Take the example of a time when you are to travel in the comfort of a van but with your dog. You would probably enjoy the ride but what about your furry little animal. With that being said, this article will make sure to answer if you can put dogs in the back of a van. What are the different ways of securing the four-legged canine in the back of a van?
Yes, one can definitely put their dog in the back of a van. However, it is only recommended if proper measures are taken while doing so as it increases the risk of distractions which in turn, can lead to accidents.
A recent study by Volkswagen found that as many as 41 percent of their van drivers choose to take their dogs to work rather than leaving them behind alone at home or with a dog sitter.
So, read on to know more!
Can Dogs Travel in the Back of a Van?
Vans are always a good idea when one needs to get away from the normalcy of boring life and turn to a nomadic lifestyle. Dogs are just a cherry on the cake when it comes to van life.
But, can dogs travel in the back of a van? Of course, they can! Obviously, one has to prepare for this adventure well in advance – buy a seat belt harness or a pet carrier for your little tail-wager, make sure that the back of the van is duly ventilated, etc.
With all things under consideration, dogs will not only crawl in the back of the van but also enjoy every part of the journey.
What Are the Risks of Traveling With a Dog in the Back of a Van?
Accidents and distractions prove to be the number one cause of hundreds of dogs being killed in road misfortunes each year. Another risk of traveling with a dog in the back of a van is the dog attempting to move back and forth. Because of this, not only is the driver at greater risk but so is the dog being tossed around.
Many dogs are in the habit of putting their heads out of the window of a moving van. This is dangerous to both the dog as well as the vehicle passing by.
Are There Ways to Secure a Dog in the Back of a Van?
There are at least two out of 10 individuals who have engaged in accidents while commuting with their pets, a report suggests.
Without giving it a second thought, the safety of you as well as the pet must always top the list. It is only wise to eliminate any kind of distractions while traveling with a dog in the back of a van.
How you can make sure that your dog is secure in the van, you may ask. Well, below are some of the ways by which you can ensure the safety of your dog at all times.
1. Seat Belt Harness
Although a seat belt is the cheapest option out of the three, it does not really protect the dog completely. It will help keep the dog still. However, note that there is absolutely nothing that surrounds and protects it during a sudden collision.
The guidelines are simple: Make your dog wear the harness. Then, fasten the leash of the same into your seatbelt buckle. That’s all; your pooch will be the cutest thing you see in a seat belt harness.
One advantage of seat belt harness is that your pet is not imprisoned like in a pet cage. It is freer to move and still remain in one position.
Thus, it is safe to state that a seatbelt harness will keep the dog relaxed and calm throughout the journey.
2. A Pet Carrier
Perhaps the most traditional and widely used way of traveling with dogs in a van, a pet carrier is not only small but also a light-weighted item. Along with these benefits, great mobility also comes in handy.
However, just like how a seat belt works, a certain level of protection is compromised. This means the dog will be prone to be swayed just like a gust of wind when driving down sharp turn curves or steering the vehicle at high speeds. This can make your dog feel uncomfortable and panicky during the ride.
3. Dog Cages
A purpose-built dog cage is the best option by far if you take the safety and protection of your dog seriously.
The domesticated animal will be truly safe in such cages as they are built with stainless steel. Dog cages for vans are available in all shapes and sizes. Make sure that you choose the right one in order to prevent the dog from feeling cramped up and congested along the way.
Another piece of information – usually, these types of cages are supposed to be fixed in the language cabin or some other spot in the van as per the requirement of the driver.
Is It Legal to Put a Dog in the Back of a Van?
It is legally okay to put a dog in the back of a van but make sure that it is not an enclosed trunk. Not only this but there are a bunch of other rules that need to be followed while traveling with your dog.
It is a universal offense to maneuver a vehicle with your dog sitting on your lap. The driver must be in complete control of his or her automobile. The person guiding the wheels must be able to have an unobstructed vision of the road and traffic ahead, behind, and to each side of the driver at all times while driving.
A simple offense where your dog is hindering your view or causing a distraction to other drivers can lead you behind bars. Thus, we advise you to be very careful and alert while traveling with your dog.
While the petted animal can enjoy the front passenger seat, it must be noted by our readers that airbags tend to set out with tremendous intensity when stuck in an event of a crash. This reflex can seriously wound the dog or even cost it its life.
Road rules do not specifically ask an animal to confine itself with a harness or a similar item, it is imperative that it does not cause disturbance to either the driver or any of the passing vehicles nearby. By this action, not only will the safety of passengers be in danger but you will be fined with a penalty as well.
What if the Van Has No Back Window? Is it Okay?
If the van has no back windows, the dog is in danger of suffering from heat stress and severe exhaustion. This happens especially during the days of the summer solstice.
What is worse is that dogs can dehydrate or even pop their clogs owing to heat stress. This happens because the inside of the vehicle is more likely to heat up faster. Thus, it results in heat stress.
It is of utmost importance that man’s best friend is provided with adequate fresh air to keep heat or cold stress from affecting them.
So, if the van does not have any back windows, choose to park the vehicle in a place away from the harsh sun rays. Also, if you have to leave your dog in the van for some time, make sure it has water with itself. In this way, the dogs can hydrate themselves.
Did you know that it is a serious crime to leave an animal inside a car under no watch for a minute more than 10 when the temperature outside is at or soaring to more than 28 degrees Celsius? Well, you do now!
How Can I Keep the Back of a Van Cool?
In the warmer months of the year, your van can get incredibly scorching. So, let us come to the question of what can be done to keep the back of a van cool.
The installation of a vent fan is a good option. This equipment will ensure that fresh air keeps circulating throughout the van. It will extract warm air and bring in some cooler air.
Next, a cooling towel also does wonders. These help to keep your dog cool even when the climate is at its highest. Encourage the dog to satisfy his thirst with plenty of water every now and now.
Occasional spritzing is yet another amazing alternative. Your dog is bound to enjoy this handy cooling technique if he is a sprinkling buddy!
Are Dogs Required to Wear a Seatbelt While Traveling?
As of 2022, it will come as a shocker to pet owners that there is no such rule for dogs to wear a seatbelt while traveling. Only basic procedures need to be followed for a safe and happy road trip.
How Can You Tell if a Dog is Overheated in a Vehicle?
Some warning signs that suggest that a dog is overheated in a vehicle include – heavy breathing, extreme dripping of saliva, etc.
You must immediately drench a towel in cool water and drape it around the dog. This will lower its body temperature. Afterward, take the dog to a skilled veterinarian as soon as possible.
Can a Dog Die of Suffocation in a Car or Van?
Yes, it is very much possible for the dog to die from suffocation when the windows are rolled all the way up and there is absolutely no chance of airflow.
It is true that breaking the car windows will allow fresh air to circulate in but the hotness inside the car does not come down quickly, rather it can still rise.
Related Questions
1. Can Dogs Travel in the Back of a Truck Bed?
Although it is prohibited in some states, a lot of owners believe that yes, the dog can definitely make its way to the back of a truck bed as long as you make sure that it is secured enough.
However, one cannot always rely on a leash tied around a rack. A durable crate confirms that the dog won’t slip down the truck floor as you take sharp turns. In addition, a cross-tether supported by a harness also proves useful.
2. Are Dogs Safe in the Back of SUV?
For dogs to ride in the back of an SUV, it is important that they remain in the cargo area in the back of the SUV. I recommend putting a protective screen on as well. The dog’s comfort and proper air circulation are equally important factors that must be put into consideration.
3. Can You Put a Dog in a Hatchback?
Yes, you can put a dog in a hatchback. However, as mentioned early before, protective measures must be taken. One can do so by finding the right size of a crate for your dog and then placing it in the back of the hatchback-style car. This method works well in the case of a sedan also.
4. What is the Safest Place for a Dog in a Car?
From what I can say, the back of the car serves as a perfectly secure place for a dog in a car. Positioning a divider in a way that it sees itself in between the back seat and the luggage area of the SUV is advisable. In this way, the dog is restrained in a safe place in the car.
5. How Long Can a Dog Be in a Closed Car?
It is generally okay to leave your dog in the car for an upper limit of five minutes. Nonetheless, one cannot agree that it is a safe practice at all.
Conclusion
In order to provide a summary of the article, we can arrive at the conclusion by noting the risk factors of traveling with a dog in the back of a van! Along with that, you are also acquainted with the various ways to make a dog feel safe while journeying!
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