Safe transport of pets in motor vehicles
The AVMA is committed to educating pet owners regarding the safety of pets in motor vehicles. AVMA encourages development of evidence-based crash testing for kennels and safety harnesses used for motor vehicle travel.
Open cargo area safety
Transport of pets, loose or tethered, in open cargo areas of motor vehicles is not safe. Properly secured, size-appropriate kennels that are appropriately ventilated and allow climatic conditions suitable for the pet’s species, breed and conditioning to be maintained are the preferred means of transport of pets when in open cargo areas of motor vehicles.
Interior vehicle safety
The preferred means of transport within the confines of a vehicle is either in a secured kennel, other species-appropriate enclosure of appropriate size, or fitted with a properly designed, species-appropriate safety harness.