The Spokane Valley Fire Department recently responded to a two-vehicle accident that sent three individuals to the hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The accident ended up requiring a vehicle extraction because a passenger's foot became stuck in a vehicle. 

The accident occurred when one vehicle suddenly pulled out in front of another vehicle, which led to a collision. Three small dogs were located in the cab of one of the vehicles, and after the accident, one of the chihuahuas was reported to not be moving while another dog had blood coming out of its mouth. Fortunately, all of the dogs survived.

If your pet routinely travels with you in the car, it is in danger of being seriously injured if an accident occurs. To make sure that all of our furry friends remain safe while traveling, the Center for Pet Safety conducted a series of tests to determine how effective various canine travel restraints are. The following will review some safety pointers gleaned from the report in the hopes that you will be able to keep your furry friend safe next time you head out on the road. 

Size Matters

There is no one method of pet travel that is safer than all others. Instead, the exact method that you select depends on the size of your pet. The safety restraints needed for a 10lb. pug are different than the requirements for a 40lb beagle. As a result, the first obstacle in finding a good pet restraint system is finding what best fits your pet. 

Pet Carriers

For smaller dogs as well as cats, pet carriers are an excellent travel option. Not only is the pet safely confined in an easily movable box, the container can also be secured in the vehicle with a seat belt. 

Pet Harnesses

Pets that are above 15 pounds and cannot fit safely in a container should wear a harness, which is similar to a seat belt only more lateral in nature. Harnesses should fit around both an animal's chest and neck, which helps to more evenly distribute the force of an impact. 

While there is great disparity among the quality of harnesses, it is better to have at least some type of restraint rather than nothing at all. 

Booster Seats

In the same way that booster seats are intended for smaller children, booster seats are also ideal for smaller pets. These seats most resemble nests, which are positioned above car seats. To keep a dog from jumping out of a booster seat, the animal also must often wear a harness. 

Speak with a Skilled Accident Attorney

Car accidents can be particularly serious and have the potential to change the lives of the people involved. These accidents can also impact the lives of our pets. 

If you have questions or concerns about how to obtain the compensation that you deserve following an accident, do not hesitate to contact an attorney at West Law Office today.