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Going on vacation with the dog in the car or RV?
Learn how to choose the right car cage and how to prevent overheating and accidents on the road.
Vacation fun begins as soon as the bags are packed, and of course the dog goes along for the ride. But how do you make sure the journey is as safe as the destination? The same dog that lies quietly in the back seat at home can turn into a life-threatening projectile during an emergency stop. Without proper safety precautions, you risk serious injury to both your dog and yourself. This blog describes where things often go wrong on the road, how to prevent them, and what features make a car kennel or kennel truly safe.
Vacation fun begins as soon as the bags are packed, and of course the dog goes along for the ride. But how do you make sure the journey is as safe as the destination? The same dog that lies quietly in the back seat at home can turn into a life-threatening projectile during an emergency stop. Without proper safety precautions, you risk serious injury to both your dog and yourself. This blog describes where things often go wrong on the road, how to prevent them, and what features make a car kennel or kennel truly safe.
Why a loose dog in the car or RV is a risk
Dogs often travel loose in the back seat, in the trunk without a sturdy rack, or worse, loose in the RV living space. In a collision at just 50 kilometers per hour, the impact multiplies a dog's weight by a factor of 40. A 30-kilogram dog then strikes with the force of a small car. Moreover, after an accident, an unleashed dog can escape in panic or block emergency workers' access to the vehicle. Then you are immediately talking about a dangerous situation.
Dogs often travel loose in the back seat, in the trunk without a sturdy rack, or worse, loose in the RV living space. In a collision at just 50 kilometers per hour, the impact multiplies a dog's weight by a factor of 40. A 30-kilogram dog then strikes with the force of a small car. Moreover, after an accident, an unleashed dog can escape in panic or block emergency workers' access to the vehicle. Then you are immediately talking about a dangerous situation.
Common mistakes
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Secure the dog with a simple harness to the belt buckle (these almost always break on a real impact).
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Using an inexpensive, collapsible wire kennel that collapses like a house of cards upon impact.
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Do not anchor the cage to the lashing eyes of the car or RV, which will cause the entire crate to slide.
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Leaving the dog in the RV loose in the seating area or under the table while driving.
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No consideration for heat build-up in the back of a locked trunk.
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Secure the dog with a simple harness to the belt buckle (these almost always break on a real impact).
-
Using an inexpensive, collapsible wire kennel that collapses like a house of cards upon impact.
-
Do not anchor the cage to the lashing eyes of the car or RV, which will cause the entire crate to slide.
-
Leaving the dog in the RV loose in the seating area or under the table while driving.
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No consideration for heat build-up in the back of a locked trunk.
Solutions that work for a safe journey
Choose a certified aluminum car kennel
A safe car cage is made of high-quality aluminum or galvanized steel with sturdy joints. The cage must be able to absorb the impact without splintering or deforming in a way that injures the dog.
A safe car cage is made of high-quality aluminum or galvanized steel with sturdy joints. The cage must be able to absorb the impact without splintering or deforming in a way that injures the dog.
Fixation is half the battle
For a car cage to be safe, it must be immovably secured. In the car, use the official lashing eyelets in the kofe box combined with heavy-duty lashing straps for this purpose. Clamping or bolting the cage is also a solid solution. In the RV, it is smart to mount the cage in the garage (the large storage area in the rear) or firmly anchor it to the chassis at the seating area.
For a car cage to be safe, it must be immovably secured. In the car, use the official lashing eyelets in the kofe box combined with heavy-duty lashing straps for this purpose. Clamping or bolting the cage is also a solid solution. In the RV, it is smart to mount the cage in the garage (the large storage area in the rear) or firmly anchor it to the chassis at the seating area.
The right size: compact is safer
Unlike a home kennel, a car cage should not be too large. If the cage is too spacious, the dog will still be thrown through the crate during a hard braking impact. The dog should be able to lie comfortably, turn around and sit normally, but more space is undesirable from a safety standpoint.
Unlike a home kennel, a car cage should not be too large. If the cage is too spacious, the dog will still be thrown through the crate during a hard braking impact. The dog should be able to lie comfortably, turn around and sit normally, but more space is undesirable from a safety standpoint.
Emergency exit is mandatory
Always choose a car cage with a rear escape hatch or emergency exit. Should a rear-end collision occur that prevents your car's tailgate from opening, you can still quickly and safely free the dog from the cage via the back seat.
Always choose a car cage with a rear escape hatch or emergency exit. Should a rear-end collision occur that prevents your car's tailgate from opening, you can still quickly and safely free the dog from the cage via the back seat.
What should you look out for along the way?
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Air circulation: A cage in the back of the trunk captures little fresh air from the air conditioner. Provide a crate with open bars on the top and front so air flows well.
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Heat through glass: The rear window of a car or the large window of an RV can quickly heat up the cage. Use sunshades or heat-resistant blankets (such as an aluminet) over car windows.
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Surface in the cage: Place a non-slip mat in the cage. If your dog is constantly slipping around corners, it causes tremendous stress and muscle pain during a long ride.
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Stopping and Temperatures: Never leave your dog alone in the car or RV on a hot day, even with the windows ajar. The temperature inside will rise to lethal levels within minutes.
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Air circulation: A cage in the back of the trunk captures little fresh air from the air conditioner. Provide a crate with open bars on the top and front so air flows well.
-
Heat through glass: The rear window of a car or the large window of an RV can quickly heat up the cage. Use sunshades or heat-resistant blankets (such as an aluminet) over car windows.
-
Surface in the cage: Place a non-slip mat in the cage. If your dog is constantly slipping around corners, it causes tremendous stress and muscle pain during a long ride.
-
Stopping and Temperatures: Never leave your dog alone in the car or RV on a hot day, even with the windows ajar. The temperature inside will rise to lethal levels within minutes.
When a professional transport cage makes a difference
A universal inexpensive carrier works fine for a trip to the local vet, but falls short during a long vacation trip. Petfort provides certified car cages and custom solutions for both cars and RVs. Critical consideration is given to crumple zones, secure closures and perfect fit in your type of vehicle. For dog owners who want to head out on the highway toward the sun with peace of mind, this is the difference between hoping for a good outcome and guaranteed safety.
A universal inexpensive carrier works fine for a trip to the local vet, but falls short during a long vacation trip. Petfort provides certified car cages and custom solutions for both cars and RVs. Critical consideration is given to crumple zones, secure closures and perfect fit in your type of vehicle. For dog owners who want to head out on the highway toward the sun with peace of mind, this is the difference between hoping for a good outcome and guaranteed safety.
Conclusion
Safe dog travel depends on proper preparation and materials. Invest in a tested, sturdy car cage, secure it securely and match the size to your dog's size. This way, you protect not only your faithful four-legged friend, but the whole family. A dog should arrive at the vacation destination fit and relaxed, ready for adventure.
Safe dog travel depends on proper preparation and materials. Invest in a tested, sturdy car cage, secure it securely and match the size to your dog's size. This way, you protect not only your faithful four-legged friend, but the whole family. A dog should arrive at the vacation destination fit and relaxed, ready for adventure.
