Driving to Thanksgiving with your dog? Crash-tested gear vs. marketing claims

Thanksgiving week is one of the busiest travel times of the year, and plenty of dogs come along. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Kennel Club (AKC) give the same basic advice: a pet in a moving car should be restrained, just like the people.

Why a loose dog is a risk

The AVMA lists three ways an unrestrained pet causes trouble:

• A small pet can crawl into the footwell and get in the way of the brake or accelerator.
• A big dog leaning across your lap blocks your view of the road.
• In a crash, a loose pet can be hit by a deploying airbag or thrown through a window or windshield.

Where your dog should ride

• In the back seat, in a crash-tested harness attached to the seat belt, or in a crate or carrier that is strapped down. The AVMA suggests putting a crate or carrier as close to the centre of the vehicle as you can.
• Not in the front seat. Airbags are dangerous for pets.
• Not with their head out the window. The AKC and AVMA both warn about eye injuries from flying debris and dogs jumping or falling out.
• Never loose in an open pickup bed. It's illegal in many states.
• If your dog rides in a harness, the AKC suggests turning on the child locks so a paw can't open a window or door.

"Crash tested" isn't the same as certified

Plenty of car harnesses say "crash tested" on the box, and a brand can put that on a listing after running its own test. The Center for Pet Safety (CPS) is an independent nonprofit that crash-tests harnesses, carriers and crates and publishes a list of the products that pass. Only three harnesses are on that list: the Sleepypod Clickit Sport, the Sleepypod Clickit Range and the Saker Bomber. Its crates and carriers include models from Lucky Duck, Gunner and PawsInCar.

Two CPS tips that are easy to miss:

• Skip extension tethers. CPS warns that tethers give a pet too much movement in a sudden stop or crash.
• Use the crate's straps. CPS certified its crates together with their anchor straps. An unsecured crate can slide or tip over in a crash.

For small dogs and cats, the AVMA recommends a carrier big enough for the pet to stand, turn around and lie down in, fastened in place so it can't move.

If a certified harness is out of budget, a maker-tested harness is still much better than none. Just know which kind of claim you're buying.

Get your dog used to it first

The AKC suggests starting before the trip. Let your dog sniff the harness or crate at home and reward them with treats. Then sit in the parked car together, then take short drives around the block. Have someone else drive so you can reward calm behaviour.

Road-trip checklist

• Feed lightly. The AKC suggests a light meal, or none, a few hours before you leave to help with motion sickness. Keep water available.
• Stop often for water, potty breaks and a short walk.
• Pack a leash, a spare collar with ID tags, food, water, a bowl, any medications, vaccination records and the number of an emergency vet near where you're going.
• Never leave your dog alone in a parked car, whatever the temperature. In late fall, cold is the bigger risk. Bring the dog inside with you or have someone stay with them.
• Clip the leash on before you open the door. Busy driveways and gas stations are easy places for a dog to bolt.
• Short evening walks? It gets dark early after the clocks change, so pack lights and reflective gear from our cold-weather and night-walk gear. Visiting family? Read our Thanksgiving foods list first.

A seat cover won't protect your dog, but it does keep late-fall mud off the seats:

See all our picks in the best dog car harnesses, crates and seat covers.

Sources: American Veterinary Medical Association, "Pet safety in vehicles"; American Kennel Club, "Dog Car Safety: Training Your Dog to Ride in the Car" and "The Complete Guide to Traveling With Your Dog"; Center for Pet Safety certified product directory and extension tether advisory.