How To Dog-Proof Your Car

How to Dog-Proof Your Car for Safe and Happy Travels

There are few things better than traveling the open roads with your best friend in tow, but without the proper safety and comfort measures, you and your pet could be in for a bumpy ride. To ensure a positive and safe road travel experience, we’ve compiled a list of tips you’ll want to know before heading out with your four-legged friend. We’re also sharing some pet-friendly products AAA Members receive at a discount to help with travels. 

Put safety first for dogs in the car

Safety should always be the top priority when traveling with our pets. Even for those who routinely drive with pets, it can be easy to fall prey to distractions and forget the vital basics. Most importantly, never leave your pet in a vehicle unattended, especially a hot vehicle

If you must exit the vehicle for a brief period, The owner/caregiver should possibly consider alternatives when traveling with a pet. For example, travel with a friend, scope out your destinations before leaving the house, ensure you travel with a walking leash, and pack a travel kit (food, water, and all necessary medications) so that you have good alternatives to protect your pet from any time alone in a locked car. Not only is it dangerous to leave your pet unattended in a hot car, but it’s also illegal in several states. There are 31 states, specifically, that have laws addressing this negligent behavior. 

Some other ideas that will help keep your pet safe on your road trips together include:

• Install a barrier: Use a barrier to prevent distractions while driving and keep your dog safely confined to the back seat. Car nets, wire mesh and hammocks are three of the more popular types of barriers for securing pets in cars.  
  • Car nets are typically made of mesh and easy to hang between the driver’s seat and the back seat of your vehicle. 
  • Wire mesh barriers work well for larger dogs or those that are more eager to join you in the front seat. They function similarly to car nets but are composed of stronger materials to prevent breakthroughs or snapping.
  • Hammocks use a net extension that hangs from the back of the front seats to block your dog from entering your driving space while still allowing for airflow and general visibility.  
• Use a harness: Think of a pet harness as a safety belt; it looks and functions much like a leash that attaches to the car seat safety anchors in the back seat. Many harnesses feature elastic bungees in the webbing, giving your dog a sense of security while also providing some slack in the event of quick braking. If your pet is young, consider an adjustable harness to meet their growing needs.  

• Try a carrier: Pet carriers can be a great way to help keep your dog safe, provided your car has enough room to fit one. Carriers come in a variety of sizes, but select one that isn’t too large and could cause your pet to be injured in a crash. A larger carrier could cause more harm to the animal. Most carriers are collapsable, making them easy to store when not in use, and some hard-shell carriers come with wheels, which will serve you well if airport travel is involved. 

AAA Members get special cash-back offers and discounts at PetSafe.net, PETCO and other pet-related stores on the above safety accessories and other products.  

Pet-friendly products

It takes a bit of planning, but if you purchase the right pet-friendly travel products in advance, you can have happy and enjoyable trips with your pet without compromising the interior of your car. Some of our favorite items include:

• Rubber floor mats: Waterproof and easy to clean, rubber floor mats help protect the interior of your car from any mud, messes or accidents your dog may bring along on your travels. 
• Seat covers: Available in a variety of materials, seat covers will help preserve the interior of your car and prevent scratches to upholstery and leather. For your pet’s comfort, many covers are padded or have non-slip designs to help keep your pet securely in place and make their ride comfortable. Measure the width, height and depth of your car seats to ensure you get covers that fit correctly. Check out Furhaven Pet Products for an exclusive cash-back offer for AAA Members.
• Window shades: Protect your pet from the heat and sun while still allowing visibility to see outside with window shades. Most shades are retractable and come with suction cups or adjustable clips for easy hanging.  
• Door panel covers: Dogs love to look outside car windows and may even jump up on the door panels when excited by something. Protect your car’s door panels from scratches, hair and debris with easy-to-install shields made of materials like those found in seat covers. 
• Cleaning supplies: Stay prepared for any messes or accidents with a few basic cleaning supplies. Towels, wet wipes and waste bags are must-haves for car trips with pets, as are water bowls and first-aid kits. Most of these supplies can be found at retailers like Chewy or PetMeds and include special AAA Member savings. 

Traveling with your furry companion should be a joyful experience, not a stressful one. Taking the right precautions—such as securing your pet with a harness, using protective seat covers, and keeping essential supplies on hand—can ensure a safe and comfortable journey for you and your dog. Plus, AAA Members can enjoy exclusive discounts on pet-friendly travel accessories to make every trip smoother. Plan ahead, stay safe and enjoy the ride with your four-legged friend!