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At Glen Larson Law Injury Attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how chaotic a car crash can be—not just for people but also for pets. In Texas, where road trips and daily commutes often include four-legged family members, it’s important to understand how to keep your dog safe during travel. Whether heading to Zilker Park or taking a more extended trip across the Hill Country, here are essential safety tips to ensure your dog stays protected and secure on the road.
Never Let Your Dog Ride in the Front Seat
Front-seat airbags are designed to protect adult humans, not pets. In a crash, an inflating airbag can severely injure or kill a dog. Even if your pup loves to ride shotgun, the back seat is far safer, especially when properly restrained.
Use a Crash-Tested Harness or Travel Crate
Dogs should never roam freely inside a moving vehicle. A loose dog can be seriously injured or become a dangerous projectile in a Texas crash or sudden stop.
The safest travel options include:
- Crash-tested harnesses that attach to seat belts.
- Secured travel crates designed for vehicle safety.
- Backseat pet barriers to keep dogs from climbing into the front.
These restraints protect your dog and help prevent driver distraction, a common cause of car accidents.
Never Leave Your Dog in a Parked Car—Especially in the Texas Heat
In the Austin heat, the inside of a parked car can reach life-threatening temperatures in minutes, even with the windows cracked. Heatstroke can set in quickly, causing brain damage or death. Texas law allows specific individuals to rescue a pet from a hot vehicle under particular circumstances. The best protection? Take your pet with you or leave them at home when you can’t bring them inside.
Always ID Your Pet: Collar, Microchip, and AirTag
Proper identification can make all the difference if you’re ever in a crash or emergency situation and your dog escapes the vehicle.
We recommend:
- A secure collar with up-to-date ID tags.
- A registered microchip, which allows shelters and vets to scan and trace your contact info.
- An Apple AirTag or a GPS tracker can help you locate your pet quickly if they run from the scene.
At Glen Larson Law, we tag all our pets with AirTags because we know how easily a pet can be separated from their family in the chaos of an accident.
Plan for Breaks and Bring the Essentials
Long drives in Texas require preparation:
- Bring water, a bowl, and food or treats.
- Take breaks every 2–3 hours for potty and stretch time.
- Keep your dog’s vaccination records and a recent photo on hand, just in case.
Have You or Your Pet Been Injured in a Crash?
At Glen Larson Law Dog Bites Attorneys, we care about the safety of your entire family, including your dog. If you or your pet were injured in a vehicle crash caused by someone else’s negligence, we can help you understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call (512) 883-0277 or contact us online today to schedule a free consultation. We pursue dedicated, driven results for our clients, and there is never a charge to talk to an attorney. We stand ready to help you.
