disheartening than losing a pet and not knowing if they are safe.
Travel comes in many forms, and HNGN has put together a fantastic series of tips for traveling with your pet in any mode of transportation.
Traveling with pets on trains is a cheaper alternative to air travel and much less stressful for your pet, according to HNGN's tips traveling with pets on trains and buses. Do your research first, and check out the train operators that allow pets inside the train and see what regulations they have. Some require a carrier, while some need a leash and muzzle. To assure stress free arrival, know the rules before you go.
Car travel is always fun. Who doesn't enjoy a good road trip? Use HNGN's tips for making sure you have the appropriate items needed to assure you dog or cat have a great road trip, as well. It can be fun for the whole family, with the right steps in place. A pet carrier or crate will enable you to drive with no distractions of your cat on your head or shoulder and your dog accidentally hitting the window down button as you barrel down the highway. This keeps everyone in the car safe, two-legged and four-legged.
Air travel is the least safe for animals, especially if they have to ride in cargo. Some airlines like Delta are unfortunately no longer allowing small dogs and cats to fly safely with their pet owners as carry-ons, insisting on all pets be in cargo instead, according to WTSP.
If you are traveling with your pet as a carry-on, check with regulations before you go. Tight rules exist on size, size according to your pet, and types of carriers allowed. Don't just show up thinking you can sail through with any old carrier. Placing your dogs favorite toy, chewie and blanket inside will help them settle down with familiar objects.
For cats, a favorite toy and blanket will calm them during this stressful trip.
For top tips on air travel with your pet, check the air safety tips with HNGN here.
We are a mobile society, and making our pets mobile is done by millions all over the globe. It can be done; just keep your pet's best interest in mind when you choose your mode of transportation and ensure you use the best practices to get you both there happy, healthy, safely and with as little stress as possible.
