Just as there are rules that regulate how long an animal can be alone in a closed house without human supervision, there are also rules regarding how a dog or cat has to go inside the car when the vehicle is driving. And for years citizens have paid little attention to this type of thing or have not given it enough importance, but now this is going to change with new regulations that protect both the animal and its own owners in the case of carrying it in the car.
One of the most important rules is to prevent the animal from traveling loose inside the car, even if the journey is going to be short. It doesn’t matter if it’s for a long trip or if it’s just to take it to the vet, pets cannot go unprotected in the vehicle. The Civil Guard has reminded through its social networks that a pet without any type of restraint can become a danger to itself as well as to the driver and other passengers.
“If you travel with your pet, use approved restraint systems,” the body points out through a post on its official X account.
And that’s not all, it also emphasizes that “a loose animal in the vehicle can endanger all occupants.”
The pet must travel properly restrained
It may seem like nothing is happening if a dog travels lying down in the back seat, especially if he is used to the car and the journey is short.
However, while driving there may be a brake, a sudden maneuver or any other unforeseen event that makes the situation complicated both for the pet itself that is loose and for the driver or companions who are riding in the car as well. At that time, having the animal properly restrained prevents it from moving around inside the car or ending up interfering with driving.
It may also happen that the pet tries to get closer to the driver, constantly changing seats or placing itself in an area that makes visibility difficult.
For this reason, the Civil Guard’s recommendation is to use an approved restraint system appropriate to the size and characteristics of the animal.
The important thing is that the pet cannot move freely around the vehicle in a way that could compromise safety.
It is not only used to protect the animal
When transporting a pet, we usually think above all about protecting it in case of an accident. But the notice from the Civil Guard also focuses on all the people traveling in the car.
An animal that moves freely around the vehicle can end up becoming a distraction for the driver. Hence, holding it correctly has a double function: protecting the pet and reducing the risks for the occupants.
Before starting the trip, it is also advisable to correctly install the restraint system and check that the animal is comfortable and safe. This avoids having to manipulate or relocate it while the vehicle is running.
The Civil Guard’s warning is, therefore, simple: if we travel with our pet, it should not travel freely in the car.
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“A loose animal in the vehicle can endanger all occupants,” the force insists within its road safety campaign.