Driving with your dog loose in your vehicle can become a dangerous situation for you and your pet. Under the Manitoba Distracted Driving Act, a loose pet in the vehicle counts as distracted driving, and you could be fined accordingly. Not to mention, if your dog happens to distract you and you get into an accident, it could result in severe injury to your companion and you.
However, there are options to keep your dog and you safe. You could keep your dog in a safety-rated crate if your vehicle is big enough or turn your back seat into a kennel by attaching a wall behind the front seats. There are harnesses and booster seats available designed to keep your dog safe and secure. It is also a good idea to turn off power windows as they can be accidentally rolled down.
When travelling with your dog in the car, you should always ensure you are well-rested. If you’re on a long trip, you should pull over every couple of hours and let them stretch their legs a bit. You should also bring a bowl and some water, so they don’t get too thirsty, especially if it is hot outside. If you keep all these measures in mind, you and your dog will never have an issue travelling together.
Written by Mathew Tempel