[stbob]

First time dog owner this century. Someone tell me today that dogs is now required by "law" in several states including NJ are to be restrained by a seat belt attachment of sorts or securely stowed in a travel cage. I'm neither for nor against such laws. I yahoo'd the subject and was able to find some unofficial looking websites that stated some states had indeed seat belt laws for dogs and most of them also conveniently offered additional info on where seat belt gear for dogs could be bought. But i couldn't find any official websites with ordinance numbers or other technical legal jargon. If anyone knows of any official urls, please post the linkage. Also would be much obliged if anyone has first and/or second hand knowledge of someone actually being cited for the offense... ⚖

 

[DaySleepers]

This is the best explanation I've found: New Jersey SPCA Backtracks on Animal Restraint Enforcement

Essentially, it sounds like the law doesn't exactly specify animals needing to be restrained in the car, but it is rather vague on what constitutes carrying an animal in a vehicle in a 'cruel and inhumane manner'. Restraints in a car are always a good idea and I'd personally err on the side of better safe than sorry, especially since I'm not exactly trained in law and might be missing or misinterpreting something important.

 

[LeoRose]

It's illegal for a dog to be unrestrained in the bed of a pickup here in Texas (actual state law). People still let their dogs ride loose, and I'm sure a fair number of them still fall out.

One of the reasons we bought our new-to-us vehicle is that it's big enough for me to put dog crates in, instead of having them wear seatbelt harnesses.

 

[storyist]

It's illegal for a dog to be unrestrained in the bed of a pickup here in Texas (actual state law). People still let their dogs ride loose, and I'm sure a fair number of them still fall out.

It's illegal here in Colorado too, at least in populous counties, but I don't think it's enforced unless there's a complaint or an accident.

The law saying you can't transfer a puppy younger than 8 weeks is the same - no enforcement unless there's a complaint. I have more sympathy with the non-enforcement there because how are police or animal control going to know about it happening without a complaint?

 

[chfnas19]

I am a big believer (now) in doggie seatbelts. When I got into an accident about 5 years ago my dog escaped out a back window that had shattered and was lost to me for about 6 months. Also, my friends dog lost her eye when she had her head out a car window and she was struck by a rock that was kicked up. be careful out there!!!!!!

 

[LeoRose]

Simon got an upgrade. He was riding in an older 200 Sky Kennel in the back seat. Now he's got a large Midwest Skudo in the back. And now I can fit four (or five) people in the car without having to pull a dog crate out.

2021-6-31 new car crate DSCN0257_01 by Rosemary Elwell, on Flickr

 

[K9luv]

Those areas like SUV trunk aren't safety tested or made for passengers, so just beware about rear end accidents. I'm not one to talk, I really don't know where the best place is the car or how to protect them. My pup rides in the front passenger with a seatbelt and harness and air bag turned off. It was just a heads up.

 

[stbob]

Those areas like SUV trunk aren't safety tested or made for passengers, so just beware about rear end accidents. I'm not one to talk, I really don't know where the best place is the car or how to protect them. My pup rides in the front passenger with a seatbelt and harness and air bag turned off. It was just a heads up.

Is a test really needed to see that if for whatever reason the rear hatch becomes jammed and the contents of the crate need to be evacuated immediately there might be a problem...?

 

[K9luv]

Is a test really needed to see that if for whatever reason the rear hatch becomes jammed and the contents of the crate need to be evacuated immediately there might be a problem...?

I have no idea, just saying the trunk is not made for impact, at least not to protect contents in case of an accident. Passengers ride in the front or back seats. I'm sure the floor might be the best place, but no way my pup is riding on the floor.

 

[3GSD4IPO]

I used a plastic crate when I had an SUV. Then I got a truck and a cap and I bought a Zinger dog crate that locks.. coupled with a locking tail gate.. so that if anyone came along and thought the dog in the crate in the truck (with water and a fan and shade) was in danger or the situation was "cruel" they would have an awfully hard time getting the dog out.

I would not use a dog seat belt.. most have not been crash tested and if the dog breaks away in collision he becomes a missile. I would not use a wire crate as in an accident the wire crates break apart and the wires become skewers. I would use either a good, plastic rate or a metal crate and place it in the back. Nothing to do with any laws... just safer for all concerned:

Here are samples of crates I would use:

Impact Dog Crates | Strong & Safe Aluminum Dog Crates

Shop for the best dog crate for your furry friend. Heavy duty American made aluminum dog crates that are safe, strong, and secure.

www.impactdogcrates.com

Zinger Dog Crates

ZINGER™ Aluminum Dog Crates are perfect for pets that require the extra security of an aluminum construction verses the typical plastic and wire cra...

www.zingerwinger.com

Kennels

rufflandkennels.com

GUNNER️️️ | Man’s Best Kennel | Crash Tested Dog Products .

 

[chfnas19]

Actually, many dog seatbelts simply attach to the dogs harness, similar to how humans are belted in. They have come a long way with safety for dogs in cars. I feel my dog is much safer with it on. To each their own.