More pets travel more! According to the 2023-2024 APPA National Pet Owner Survey, 66% of US households have pets, which is equivalent to 86.9 million households. And in his 2022 survey by Hilton, 55% of respondents who have pets said he plans to travel with a furry friend next year. As pet travel becomes more common, states are responding with laws regulating pet vehicle travel to keep everyone safe.
Why we need a pet car regulation law
Studies show that less than 20% of pet owners belt their furry pets when traveling. This equates to tens of millions of pets riding in unrestrained vehicles.
Not only is this potentially life-threatening for the pet, but it is also dangerous for its family, and everyone else on the road.
If you crash at 80 miles per hour, consider that a 10 pound dog unrestrained will impact the dashboard, seat, or other passengers with about 500 pounds of force. That’s more than enough to seriously damage humans and dogs.
Now imagine the injuries a 50-pound dog like Miles could sustain in an accident.
read more ⇒ The best crash-tested dog harnesses for cars
Possibility of claim denial
Beyond the potential for injury and legal ramifications, there are additional ramifications to consider when traveling with an unsafe pet. If you were in an accident and you did something that caused it, the insurance company may deny your claim.
Receive relevant citations Pet car regulation law Or, the Distracted Driving Act indicates you are partially at fault. When you submit a claim to an insurance company, that information is provided to the insurance company. And if your claim is denied, in addition to physical and emotional trauma, it can be financially devastating.
read more ⇒ Crash-tested crates and carriers to keep your pet safe
States that require pets to be restrained in vehicles
the current, No federal law requiring pets to be restrained in vehiclesAnd of the 50 states, only three—Rhode Island, Hawaii, and New Jersey—have laws specifically requiring dogs to be seat-belted in cars.
Hawaii
Hawaii’s pet car law stipulates that no animal that interferes with “the driver’s control over the vehicle’s drive mechanism” may be held on the lap or in close proximity to the driver. The fine is $97 for driving with a dog on his lap and $57 for him if he lets his pet loose in a moving vehicle.
new jersey
In New Jersey, pets traveling in vehicles must: get on Get in the carrier or wear your seatbelt. Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from $250 to $1000.
rhode island
Pet Car Regulations in Rhode Islandis required pet To Is under the physical control of someone other than the driver or is restrained by a crate, harness or seat belt. Violation of this law can result in fines of up to $200.
read more ⇒ Is it illegal to leave a pet alone in a car?
Inattentive driving method
Even if you aren’t traveling to a destination with pet laws, you could still be ticketed for distracted driving if your puppy is unsafe, pulled over, or involved in an accident. The following states have enacted laws that may affect the transportation of unrestrained pets.
Arizona
Arizona drivers can be prosecuted under the Distracted Driving Act if they drive with an animal in their lap or if police determine that the traffic creates a dangerous situation.
Connecticut
Connecticut drivers could be prosecuted under the Distracted Driving Act for driving with a pet on their lap.
Iowa
In Iowa, driving with obstructed vision is an offense and can result in fines. It is also natural to assume that having a pet on your lap can impede your vision.
maine
Drivers in Maine risk violating the Distracted Driving Law if they drive with a pet on their lap.
Massachusetts
In Massachusetts, it is illegal for a driver to leave anything on or in the vehicle that could interfere with or impede the proper operation of the vehicle. Indeed, having a pet on your lap can violate this law.
south carolina
In South Carolina, drivers risk being ticketed for negligence or other violations if they drive with a pet on their lap if police officers determine the situation is dangerous.
Washington
Washington’s Distracted Driving Act does not specifically mention unrestrained pets. But while lawmakers and police have mentioned free-ranging pets and having them on the driver’s lap as a potential distraction, it’s still possible that the driver might be pulled over for other reasons. may be considered a secondary violation, but that alone is not sufficient to initiate an offense. Traffic stop.
washington dc
The Washington DC Distracted Driving Act specifically mentions “interacting with pets” as a distraction that can lead to a moving violation. The fine for a first offense is $100.
Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, driving with a pet on your lap is a violation of the Distracted Driving Law.
read more ⇒ How to take a cross-country road trip with your pet
Vague State Laws Governing Pet Transportation
Finally, many states have laws that apply to unrestrained pets in vehicles.
Alabama
Alabama’s Cruelty to Animals Act can be invoked if police officers determine that the way a pet is transported violates animal welfare laws or endangers the pet.
Mississippi
in Mississippi this is A misdemeanor of “carrying or confining a pet in a cruel way”.” E.This could be extended to transporting pets without proper safety precautions.
Ohio
Ohio’s current animal cruelty laws state that no one may carry or transport any animal in a cruel or inhumane manner.
Oklahoma
Oklahoma’s Animal Cruelty Act states that it is a misdemeanor to transport an animal in a vehicle in a cruel or inhumane manner.
Tennessee
of Tennessee Animal Cruelty Statues Make It Illegal to Cruelly Transport or Confine Animals.
texas
The Texas Disorder and Disorder Act makes it a crime to cruelly transport or confine an animal.
Utah
Under Utah’s anti-abuse law, it is illegal to cruelly transport or confine animals.
Vermont
Vermont Animal Health Regulations and Animal Transportation Prohibitions Transporting animals in a cruel or inhumane manner.
Virginia
Virginia law requires owners to take proper care of their companion animals during transportation.
Washington
Under Washington’s cruelty to animals law, It is a misdemeanor to transport an animal in a manner that endangers the animal or public safety.
Wisconsin
Wisconsin’s Animal Crime Ordinance Passed It is illegal to transport animals in or on vehicles in a cruel manner.
State Laws Regulating Pet Transportation in Open Bed Trucks
Catastrophe awaits when pets are transported in the open bed of a truck. Not only can your pet fall and get hurt or worse, it provides absolutely no protection in the event of a collision.
In addition to these hazards, exposure to the elements can lead to heat exhaustion and hypothermia. Also, the floor gets hot enough in the sun to burn your pet’s paws.
To mitigate some of these hazards, cIt is illegal to load unsecured animals into truck beds.
- Connecticut
- maine
- Massachusetts
- Minnesota
- new hampshire
- Oregon
- Washington
When traveling with your pet, it’s most important that you always come home together. We ask that you understand your state’s pet vehicle laws and that your pet is buckled up when you leave the house.
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