The Truth about the NJ Pet Seatbelt Law

from pettravelcenter.com

Recently, New Jersey passed an animal transportation law.  In brief, any person who transports a pet in a cruel or inhumane manner is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.  Basically, pets cannot be traveling in the back of a pickup truck, nor can they have most of their body hanging out with their paws on the windowsill.  Many people have latched on to this news and incorrectly reported that owners of pets who are not buckled in will be ticketed.  While we highly recommend buckling your pet into the car (find a pet seat belt harness here) it is not required by law.

Many pets love the car, especially dogs.  They like to run around and stick their head out the window while the wind flies up their nostrils.  Unfortunately, an unrestrained pet can turn into a projectile when there is a sudden stop or traffic accident.  It’s quite dangerous to let your pet be loose in the car. So, if you decide you want to buckle your pet in, it’s ok for them to be near a window to stick out their snout.  By all means, they should be allowed to look out a window if they enjoy that. 

What if you need to transport a pet who hates the car? This is a bit harder. The best way for an unhappy animal is to place them in a mobile kennel or carrier, and cover them with a blanket or towel.  Don’t keep lifting the towel and talking to them, because it will cause more excitement to an already-stressed animal.  It can be hard if they cry for attention.  If your pet is crying at the start of a car ride, make sure they are not hurt.  Then, keep your attention AWAY from your pet.  This is the best thing for your pet, however cruel it may sound.  Many pets will settle down and sleep if nobody makes them excited. Make sure the pet is kept cool, and stop frequently to walk them. 

If you don’t know how your pet reacts to the car, try a short drive around the block.  If they get too stressed, you may want to talk to your veterinarian about a mild sedative to calm them.