It is no big news that dogs riding in the back of pick-up trucks are required by law to be restrained, at least in California. This is for their protection so as not to be thrown from the open bed during sudden starts and stops. Animals inside moving vehicles should also be tethered, although it is not mandated.

Slamming on the brakes will cause anything that is loose in the car to become a missile. Even quick starts and turns will knock a four-footed pet off balance. Being hit by a flying animal can cause severe injury to you both.

A low-speed (30mph) collision will cause your cat or dog to become an object moving at a force 20 times its actual weight. This means a 10 pound cat will feel like 200 pounds on impact. Add claws and teeth to this, and I guarantee you will not want to be in its flight path. All manner of injuries can result from an accident situation, but why run the risk of adding to that by not confining your pet during travel?

Open-space vehicles such as vans and SUVs present the most danger for unrestrained pets as they have much more room in which to gather speed. But small cars are not safe either. So what if your cat complains all the way to the vet. Turn up the music and sing along.

Most felines detest traveling. A cat that is not confined to a carrier will find the deepest, darkest place in which to hide. Often this is under the driver’s seat. Imagine having a cat literally under your feet when you needed to brake; a scary thought.

So put your kitty in a carrier secured by a seatbelt or other device. Several times I’ve turned a corner only to have one of the carriers overturn in the back. Not very nice for the cat recovering from spay/neuter surgery that day! I’m much more careful in blocking them in now.

You wouldn’t drive off without a seatbelt on and neither should your pet, not matter what the species.

Products of the week: Bergan’s Travel Harness for dogs is nicely padded, a breeze to install to your car’s seatbelt and on your pet. It even doubles as a walking harness which is my preferred way of strolling with my dog as it does not tug on her neck. Don’t forget your canine companion’s safety and comfort when traveling. Bergan also has a line of soft-sided Comfort Carriers for cats. Find them all online at Bergan.