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How to keep an animal riding in your vehicle from becoming a dangerous distraction Mobile Pets iStock summer 2015 bca a .com 33 drive smart roadside P ets are part of the family, so bringing them along on your next roadtrip is probably a given. But according to experts, animals on the loose in a vehicle can potentially cause accidents by either distracting or interfering with the driver. "Small dogs or cats can get under a brake pedal," says Nick Shaw, president of the British Columbia College of Veterinarians. "A bigger dog could get in the way of the steering wheel or your field of vision. And any dog barking, [getting sick] or chewing a seat will be a huge distraction." Pets should be kept out of front seats, as air bags in a collision will inflate with so much force they can injure pets. And animals should be safely secured – in a crash, unrestrained pets act as projectiles, injuring themselves and potentially passengers as well. While there may not be laws in B.C. regulating how pets travel inside a car, police do have tools to deal with dangerous situations. Let a pet interfere with safe driving – say, riding on your lap – and police can issue a $109 ticket. If officers suspect the pet caused an accident, the fine may increase to $368 for driving without due care, says RCMP Corporal Ronda Rempel. Bottom line when it comes to pets in cars? "If you wouldn't let a child do it," says Shaw, "then use the same common sense with your dog or cat." safe Trip checklisT Work pets up to it: Start with short drives and work up to multi-hour hauls. This is especially important if the animal is anxious or prone to motion sickness. a veterinarian can prescribe sedatives and anti-nausea remedies, if needed. Consult your vet: Ensure all vaccinations for your pet are up to date and check on any additional ones needed for your destination. Heading to the U.S.? Proof of vaccinations may be required at the border. Keep them secured: most jurisdictions, including b.c., require dogs in a pickup-truck bed to ride tethered by a short secure leash or in a secured crate. Inside a vehicle, secure large dogs to the back seat with a pet harness and place smaller dogs in a carrier that fastens to the back seat. cats tend to be safest and least anxious in a crate. You can open the window to improve airflow but leave only a crack so your dog can't poke his head out and risk injury from flying objects. Treat them right: many pets are sensitive to routine, so on travel day keep everything as normal as possible. once on the road, schedule stops at least every two hours (more frequently for puppies). and keep an eye on the temperature in the car, whether you're moving or stopped. animals can overheat in less than 10 minutes and should never be left alone in the car on a warm day. n – Ryan Stuart TIP! BCAA Advantage Auto optional auto insurance covers up to $1,000 in veterinary expenses if your pet is injured in a collision in your vehicle. bcaa.com/auto

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