How To Keep Your Dog Safe on The Road

Your dog is your best friend, but not when he’s jumping all over your car and gnawing on your upholstry.  And when your dog decides to jump in your lap while you’re driving, you’ve got a problem.

Sometimes the hassle and distractions they cause when taking your dog on the road makes the risks outweigh the benefits. Not to mention the fact that you don’t want your pet to become a projectile if you have to stop short or have your dog fatally injured if an airbag deploys.

Pet barriers for cars are a great way to keep distractions to a minumum while you drive. They keep you and your pets safe and most can be adjusted to fit many different sizes and shapes of vehicle.

Here are some things to consider before you buy:

Are Pet Barriers for Cars Safe?

There’s no question that pet barriers dramatically reduce the number of pet injuries caused by sudden stops and swerves. They can save your dog’s life if you’re in a car accident.

Bar Barriers vs Mesh Barriers

There are two basic categories of pet barriers for cars. There’s the so-called tubular type made from rigid tubes of metal and the mesh type.

One common concern with bar barriers is that a dog’s head could get caught between the bars. To avoid this, measure your dog’s head in as many different dimensions as you can (head on, tilted sideways, cocked at an angle, etc.) before choosing any of the bar style pet barriers for cars. If you’re in doubt, get one with narrow spacing or opt for a mesh barrier instead.

Bar style pet barriers for cars are generally not the recommended type if you own a puppy, small dog, or cat,as they can easily get stuck or squeeze between the bars. There is a company called Barrie-Aire, however that claims to make a bar style with spacing small enough for puppies; their Euro Barrie-Aire is designed with larger spacing for bigger pets.

While mesh barriers are generally made to accommodate any size vehicle, the bar types require more careful measuring and you may need to purchase extension panels for the proper fit. That, of course, will add quite a bit to the cost.

Can I Use Pet Barriers for Cars of All Sizes?

When choosing the proper pet barrier for your vehicle you must be sure to measure the inside of your vehicle. This way you can select the correct model for your car.

If your car is very large or has bucket seats you may need to order an extension panel.

How Do Pet Barriers for Cars Install?

The bar types are usually held in place by tension mounting. Tension may be adjusted with threaded rods or sliding rods held in position with wing nuts. Some of them use suction cups to hold them in place. Whatever the system, the best ones don’t require tools and take only a few minutes to adjust.

One of the better mesh pet barriers for cars is the “Net Pet Barrier” (at drsfostersmtih.com) because of it’s sturdy concealed wire frame and a corded suspension system that adapts to any size vehicle. The drawback to installing this model of pet barrier is that it attaches via grommet strips that have to be affixed to the car’s interior. Before installing you have to clean the surface you’re attaching them to meticulously or the barrier won’t stay put. And once the fasteners are in place, you must wait overnight to let them set before installing the netting.

There are net style pet barriers for cars that are much easier to install but they also come loose much more easily.

Will Pet Barriers Ruin The Interior of My Car?

None of the pet barriers for cars that I’ve researched involve drilling any holes. But they do use tension (in the case of the bar types) which could leave a permanent indent in your car interior. And the mesh type like the one mentioned above have a 3M self adhesive that can be difficult if not impossible to remove.

That said, how much damage will your pet do if you let him or her roam free?

What’s the Best One To Buy?

That all depends on your needs.  Look around, check out reviews from satisfied customers. Take your dogs personality into account.  A simple  trapeze style (shown above), for example,  might be all you need for the laid-back or older dog who just wants a comfortable place to relax.  There’s plenty of choices and what’s best depends on your needs and what will work best for your dog.