PSA: Dogs in the back of Pickup Trucks

At the risk of offending some of you, I feel an overwhelming need for the following Public Service Announcement:

PLEASE DO NOT LET YOUR DOG (or other pets) RIDE UNSECURED IN THE BACK OF A PICKUP TRUCK! 

*fumes*

I worked at a vet’s office for a summer while in college. I saw the most HORRIFIC injuries because of this. Dogs fall out. They jump out. The damage is awful.

Ugh. I bonded especially with this adorable heeler mix who bounced out of a truck and lost one of her legs due to her injuries. One of her other legs was badly broken, but they were able to save it with many expensive pins and surgery. Last I knew, the owner refused to pick her up because the vet bill was so high and they couldn’t afford it… 

*sobs*

Here’s the safest way to travel with man’s best friend:

Keep your pet inside the vehicle. Use a secured crate or dog seatbelt to restrain your pet. 

If you have to transport your pet in the back of a truck, use a SECURED crate in the center of the truck bed; or tether your dog with a secure and short harness to ensure safety from strangulation and death. The harness (not leash) needs to be short enough to keep your dog from falling out. Don't use a leash or anything around your dog's neck so it doesn't strangle itself. 

Simply putting an unsecured/untethered crate in the truck bed is not a good idea either. The whole crate could bounce or fall out and then your pet is at even further risk because they’re stuck inside the crate and can't escape. If the crate were to fall into water or into traffic, this would be disastrous! Also, if your pet can't get out, then they also can't get food or water or shelter.

And especially do not put a regular leash/harness/rope around your pet in the back of a truck. It is way too easy for a dog to strangle himself or end up being dragged (I’ve seen that too… I still have nightmares). 

Also, please consider restraining your pets inside your vehicle too. Pets can be thrown through the windshield and around the car in the event of an accident, putting them and any other occupants at serious risk of injury or death. The safest place for your pet to be is in the back seat in a restraint made specifically for pets. 
Here’s an example of a car restraint for a dog (affiliate link)

Please please please do not put your pets in the back of a truck! I only tell you this because I care about you and your pets!