Holiday travel and family gatherings will return this year for many people and bringing along a furry family member can be an added treat. As dog and cat parents begin to load their cars for adventure, it’s important to keep their pets happy, safe, and comfortable on the way. PetSafe® brand, a global leader in pet product solutions, is sharing helpful tips for safe travel over the holidays.
“Following a year when many families put holiday traditions on hold, people everywhere are looking to spend quality time with their loved ones,” says Mandie Sweetnam, PetSafe® Category Manager for Travel and Access. “Our pets have been right beside us in the challenging times, so we want to bring them along for the good times as well. From harnesses and booster seats to their dog’s favorite comfort toy, PetSafe® has everything a pet parent needs for a safe and low-stress trip.”
Dogs and cats each have specific needs to attend to while traveling, but a few key considerations are important for all pets and parents to enjoy the journey and destination. PetSafe® recommends the following tips for traveling with your pets.
- Help your pet in and out of the vehicle.
When leaving for the trip, help your pet in and out of the car with a ramp like the Happy Ride® Telescoping Dog Ramp. PetSafe® ramps allow dogs the freedom to get in and out of the car, truck, or SUV by themselves and eliminate the workout for pet parents. The Telescoping Dog Ramp can support pets up to 400 pounds, and the high-traction surface and side rails keep them from slipping.
- Keep your pet in the back seat.
It’s important for everyone’s safety to keep pets out of the front seat. Dogs are at risk of injury in the front seat because of their size and posture, and they could also distract the driver. Secure your pet in a PetSafe® Happy Ride® Booster Seat so he or she can relax and enjoy the scenery as well. The safety tether attaches to their harness, keeping even the most curious pets secure in the car. The headrest strap, lower seat strap, and seat belt loops give your pet a calmer, smoother drive.Additionally, consider a PetSafe® Happy Ride® Bench Seat Cover to protect your seats from moisture, mud, and pet hair. Now available in black standard and quilted versions, the waterproof covers blend perfectly with modern vehicle designs. They fit the back of most cars, trucks, and SUVS, and install quickly and easily with the adjustable straps and seat anchors.
- Buckle up your pet.
Protect your pet on the go with the Happy Ride® Safety Harness and Seat Belt Tether. The harness is fully padded with a breathable mesh liner to keep them comfortable during travel. The safety harness easily attaches to the vehicle’s seat belt with the tether, keeping them secure and offering mobility in their seat.
- Make regular pit stops.
While traveling, stop regularly to allow your pet to stretch their legs. PetSafe® offers great options for keeping your furry family member close to you on walks like the Easy Walk® Harness and the Come With Me Kitty™ Cat Harness & Bungee Leash. The Easy Walk® Harness minimizes pulling by gently steering your dog in the direction you are headed and rests across your dog’s chest instead of his throat, so there’s no choking or gagging. Come With Me Kitty™ gives you safe and comfortable control of your cat. When your cat moves forward, the leash flexes with their movement and tightens across the harness shoulder straps, removing pressure from the delicate throat area.
More tips for traveling with your pet this holiday season can be found on the PetSafe® blog, and the products listed above are available for purchase at petsafe.net and major pet retailers.