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Can dogs travel in a car’s footwell?
When I picked up my adult daughter the other day, she was shocked to find my Pomeranian in the passenger seat’s footwell. After putting my dog in the back seat, she gave me a big lecture. Is she right? Can dogs travel in a car’s footwell or is it unsafe?
Rachel Rigolino · Updated on
Reviewed by Shannon Martin, Licensed Insurance Agent.
Many dogs ride peacefully in a car’s footwell, but your daughter’s right—it’s not a safe practice. Even well-trained dogs can get spooked and interfere with your ability to drive. While it may not be illegal in your state, letting your pet ride in the car while unrestrained can be dangerous. Even a small 10 lb dog can become a forceful flying object in an accident, capable of doing damage not only to themselves but to others.
Here are some tips for traveling with a dog:
- Use a crate, car seat, harness, and/or another restraint system. Luckily, retailers offer a wide variety of travel products, likedog car setas, for pets. Find one that suits your dog. If they’re not used to being restrained, acclimate them to it by taking short trips in the beginning.
- Keep your attention on the road. If your Pom-Pom begins whining, pull over to see what’s wrong. Attempting to calm a troubled dog is no different than texting and driving and is a form of distracted driving.
- If your dog tends to become anxious in the car, discuss this with your vet. You may want to give him medication before long trips. And you may find that your dog is less stressed while riding in a comfortable crate with his toys than he is in the footwell.
Here’s to enjoying future car trips with your best friend!
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