Restrain pets in open vehicles
it’s the law
PET BULLETIN
‘Mews and Yips’ from the
Central Aroostook Humane Society
By Christine Cowett Robinson
The weather has been so awesome! As I am out and about I see more and more people out with their dogs enjoying the sunshine. What really bothers me is the number of unrestrained dogs I see in the back of pick-up trucks. It is illegal. The dogs must be restrained in the back of your open vehicle, in accordance with Maine laws. This is to protect both the dog and other drivers.
Traveling with your pet is something that requires lots or preparation. It is a good idea, if you are planning a long trip in your vehicle, to get your pet used to traveling by taking frequent short trips. It is safest to place your pet in a crate, both for his safety and yours. I had a 120 lb. dog named Baxter and he was riding in the back part of my Grand Cherokee. I had to jam on the brakes and it actually launched him from the back, he became airborne, hit the windshield and landed on the floor. I was only going 30 mph. I couldn’t believe it. Thank goodness he wasn’t hurt, but we were both very surprised at how little it took to launch him. If you don’t crate, then at least seatbelt your pet in your vehicle or use a barrier gate.
In planning your trip, bring your pet’s food, familiar blankets and some water from home. It is important to offer water frequently during a trip and also to offer frequent potty breaks.
Never ever leave your pet unattended in your vehicle. It takes only a few moments in a hot vehicle for your pet to suffer heatstroke and die of suffocation. On a 78-degree day, temperatures in a car, parked in the shade, can quickly exceed 90 degrees. And don’t trust your air conditioner; your compressor could quit and blow only hot air, not cold. Again, this happened to me once, I was visiting the shelter and left my groceries in the car with the AC on, came out to find a hot car. I was very thankful that it was my groceries in the car and not one of my beloved dogs. So on warm days, leave your dog at home; on trips, bring water and offer it often. Signs of heatstroke are: restlessness, excessive thirst, heavy panting, lethargy, dark tongue, rapid pulse, fever, vomiting, glazed eyes, dizziness or lack of coordination. Seek a veterinarian’s help.
If you see an animal in distress in a vehicle, take the make, model and license number, go to the nearest store and have the owners paged or call your local police department. You may be saving the dog’s life.
It is hard to know where to find a place to stay that will allow pets. Take a look at www.tripswithpets.com to find pet-friendly accommodations. Remember to never leave your pet alone in a hotel room and to be courteous of others.
You may decide that it is easier to leave your pet at home or at a kennel. If you are leaving your pet at home, be sure that you enlist someone you absolutely trust to stay at your home and care for your pets. If you are planning to leave your pet at a kennel, visit the kennel ahead of time and ask plenty of questions. Most kennels expect your pet to be up to date on shots and dogs must have “kennel cough” preventative. You may want to board your dog for an overnight to be sure they will be ok in that situation. Proper planning prevents poor performance, so do your homework, plan accordingly, book hotels and boarding ahead of time and everyone can have a great vacation.
If you are looking for a friend for life, please visit the Central Aroostook Humane Society. We are open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday, or give us a call at 764-3441. Don’t forget, April cat adoptions are at a special price and our “have a heart” specials are even better!
Please have your pets spayed or neutered.
The Sunday School kids of the First United Pentecostal Church raised $67.50 through a bake sale and donations to give to the Central Aroostook Humane Society, in Presque Isle, in concurrence with the “Real Life Sanctuary” theme. Pictured, from left: Jordan Scott, Deklan Curtis, Kylie Scott and Emma Curtis.
