Paws to Click

A Bergan by Coastal Initiative

Introduction

At Coastal Pet, we know that protecting your loved ones is a priority, and that includes your furry best friends, too! Whether you make a visit to the vet, a quick run to the store, or a road trip across your town or even the country, restraining your dog in the car is an important step in preventing accidents. Paws to Click is a program that provides you with recommendations to keep you and your pup safe during any road trip. More than just being an educational platform, we want to create a community of pet owners looking to care for their pets and spread the word on this initiative.

Top three reasons to restrain your dog:

1. Keeps them from interfering with your ability to drive
2. Prevents falls or injuries due to sudden stops
3. Potentially saves lives if you are in an accident

Paws to Click Mission

The Paws to Click mission is to inspire every pet owner to travel responsibly with their pets. Why join the Paws to Click community? First, to help raise awareness about the danger of traveling with unrestrained pets and how just one click helps protect you and your family. Secondly, it helps support efforts to raise product standards within the pet industry. Please join the Paws to Click movement today. Help inspire your community to raise awareness for responsible pet travel.

Car Crashes and Pets Facts:

According to the American Pet Products Association (APPA), there are an estimated 89.7 million dogs living in more than 63.4 million U.S. homes. From these numbers: 

• 70% of people traveling with their dogs are not restraining them.
• Only 30% of people who transport their dogs use proper safety restraints.
• 65% of dog owners have driven while distracted by their pets as passengers.
• 52% of dog owners have petted their dog while driving.
• 20% of drivers allowed their dog to sit in their lap while driving.
• 13% percent of drivers admitted to giving food or treats to their dog while driving.
• 4% percent of drivers acknowledged playing with their dog while driving.

Even more reasons to restrain your dog while driving:

1. An unrestrained dog can be a distraction to the driver, potentially causing an accident.
2. A dog that is unrestrained could result in injury to the pet, loss of the pet, or in very extreme cases, a fatality. 
3. Dogs like to put their heads out the window, but they can be hit by flying debris or even attempt to jump out of the moving vehicle. 
4. If a dog does get out through the window, it becomes a hazard for other drivers and could be hit.
5. In an accident, a pet can have an impact equivalent to hundreds or thousands of pounds of force.

We Can't Do It Without You.

Please pledge to Paws to Click and spread the word. Inform your loved ones, family and friends. The simple act of harnessing a pet may save your pets, children and vehicle occupants from needless injury or accidents.

Some tips for car travel:

1. Restrain your pet in the back seat with a harness or carrier.
2. Feed your pet a small meal to prevent car sickness.
3. Bring water to keep your pets hydrated at all times.
4. Never leave your pets unattended in the car, especially when the weather is hot. 

When taking long-distance road trip:

1. Start making short trips to the store or park using your preferred restraining method, so that your pet can get used to it.
2. Make some stops to let your pet stretch and take little walks.
3. Before traveling, take your pet to the vet to make sure they are in good health and get any essential medication for the trip.
4. Bring proper supplies, like food, treats, toys, etc.

Pets as projectiles in car accidents...

According to Jennifer Huebner-Davidson, Traffic Safety Programs Former for The American Automobile Association, even for smaller pets, traveling at just 30 miles per hour, are a potential projectile in a car crash. An unrestrained 10-lb dog will exert 300 pounds of pressure in an accident. Just imagine how dangerous an unrestrained big dog is! An 80-pound dog in a car involved in an accident at 30 mph, becomes a force of 2400 pounds.

By restraining your dog, you avoid these 3 driving mistakes:

1. Hands off the wheel: petting the dog or holding the dog back.
2. Eyes off the road: looking at the pet or obstructed view of the road because of a pet in your lap.
3. Mind off the task of driving: reacting to the dog pacing, jumping, barking, or possibly scratching the driver.

Looking for products to help?

Bergan by Coastal Auto Harness is a car to park solution:

The Bergan® Auto Harness is crash-tested for superior safety. It features two rear loops that easily secure dogs in the car using the car’s seatbelt, then easily transitions to a walking harness with the use of a leash. A front D-ring connection is also available for added convenience. Its step-in-style design makes it easy to put on dogs, even those who attempt to back out of harnesses. Plus, your canine will love the comfort of the padded chest pad and soft nylon material.

Did you know that 2.5 million rear-end collisions are reported every year by the National Safety Council?  That is why it is important to consider getting a crash-tested harness for your pup.

Check out the Bergan by Coastal Auto Harness: