k9cages.co.uk

Pets, Cars and Windows

Even people who don't own pets are familiar with the classic image of the family car zipping down the road, with a happy dog-face poking out from the passenger seat window. Pet owners, on the other hand, know that while Fido may enjoy the breeze in his face, he or his feline friend FiFi are likely to be in cars for many reasons other than family trips. Sometimes the ride may be to the dreaded vet, while other trips might wind up at a local park or animals-welcome pet store. What no one really thinks about is what happens if your dog or cat is injured because they were in the car during a traffic accident.

While one insurance company made a big splash last year with their offer of a $500 insurance policy just for pets in cars, the reality is that if you were not at fault during an accident, the other driver's insurance coverage will usually cover your injured pet under their property damage coverage.

If it seems a bit cold-hearted to think of the furrier members of your family as property, remember that just because they think they're people doesn't mean the insurance industry agrees. Bodily injury coverage in insurance policies is designated for human beings only, and any other damage - even if it's an injury to your pet - is considered property damage. Having to think of a pet as property is far better than not having them covered at all.

The catch, of course, is the part about the at-fault driver being liable for property damages. As well, if an accident is your fault - say you rear-end another driver - and your pet is injured in the process, your own property damage insurance will be of no help.

One thing you can do to minimize the likelihood of your dog or cat being injured in a car accident is to make sure they are restrained within the car. You wouldn't let your child ride without a seatbelt, after all, and neither should you allow your pet to be unsecured.

Methods of securing animals in cars vary from crates and portable kennels, to harnesses that connect to seat belts (some even come with booster seats so smaller dogs can see out of the window), or simple cargo mesh dividers that keep your animal in the way-back of your SUV.

Lisa Peterson, a spokeswoman for the American Kennel Club stresses, "The No. 1 thing that you have to do when you transport your pet is have them restrained."

Kelly Connolly, an issues specialist with The Humane Society seconds that, saying, "You don't want to let an animal roam loose in the car." Connolly adds that you should also make sure that dogs keep their heads inside the vehicle, to reduce the possibility of eye injuries from flying debris. Also, never leave a dog loose in the bed of a pickup truck, as this can be dangerous for both the dog and any pedestrians who may be nearby.

Riding in the car can be a great treat for dogs and cats, but keeping them restrained will keep you from being distracted while you drive, and it will also help protect them in the event of an accident. If they're not injured in the first place, the question of whether or not they're insured will not be an issue.

Do you have the required amount of auto insurance for your state?

MORE ARTICLES:

Dog Lover Gifts
Whether you are searching for something to say "Happy Birthday" or "Merry Christmas" a dog owner will agree that dog lover gifts are always among those most cherished and appreciated.Many times, a dog lover's gift is designed with a specific breed in mind; among the various popular breeds owned include the following:Beagles Boston Terriers Chihuahuas Bulldogs Jack Russell Terriers Pugs Golden Retrievers Poodles Dachshunds Shih-Tzu The type of dog an owner has often is a reflection of their personality; thus it shouldn't be too difficult selecting a dog lover gift that is well suited for Fido and Fido's parents.

New Book, Yumi's Life Lessons -- a Small Dog, a Small Book Yet, Such Powerful Life Lessons Contained Within the Pages
Studio 904 salon owner Kay Hirai wrote Yumi's Life Lessons, a book detailing the six principles Kay observed and learned from her Jack Russell Terrier, Yumi, during her short life. Why write a book about your dog? Yumi's Life Lessons goes hand in hand with Hirai's use of Kaizen in her successful award-winning business.

Dumped Australian Pets Get Second Chance Online with Help from OZtion
OZtion, Australia's second largest online auction site (www.oztion.com.au), has today announced a free new online service to assist animal rescue shelters trying to find new homes for dumped pets. The most recent Australian statistics published by the RSPCA show that over 47 percent of the animals taken in by animal shelters are euthanased, with only 24 percent finding new homes. In consultation with animal welfare and rescue groups, OZtion has developed a new section within their site designed specifically to assist animal shelters looking to find new homes for abandoned pets.

New Book Helps Worried Owners Of A Pregnant Cat
'Help, my cat is pregnant and I don't know what to do!' Not a day goes by without someone posting this message to an Internet forum.Worried cat owners will know what to do if they read How To Take Care Of Your Pregnant Cat.

BeyondBeds.com Expands Product Line of High-Quality Natural Fiber Organic Mattresses and Other Items for People and Their Pets
Online provider of high-end natural fiber sleep products announces the expansion of their product line to include more organic, natural, and eco-friendly therapeutic and allergy control items for people and pets. This includes more options for latex, organic mattresses and other bedding and comfort care products. Prompt, knowledgeable customer service, free shipping and a secure, quick check-out will continue to be offered with the expanded inventory.

Where To Find Dental Products For Pets?
Oscar is having a difficult time of his life He is always experiencing painful dental problems for many weeks now

In Footsteps of Dr. Seuss and Mr. Magorium, Author Lindy Lindemann Pens 'A Cat's Tale' for All Ages
Author Lindy Lindemann's new children's book, A Cat's Tale: One Cat's Search for the Meaning of Life, is a spiritual journey the whole family will love. Tom Cat strikes out into the world to find his own special name. Along the way, he learns the wisdom of earth, water, wind and fire. Readers will delight in this tale that touches on facing challenges and offers a healthy dose of wisdom.

Traveling With Pets: Road Trip Tips For Your Furry Friends
Traveling with pets is a growing trend and can be a pleasant experience for both you and your pet if you plan ahead Family pets are often a big part of the family, and sometimes it's hard to leave those adorable faces behind when you leave town

Pet Insurance Even For Your Lizard
A pet unfortunately is often considered an accessory not important in a household. But if you decide to have one, you will be surprised how a simple animal can enrich your life. Soon your pet will be part of the family and you will feel obliged to take care of its well being as much as you can afford to.

How A Landlord Should Properly Allow Pets
I, myself, love pets. I have owned dogs my entire life. No one can argue the fact that a good dog is truly man?s best friend.

Dogs and Children – What Parents Need to Know to Prevent Dog Bites
Dogs and children are a perfect fit. They are what fond memories are made of and part of a joyful childhood.

Songs About Cats (or are they?)
Perhaps the most famous Cat Song is The Siamese Cat Song recorded by Peggy Lee. The song is from the Walt Disney 1955 classic "The Lady and The Tramp", an animated film about a classy Cocker Spaniel named Lady who falls for Tramp a scamp of a mongrel. The song however is about two arrogant cats, Si and Am, who have given Siamese cats a bad name ever since.

Pictures of Cat's Body Language can tell you a lot
Pictures of cats' body language can tell you a lot about what your cat is thinking. But ask yourself this question first ? is there something going on that would make your cat act the way it is? Did something change in your cat's home environment? A new addition to the household (human or animal)? Did you play too roughly with your cat? Pictures of cats' ears and tails will give you some of the information you need to get a handle on cat language. However, first hand experience is usually a whole lot better. That is unless you happen to have a cat with its ears pinned back and a nice set of teeth showing.

Family Website, Professor'sHouse.com, Publishes Expert Advice on What to Feed the Family Dog
Specialist website Professor's House offers invaluable expert advice on feeding dogs and canine nutrition