When you get inside your vehicle, it’s certain that you immediately buckle up, and ensure that every passenger inside is safely strapped in. It’s now become one more step in the process of driving - open the car door, fasten your seatbelt, put the key in the ignition, check your mirrors, drive. Not only is buckling up smart thinking, it’s the law in almost every state. But, what about Fido or Kitty?

Cats and dogs and other animals are often not secured. They’re told to “hop on in,” “sit still” and “try not to slobber or hurl all over the backseat.” Come on, dogs and (especially) cats don’t follow orders on a normal basis, much less when they’re going for a ride in the car. They’re going to do whatever they want.

Loose pets in your car are a recipe for disaster. Think on it this way; they are not only in danger if you get into a car crash, they become a danger to you if you get into a car crash. Whether Kitty is a 4 lb ball of fur or Fido is a 30 lb ball of blubber, you’ve got dangerous unsecured cargo flying around in your vehicle. They will probably jump back and forth between the seats, crawl under the gas or brake pedals, and be a general nuisance and worse, a major distraction to the driver.

Pets, of all shapes, sizes and sorts, need to be contained. Pet safety belts, harnesses or box carriers must be used to transport your pets, even if it’s just a trip to the pet supermarket. You love your pet, right? Then show it.