Buckle Up
First, safety while traveling: you take care to make sure you and your human passengers are safely buckled in, so why not your pets? Your pet relies on you for protection. If you hit a bump, swerve unexpectedly, get rear-ended, or worse, an unrestrained pet can injure not only himself, but also others. In a mere 30-mph collision, an unrestrained pet can rocket through the vehicle, causing injury to passengers in front of him, and possibly to himself. The larger the dog, the stronger the impact, and the less likely the chance the dog will emerge unscathed. Even small "lap dogs" that may like to sit on the driver's lap or cuddle up on the floor present dangers: the dog may come between the driver and the air bag, he may hurt the driver with the force from the impact, or the dog may simply panic and bite someone in the car. Just like humans, pets can get scared in an accident and may display unpredictable behavior. A frightened dog can become very aggressive and could hinder rescue efforts if needed.

While some pets may be very well behaved in the car, others may jump around or distract the driver. It is possible to train a dog to behave in the car, but if his head is out the window and you stop short, all the training in the world won't save him. The best solution to this dilemma is to provide your pet with a special harness, a carrying kennel, or have them behind a pet guard.

Use Restraints
Restraints or harnesses are appropriate for small to large-sized pets, and there are small restraints that can be used with seatbelts for smaller pets. In fact, your pet will probably feel more comfortable and secure with a harness. Modern pet seatbelts are designed for both comfort and safety and there are a handful of models that are widely available. With proper fit and correct use, a seatbelt may save not only your pet's life, but your own.